Shovel Comparison - Telepro, Deploy 3, and Deploy 7

[pruitt]

Last summer I did a lot of looking around for shovels and found a lot of good opinions on performance. One thing I couldn't get a handle on was the shape and size of the shovels compared to each other. People would say a shovel was big or small but not really compare one to another. I ended up with the Voile Telepro. Which I have been perfectly happy with.

Over the year through a few odd circumstances I have obtained 2 more shovels. Now I have a Voile Telepro, Black Diamond Deploy 3 and Deploy 7.

This thread isn't really to give an recommendation for one or another. I just thought it might be something useful if you were looking for a shovel.

The official stats:
Telepro
Weight - 1lb 14 oz
Length Fully Extended - 39.5" - Shorter option 31"
Blade size - 14" (I never was sure what this meant. The actual blade is 9.5" wideX11" long)
length Collapsed (longest piece, which is the handle)- 20"

Deploy 7
Weight - 1lb 9 oz
Length Fully Extended - 26.8"
Blade size - 10.3"X15.75" (Actual blade size is 10.25" at it's widest point and 12.5" long to where the handle starts)
length Collapsed -18.1"

Deploy 3
Weight - 1lb 4 oz
Length Fully Extended - 24.8"
Blade size - 8.5"X14" (Actual blade size is 8.5" at it's widest point and 11" long to where the handle starts)
Length Collapsed -17.3"

All of the specs seemed to check out, except for the actual blade part of the shovel. My interpretation of the "blade" is the part that would actually effectively shovel things. So the flat part. The Black Diamond and Voile shovels length was from the tip of the shovel all the way to where the colored part ends. So they add a few inches to the listing that aren't really blade they are more of the collar that the handle fits in.

I didn't check weight but there was very little noticeable difference between the Deploy 3 and the Deploy 7 and very little between the Deploy 7 and the Telepro. But you could definitely tell a difference between the Deploy 3 and the Telepro

Here is a picture of all three with the Telepro handle extended all of the way...man that's big....that's what she said.


The telepro shovel is a 2 piece handle so there are 2 positions. This is the shorter length handle position


Here is a close up of the blade size. They count the metal that is colored that extends up the handle as blade length..that seems weird


Here is a comparison of the Deploy 3 and Deploy 7.



Here is a comparison of the blade angle for the telepro and Deploy 7. People have mentioned how curved the deploy is but I did not find that to be the case.


All 3 fit in my Black Diamond Bandit pack. The Telepros' handle goes in the main compartment but it does fit. So being too big to fit in a pack really isn't a concern with any of them.

No real opinion on performance because of the lack of snow. The telepro feels more sturdy but I think the Deploy's would be fine as well....especially based on numerous reports on this site reporting positive feedback on the deploy's durability. Both have the same type of locking mechanism and seemed to get just as much "rattle" out of both designs.

I'm going to get rid of 2 of these before the season starts. No real clear winner or loser. All of them have pros and cons. I was hoping one would rise to the top.

Let me know if someone wants to know something about the shovels and I will try to post it up. I'm no expert but I can take pictures and measurements....

[Hugh Conway]

In the time it took to read this thread you could have studied snow

[squirrelmurphy]

I love the telepro. Long handle is the shit! Dig like a motherfucker with that thing...

[hoarhey]

I love the telepro. Long handle is the shit! Dig like a motherfucker with that thing...

amen brother!
In a rescue, one has to move a shitload of snow.
For me the telepro was bueno.

I can fit it in the snow tool pocket, shovel in 3 pieces, (along with 3.0 m probe) in the covert pack (22L and 32L).

Lifelink has a similar design shovel, think it's called the guide.

[Hugh Conway]

I can fit it in the snow tool pocket, shovel in 3 pieces,

putting stuff together is awesome in a rescue

[DAFTC]

They count the metal that is colored that extends up the handle as blade length..that seems weird.

Ah...the old CL-include-the-taint-penile-length method.

[hoarhey]

putting stuff together is awesome in a rescue

with practice, it's less of an issue.

there's something to be said for taking a moment to get oneself sorted out when an incident has happened.

[Hugh Conway]

with practice, it's less of an issue.

there's something to be said for taking a moment to get oneself sorted out when an incident has happened.

thanks chitown. 3 pieces? seriously?

[squirrelmurphy]

Two pieces you put together, another single button press to extend for maximum digging power. Bet it would still win a race against a deploy. So much easier to dig w/ a long handle.

[~mikey b]

yeah

I can't get too worked up over having to put a shovel or probe together - takes a few seconds - no worries. Go slow to go fast.

I've owned/used all 3 of those shovels, and I do not own a Deploy shovel any more. Too short to be effective. I don't like the curve. Not as good for pit work.

If I was making a choice, I'd choose the Voile. I don't care if my shovel fits in the little pocket in my pack or if I have to put it together. I care if it is a good tool to work with.

I do not like working with the BD. I do like working with the Voile.

[LightRanger]

G3 AviTech > Voile TelePro.

I like the length/packability ratio just a little better. The webbing slots are WAY better--probably the deciding factor back when I bought it. T6 treatment is standard (Voile it's optional). The little stash compartment in the handle is great for extra matches/tinder. And the handle itself has a slot for old-style ice axe loops (although I don't think I've ever used it). Blade size, IIRC, is almost exactly the same as the TelePro.

It's not dramatically better, but I think it's noticeable. And it for some reason always gets left out of these discussions. Of course, it's a bit more expensive than the T6 TelePro too.

[skifishbum]

G3 AviTech > Voile TelePro.

The little stash compartment in the handle is great for extra matches/tinder.

A lot of people don't realize

in all seriousness the avitech is my fav however the deploy7 fits in my pack better although it sucks for making a pit wall flat.
imo in a rescue sit your beacon/probe skills and shoveling technique and overall use of your available resouces are gonna be more important than the amount of snow your shovel can move. There was a good thread/article about the bd deyploys and their abilities

[Oarhead]

Last year I ended up being in a scenario in avy debris. I had a BCA with the short handle (can't remember the exact model). I found it very hard to move any snow at all due to the shorter handle and smaller blade. I think it is partially due to being a big guy. i looked like I was working with a soup spoon. THe very next day I went out and bought a telepro. THe BCA is in the trunk of my car for ditch excursions. I went back to the rubble and tried the telepro and was a lot more satisfied. YMMV depending upon your wingspan and physical size. Cons: The wider blade doesn't fit in all packs.

I can't compare to the G3 as I have never used it but I have heard good things.

An interresting sidenote: Another patroller had a Mamut shovel with a metal blade - again, I don't know the model but it was a lightweight alum version. It kept on bending at the lip when he tried to use it. It would totally fold over to the point where it would not dig anymore. He would have to hammer it down with his boot against a rock. I had never seen this before. Pretty surprising. He went otu and bought a new shovel as well.

Agree with other comments about shoveling technique being important. It was good to practice the conveyer belt with some other people. It was appreciably faster. Also, I am not overly worried about the multiple segments *for me*. It takes seconds (again, for me) to put the shovel together and I save that time and more during the digging.

Good topic.

[Scotsman50]

I agree .. good topic ... a very overlooked but essential BC tool.
I had both the BD shovels you mentioned. I liked them for their compact size initially BUT.
I do a lot of shovelling practise( strategic shoveling for avy rescue... know and practise it) as part of my avy prep each each year and in use the ergonomics of these shovels just didn't suit me... too short and the curved handle... me no likey at all. Got rid of them.

So I invested in the PIT BOSS!!!!!!!!!!..... fucking awesome shovel.
Deals to be had as well,
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Boss-Shovel-by-Life-Link/dp/B000I6TJ12"]Amazon.com: Pit Boss Shovel by Life-Link: Sports & Outdoors[/ame]

When a BC partner turns up with his lightweight plastic shovel I tell him he can carry my PIT BOSS !!!!!!!!! and I'll carry his.

OOPs link says its outta stock.

[Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I have used the Deploy 7 for several seasons - I like the packability and feel I can move good snow while on my knees, etc... It does suck for flat pit walls.

However, after using an extending, D handle shovel, I think it trumps the D7. D handle for the win as far as my preference.

I am going to pick up an AviTech after discussions with LightRanger and comparing the Telepro to AviTech the other week in a store.

[Shorty_J]

I agree .. good topic ... a very overlooked but essential BC tool.
I had both the BD shovels you mentioned. I liked them for their compact size initially BUT.
I do a lot of shovelling practise( strategic shoveling for avy rescue... know and practise it) as part of my avy prep each each year and in use the ergonomics of these shovels just didn't suit me... too short and the curved handle... me no likey at all. Got rid of them.

So I invested in the PIT BOSS!!!!!!!!!!..... fucking awesome shovel.
Deals to be had as well,
Amazon.com: Pit Boss Shovel by Life-Link: Sports & Outdoors

When a BC partner turns up with his lightweight plastic shovel I tell him he can carry my PIT BOSS !!!!!!!!! and I'll carry his.

OOPs link says its outta stock.

Is that lifelink shovel a plastic blade? If so, have you ever tried to move avi debris with it?

[hoarhey]

It's metal, just looks strange in the photo.

[Scotsman50]

Is that lifelink shovel a plastic blade? If so, have you ever tried to move avi debris with it?

NOoooo! and I agree with you: Plastic/lexan shovels= useless pieces of crap!

[LightRanger]

I agree .. good topic ... a very overlooked but essential BC tool.
I had both the BD shovels you mentioned. I liked them for their compact size initially BUT.
I do a lot of shovelling practise( strategic shoveling for avy rescue... know and practise it) as part of my avy prep each each year and in use the ergonomics of these shovels just didn't suit me... too short and the curved handle... me no likey at all. Got rid of them.

So I invested in the PIT BOSS!!!!!!!!!!..... fucking awesome shovel.
Deals to be had as well,
Amazon.com: Pit Boss Shovel by Life-Link: Sports & Outdoors

When a BC partner turns up with his lightweight plastic shovel I tell him he can carry my PIT BOSS !!!!!!!!! and I'll carry his.

OOPs link says its outta stock.

Good call scotsman. When I worked at REI we often stocked that shovel and I always thought it seemed like a solid option too.

Some of the bigger Ortovoxes seem pretty sweet too, but I have no experience.

[~mikey b]

If you want BIG, get a BCA Chugach Pro. I like mine a lot, even though it's sort of a monstrosity.

[Hugh Conway]

If you want BIG, get a BCA Chugach Pro. I like mine a lot, even though it's sort of a monstrosity.

meh, BIG shovels are a pain to move debris with.

[~mikey b]

yeah - it's not my primary shovel - I keep it around for shoveling out the truck, lift towers, etc - one step short of a grain scoop

[pruitt]

Good info so far. Glad everyone is enjoying the thread. ....well at least I am enjoying it.

[sfotex]

Picked up a brook range shovel for this season. Not sure how the serrated blade will interact with the pack, but we'll see. Strong as fuck too, at the OR show they had my 230lbs friend stand on it when it was assembled and it held up fine. The handle also has slots cut into it so you can use it as spreader bars to assemble a rescue sled out of skis.

http://www.brooks-range.com/StoreBox...e_d-handle.htm

[Cruiser]

Been using my Tele Bobcat for quite a few years. It has never left me wanting for anything. Shorten the handle for digging little pits and playing in the snow. Extend it to really move some material. The blade hasn't bent a bit and the handle is rock solid. It's also nice to have a saw in the shaft for isolating a column on those days when it's too chilly out to just whip out my schlong for the job. Those deploy shovels are mighty attractive in the store but I'd rather have my clunky old Bobcat in the field.