Backcountry Ski Poles

[Below Zero]

Couldn't find a specific thread concerning this.

So what are you guys using? Recommendations?

[Conundrum]

I have a Whippet and a Traverse or whatever it's called. I break a lot of poles so I use old Scotts for lift served or sidecountry though because I can get replacements at the lost and found.

I like the the BD's because they're light and adjustable but sometimes they shorten up. I prolly just need to tighten the little lock assembly. I've never had to arrest or use the Whippet to get up something but have had it on the grip and it adds a nice sense of security if I slip up.

edit: I have the all AL poles. No composites here.

[homerjay]

Couldn't find a specific thread concerning this.

So what are you guys using? Recommendations?

BD Traverse, cheap, simple, reliable, durable.

[lemon boy]

I've been using some LL Variants (normal not composite) for a while now (like 10yrs) and am happy.

Don't like BDs and now own several accessory attachments for the variants (Claw and Saw). They swing and ski much more like a regular pole than the BDs that I used to have.

[homerjay]

I've been using some LL Variants (normal not composite) for a while now (like 10yrs) and am happy.

Don't like BDs and now own several accessory attachments for the variants (Claw and Saw). They swing and ski much more like a regular pole than the BDs that I used to have.

I, on the other hand, had nothing but trouble with my LL poles, plus, I hated that stupid releasable pole strap thing. The carbon BD's are lighter and swing better.

IMHO You only really need adjustable poles if you tele ski, like I ski with a 45-46" pole, but skinning and poling with that short a pole is miserable.

[jibco]

I'm trying to decide between the BD traverse ($50ish) or the BD composite flicklock ($80ish?).

Any experience with the flicklock compatible saw? I'm not really sold on that idea.

[PNWbrit]

Quit using my Flicklocks, found it was just another thing to futz with rather than keep movng. Just use one piece common or garden Leki poles now.

[Tony]

+1 for BD Flicklocks. I have the Expeditons (3-piece).

I am curious about BD's Whippet competition: the new Grivel Condor.

http://www.grivelnorthamerica.com/images/products/prod_11_1.jpg

[MakersTeleMark]

There are a couple of threads on this over at TTips. I'll save you the time: Consensus is BD CF Flicklock.

[telechuck]

You should use the kind that have an alarm clock, so you get out of bed to BC ski with your buddies. ;)

FWIW, I had BD carbon flick locks and hated them. I now have the Life Link carbon Variants and like them much better. However, I do believe the BDflicklock mechanism is a superior method.

[FrankZappa]

I like my adjustable LL's. Had them for 'round ten years. Usually I just grab part way down with the uphill one on the skin up, but last week walking around in the rime layer it was nice to be able to shorten one cuz of the ice build up on the shaft = slippery for grabbin.

Plus, not that I'd recommend them as a probe pole... but if I get in a bind I've got it there.

[nate s]

Second the life link variant (the cheaper ones). I have broken several BD poles but the LL keep on going. I even use them at resorts now after breaking my last set of cheap poles. Mine are probably 8 years old or so and just won't die.

The releasable strap doesn't bother me as I only use it on the way up, I never use the straps for the down.

[Below Zero]

You should use the kind that have an alarm clock, so you get out of bed to BC ski with your buddies. ;)

HaHa! :biggrin: Where can I get one of those types of poles? Yeah, too much alcohol the night before doesn't help.

[hutash]

I got Indigo mojo poles this year. Only used them a couple of times, but good so far. They do not slip, but are not super light. Cheap is always good.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4683,71717_.html

[shirk]

Quit using my Flicklocks, found it was just another thing to futz with rather than keep movng. Just use one piece common or garden Leki poles now.

I just use regular one piece poles also. Wrapped some hockey tape from the grip down six inches to give something to hold onto for side hilling. Works great :)

[FreakofSnow]

Got the Flicklock poles this year and am liking them for the most part. Extending them while climbing is muy bueno. As for ease of use etc, the lock is easy to adjust. You just have to remember to do it, otherwise you rock the long pole steeze on teh way down. And yes, they will shorten if you push on them hard enough.

As for the saw, I think I am going to go w/ the Flicklock saw. I used a few other ones last weekend. One being the G3 saw - it was much to flimsy and cut like shit, going all over over the place when trying to cut a R-block. The same goes for the Lifelink, shit cut.

[AltaPowderDaze]

Got the Flicklock poles... And yes, they will shorten if you push on them hard enough.


tighten the screws if yours are shortening on their own. out of 2 whippets and 4 traverse poles only 1 pole began to slip. that took 2 years of use and only 10 seconds to fix. not a bad pole for touring.

[BakerBoy]

Got the Flicklock poles this year and am liking them for the most part. Extending them while climbing is muy bueno. As for ease of use etc, the lock is easy to adjust. You just have to remember to do it, otherwise you rock the long pole steeze on teh way down. And yes, they will shorten if you push on them hard enough.

As for the saw, I think I am going to go w/ the Flicklock saw. I used a few other ones last weekend. One being the G3 saw - it was much to flimsy and cut like shit, going all over over the place when trying to cut a R-block. The same goes for the Lifelink, shit cut.

Since I'm such a negative nancy, I feel free to chime in here. I don't understand why people think probe poles are a good idea. I don't get why people think integrated saws are a good idea. I don't comprehend why people believe that adjustable poles are such a great thing. Those poles are like all-season tires. Mediocre in everything.

If you need them, carry the real thing. If you are doing some real touring, they are just extra weight and extra shit that can (and usually) does break. Plain ole' poles with duct tape wrap for grip is the best, IMO. Use skis for pits. Anybody who claims their sub 6 foot probe pole is worth a shit is stupid.

[lemon boy]

BZ- the clear answer to your question is go to a shop and try a variety out, see what pole seems the best to you.

BB, while I appreciate the KISS methodology, cutting pit blocks with a pole saw is exceedingly easy and delivers a far superior cut than skis (not that I don't just bust out the skis occasionally).

Homer- funnily enough the other week I had my first release of the pole strap when it got caught in a tree.

Regarding Adjustability:
while I do occasionally telemark I ski with normal lenght poles and rarely adjust my poles but.....sometimes I run them all the way out for long traverses ('duct at bert anyone?).

[GFP]

BD Traverse, cheap, simple, reliable, durable.
I'll second (or third or forth) the BD traverse. I like them for all the reasons homer mentions.

Also, you can order replacements for the lower (silver) portion of the traverse for about $10.50 each from BD. I've broken one of these lower sections and anticipate breaking others in the future, just because I am unable to train myself not to whack the snow off my boots with them.

[mtnbikerskierchick]

I like the carbon BD flick-lock poles. I like that they are fairly light... I have used light poles while skiing for years now and I can't stand heavy poles. They seem to work well.... usually don't have a problem with the flick-lock system.

[Pow4Brains]

I like the carbon BD flick-lock poles. I like that they are fairly light... I have used light poles while skiing for years now and I can't stand heavy poles. They seem to work well.... usually don't have a problem with the flick-lock system.

3rded or whatever on the BD Carbons.

[Crass3000]

the new Grivel Condor.

http://www.grivelnorthamerica.com/images/products/prod_11_1.jpg

Never had any experience with the Grivel but it sure looks like it would function like an ice axe well.

[Jer]

Any experience with the flicklock compatible saw? I'm not really sold on that idea.

The saw works ok. The blade is a bit flexy so your cut isn't super clean, but it beats anything else I've ever used.

[rugbydave]

All I can add is that I have Leki's and don't like em much. They have the same locking mechanism as the LL's (the twist lock thing) an I find they loosen up and get shorter regularly. As well I've broken both the upper and lower sections on em, so haven't found em to be real durable and it has taken close to forever in both cases to have them warrantied...

[Jonathan S.]

I am curious about BD's Whippet competition: the new Grivel Condor.
- I have it, and have been happy with its performance in the field, although I've never used it in "anger."

- I chose it over the Whippet b/c I use it only for skinning up steep pitches (high 30s to low 40s) where a fall might be hard to arrest without a self-arrest pole, but such a fall would be starting at essentially zero speed, so I'm not as concerned about the possibility of injuring myself with it (which is one of the reasons I don't use a self-arrest grip for skiing down). The Condor is super quicky and easy to deploy and retract, unlike the Whippet, which requires stowing away the pick and substituting that little metal piece to use the ski pole strap w/o the pick.

- I bought the version w/o the shaft, then put it on an extra pre-Fall 2004 BD Traverse upper shaft I had. Essentially the same diameter, but needed a very small shim (just a couple wraps of some plastic tape), perhaps just b/c the interior surface of the Condor is slippier than a ski pole grip? BD poles starting in Fall of 2004 will need a much more significant shim. Alternatively, you could buy it with the shaft, slice off the plastic part at the very bottom of the shaft, put in a little cutout like on a BD pole, then buy a pre-Fall 2004 BD Traverse lower shaft and flicklock mechanism directly from BD.

- If you want to attach the strap at the top of the grip (as with a normal ski pole), you need to need to buy a couple smaller diameter "split rings" at the hardware store (key cutting counter) than the ones supplied.


Never had any experience with the Grivel but it sure looks like it would function like an ice axe well.
- For self arrest, yes, but for climbing, no (since you won't have the same security as an ice axe in the "cane" position and it will only encourage you to lean into the hill and use the pick, which will compromise your footing).

[Tony]

Quite informative.

Thanks Jonathan.

[danhikeski]

wow, I didn't think that leki had such a bad rep, I have been using them for 5 or 6 years without any problems. The first pair I didn't take care of as good as I should and they started to slip, but after one good fall in the summer, I had to get a new pair. The LL, when I worked at a shop, seemed to be the worst out of the bunch mentioned here, at least half wouldn't stay at the length you set them to, and would slip (these are brand new, still on the rack models) I guess we on the east coast get all the crap ones. Lastly, the BD's never seemed like a good idea, with the flintlock, I rented a pair and they were shit, always slipping (could be because they were rentals...)

[MakersTeleMark]

Lastly, the BD's never seemed like a good idea, with the flintlock, I rented a pair and they were shit

Right there's your problem.

[AltaPowderDaze]

Lastly, the BD's never seemed like a good idea, with the flintlock, I rented a pair and they were shit, always slipping (could be because they were rentals...)

i didn't know it was muzzleloading season.

for touring, i feel that the adjustability and reliability of the flicklock is unmatched. i have toured with solid poles and recently even a stick. that's fine for just getting around but the adjustability of the flicklock pays off on longer, more technical tours. also, those 54cm poles don't pack down so well when you don't need them.

[The Dad]

Recognizing that the consensus calls for the BD Flicklocks...

Anyone have any experience with the Rossi Tour? 105-135mm adjustment range, twist-locks. Half the price of the BD Traverse, and therefore tempting for someone who's first AT bindings are the Duke pre-orders.

[xtrmjoe]

Have BD traverse. 3 seasons now and over 50 days. If they begin to slip all you have to do is tighten the screw! I set them up a the beginning of the season to be as tight as I can get them and have never had them slip.

[kentheskier]

I have had good luck with a pair of Leki adjustable poles I got about 4 years back. If you tighten them enough they dont slip. I have used them at the resort, touring, and ski mountaineering and they have put up with alot of abuse. I even use them in the summer for hiking. Now that said, I would like some BD Whippets, I didnt know about them when I got the Lekis.

Alpinedad... I have seen the deal on those Rossi Tours that you are talking about. I am considering picking up a pair for my daughter to finish off her BackCountry Kit. I think 135 is a bit short though for Adult use. Im 5'11" and when I am touring I like to sometimes take my poles out to 145. Its amazing how much more power you get from the longer poles.

[Tri-Ungulate]

Recognizing that the consensus calls for the BD Flicklocks...

Anyone have any experience with the Rossi Tour? 105-135mm adjustment range, twist-locks. Half the price of the BD Traverse, and therefore tempting for someone who's first AT bindings are the Duke pre-orders.

Since you bumped the thread, I'll address your question first: No, I don't have any experience with the Rossi Tour.

But, I've been very leery of twist-locks after some bad experiences with my old Chouinards - sure they're prolly better now, but nothing sucks worse than futzing with pole length in subzero temps. But being the hypocrite that I am, I actually use twist-locks on my carbon-fiber Komperdells, but never ever adjust them, for fear of getting the dreaded shortening pole creep.

For steeper shit with higher fall potential, I use my BD Traverse Flicklocks, one with a Whippet, the other with a Grivel Condor arrest grip described above, set up like Jonathan S's. If I had to choose only one, I'd go with the Whippet, but it's nice to have both, as they fill different niches.

I don't use them with snow saw attachment, and though the Komperdells can double as a probe, I carry a regular probe anyway.

I have heard some bad reports on the Indigos on TTips, mostly complaints about the grip, but don't have firsthand experience with them.

Edit to add - I looked at the the Rossi Tours:

http://www.telemarkski.com/istarimages/mp/T7240!ROS01-4974302.gif
and they look like they have a kind of flick-lock like mechanism which might work pretty well.

[Kya]

I use the Leki adjustable, the ones that screw together to make a javeline, they are bomber.

[The Dad]

Thanks, all.

[Danno]

yeah, twist locks suck, IMO. You either tighten them really hard so they don't unexpectedly shorten, but then you can't adjust them, or you don't tighten so much so that you can adjust them, but then they unexpectedly shorten.

[harpo-the-skier]

I have used LL and Flicklock poles, as well the the LL Claw and a whippet over the years.

The LL adjustment mechanism sucks. After a year or two, it freezes up. LL has directions on how to fix this but it takes a while and the poles will freeze up again in a couple of months. I now use mine mostly for resort skiing where I don't worry about the adjustability.

I love my flicklocks. Adjustment is easy and bomber. They make two different ones with carbon lower shafts. The narrow carbon lower shaft doesn't become a probe, is lighter, and has been known to break. The one with the thicker carbon lower becomes a probe (if that matter to you), is a couple of ounces heavier, and is bomber.

If you like the releasable LL grips (I do they have save my ass a couple of times), they can easily be retrofitted to the BD flicklocks, at least the carbon/probe version. The diameter of the upper shaft will effect this.

I love my whippet. I have it with me all the time when I will be on steep, firm snow, and I have arrested with it in anger once. Worked very well. Never stabbed myselft in the few falls I have had with it. Does anyone know where I can get one of the three section whippets BD used to make?

I had the LL claw before I got the whippet. It is plastic. I have heard of them breaking when people try to arrest in firm snow. It might work better in soft snow because it has a wider profile, but in soft snow you could use skis/poles/hands/knees to arrest anyway. You would have less chance of stabbing yourself with it, though.

[cj001f]

If you want an adjustable pole by flicklocks. Adjustable poles are nice for a number of reasons but may require an IQ above the freezing point to operate, obviously a challenge to some.

If you don't need to adjust your poles get some cheap fixed length ones - they are better than the life-link or leki poles.

[MESKIBUM]

Has anyone ever used the Voile Backcountry Poles? I am deciding between them and the BD Traverse poles. Thanks!

[gaijin]

I remember a BC buddy had some aluminum extendable poles.

Poor fucker bent 'em. Never adjusted to the right length again.

Poor fucker.

Don't go aluminum if you suck at poles is about as much as I can advise.

[MESKIBUM]

Yeah, I just figured for the cost, aluminum is better. Maybe I should look into the BD Carbon Flicklocks. Thanks!

[Wetdog]

I use the BD flick lock poles and like them a lot. They are light, have good grips and baskets with ice scrapers and retract compactly for storage on your pack. You have to be careful that you don't store them retracted after using them or for long periods like over the summer without thoroughly drying them because, even though they are aluminum, they corrode and become sticky and in extreme cases, like the beginning of this season, weld themselves together. I am fairly serious about checking all my gear the night before, but it never occurred to me to check the poles. There was some embarrassment at the trail head first time out this season when we had to spend about a 1/2 hour with vice grips pliers and such to get them to extend! They do require a bit of maintenance to make sure flip locks are adjusted properly as they loosen off over time. Otherwise, I have had three great seasons with them.

[brown9]

I'm trying to decide between the BD traverse ($50ish) or the BD composite flicklock ($80ish?).

Any experience with the flicklock compatible saw? I'm not really sold on that idea.

I borrowed one and thought it was weak. it's soft and flimsy. I bought for myself the g3 bonesaw and find it far superior. it also has a bottle opener.

[rludes025]

Any experience with the flicklock compatible saw? I'm not really sold on that idea.

it works great for doing big block tests and works with both poles. Plus you can saw down some of them there trees and make a sweet fort.

I have had the traverse pole for over a year and it works great, good weight and durability. My GF has the Carbon fiber poles they have a little better swing weight IMO... but she is also not as hard on stuff as me..

[Kai]

I like the adjustable Life Link carbon fiber poles. Swing weight is very good (light) I haven't had any problems with loosening.

Mine have optional self-arrest grips I can switch out, but a peek at the LL website doesn't show these, so perhaps they aren't available any more.

[deeppo]

The traverse has worked great over a few years of skiing. I had issue with leki but im on my second pair of traverse(had a pair stolen at alta)
Deeppo

[Jim S]

.................................... :)

[Kai]

I use the Life Link Carbon Pro. Adjustable, light, durable, and can be fitted with a self arrest grip.

http://www.garmontusa.com/310005.html