FlickLock Adjustable Probe Pole
Featuring dual-density grips for maximum control, 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, the FlickLock Adjustable Probe Poles adjust easily from 105 cm to 150 cm and weigh in at 635 g (1 lb 6.4 oz) per pair with baskets.
mpbro - Jan 29, 2002 5:21 pm - Voted 3/5
Untitled ReviewAs far as I can tell, they are quite durable. I was dumb enough to ski without a basket on one pole (I lost it). When I planted it in soupy snow on Mount Tallac's NE bowl, it drove about 8 inches into the snow and bent as I fell. I was able to bend it back quite easily. A carbon pole probably would have broken.
The weakest point is the length adjuster. It has some moving parts, and the screws tend to loosen, meaning unintended compression of the pole under pressure, possible opening of the adjustment flap, and worst, the possibility of lost parts. My wife has Life-Link poles, and I find them lighter (though less durable) and with a more failsafe adjustment mechanism.
As an avalanche probe, I have no experience. I bet it is a bit too thick and too short to be really useful. Better than nothing, but you will probably want a real avy probe if you do a serious amount of backcountry skiing in avy-prone areas.