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April, 2025

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How to choose a probe

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Casey
Posts: 8015 - Karma: 26,891
I'm not trying to over think this too much, but I need to buy a probe before this year begins and I am not sure how to pick one. What probes do you guys carry and why?
8 years ago
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treebeard
Posts: 3755 - Karma: 3,201
320cm has more or less become the standard acceptable length, but let's be real, if you're buried 10ft down no one is digging you out in time. 240cm is the shortest I'd feel comfortable riding with. other than that, some are better at pulling together than others. i have the G3 Speed Pro 320 and it's decent if not a bit slow snapping together at the very end

aluminum is perfectly fine. go with carbon if you're a weight weenie
8 years ago
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,526
Only a ten to twenty dollar difference between carbon and alu. I go with the carbon for weight and for the strength. As dude said above a 320 is the longest you will ever need. I would say a guide would use that. I have a 260 BCA and love it. The best one is one you know how to use.
8 years ago
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
240 and up is good for rescuing people.
320 is great for snow science and body recovery. Anyone under 2.3 m of snow is likely gonna be dead from trauma.

Get one you can afford and are comfortable deploying with your eyes closed.

If you are cool spending the money get a carbon one to save weight. Like a bike, your backcountry kit gets lighter a few grams at a time and overall allows you to save pounds.
8 years ago
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cydwhit
Posts: 5078 - Karma: 43,070
Carbon is cool, but I'm a big fan of just pooping before I tour, the weight I loose that way is equivalent to spending like $500 on lighter gear. If the price is close go carbon, otherwise save your money.
8 years ago
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Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
Get a 300 / 320 cm probe. Honestly, the extra 80cm (or so) is well worth it.

I have never been in a situation where I have said, dam my probe is too long. However I have been in situations where probes have been too short.

the additional size and weight are negligible.

I use an Aluminum G3 probe, works great. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with your equipment before heading out. Probes are pretty straightforward, but each lock in place just slightly differently.

I would suggest Al over carbon, only because I use my probes to isolate my test pits with a rutschblock cord... and I Would want to be dragging a rutschblock cord over carbon too many times.
8 years ago
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Casey
Posts: 8015 - Karma: 26,891
Thanks for all the good info, I picked up a Mammut 320 cm aluminum fast lock today from EVO.
8 years ago
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Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
Nice Choice. Classy even.
8 years ago
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God
Posts: 416 - Karma: 672
cydwhitCarbon is cool, but I'm a big fan of just pooping before I tour, the weight I loose that way is equivalent to spending like $500 on lighter gear. If the price is close go carbon, otherwise save your money.


wisdom
8 years ago
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soup
Posts: 6354 - Karma: 4,486
CaseyThanks for all the good info, I picked up a Mammut 320 cm aluminum fast lock today from EVO.


have the same one. wont be dissapointed. I found with the G3, the locking mechanism freezes up and digging pit or practicing with it for a couple of hours. the mammut was fast and locks into place well.

their bags could have a better designed top though.
8 years ago
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nickguidera
Posts: 7 - Karma: 10
Just buy the cheapest used one you can get at a second hand ski shop...
8 years ago
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,008
I use the arva 240 carbon. Didn't cost me much, saves weight, and overall works just fine. anything over 260 or 270 is overkill for 90% of skiers unless you need to poke your friend on the other side of the bar.
8 years ago
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,526
weight is not the issue with carbon, it's the bending. Alu bends and does not retain shape. Carbon on the other hand does. You will never bend a section or need to replace it.
8 years ago
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Deepskier
Posts: 3269 - Karma: 4,864
Does anyone know anything about the G3 300 carbon speed tech?
8 years ago
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