Description of Black Diamond Adjustable Probe Ski Pole:
The FlickLock Adjustable Probe Poles are Black Diamond's most popular model. The lower shafts mate to form a seamless probe for backcountry use. The probes are color-coded so the right pair can be found at a glance, perfect for group situations. Made of super strong 7075 aluminum and light, stiff carbon fiber, the FlickLock Adjustable Probe Poles adjust easily and weigh in at a svelte 635 g (1 lb 6.4 oz) per pair with baskets.
Bottom Line: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
While I'm happy to say I haven't actually had to use my new poles, I can say my friend would've died had that been necessary. Upon receiving my new Probe Poles a friend challenged me to actually produce a working probe, whereupon he started his timer. 5+ minutes later I figured out how to remove the baskets, after having been given a reprieve where I was allowed to stop the timer, don my ski boots, and begin again. Proper instructions for assembly may seem obvious for poles, but if the baskets don't release, your friend will die. These baskets will NOT simply slide off of the tip. They MUST be screwed off (which requires a pretty high amount of pressure) and believe it or not practice helps. I now feel more confident about my ability to conduct a search, but I'll be buying a real probe soon...
So, here is the skinny.
This was designed for secondary use or EMERGENCY use. The true nature of a probe is to probe, not to be a ski pole.
This would be great for an inbounds resort that has suffered an avalanche (There have been 4 deaths this season alone with these circumstances) and you just watched someone get swept away in an Avi and you are their first hope of surviving.
As far as back country goes, as a ski pole they are great; however, I can't stress enough the fact that ANY back country needs a separate probe. These simply will not work for a primary probe purpose.
To give a comparison, it is like having a map AND GPS. They compliment each other and you should always carry both.
Overall, these are a good buy and in closing, use as a probe for inbounds skiing for probe purposes. Otherwise, buy a probe
this pole rules but if your buying it for a probe i'd think it over, it works and you can use it if the unthinkable happens. removing the basket come off with a bit of practice and i think it would take as long as grabbing your probe from your pack, but it may be a bit short. the pole is extremely durable and feels great. using the pole for touring is really where i use the pole its great for when you need two different lengths.all around a great pole.
