Probe: A must-have avalanche gear for the backcountry | Featured model for the 2022-2023 season

Once a beacon has been used to detect a buried avalanche site, a probe is inserted into the snow to pinpoint the location of the buried individual. It is one of the three essential backcountry gear. When folded, a probe measures 20-30cm, but when extended, it extends to a length of 2-3m. Probes come in a variety of lengths, shaft materials, and weights, so the STEEP editorial team has picked out some interesting models for the 2022-2023 season

Featured models for 2022-2023 picked up by the STEEP editorial department

INDEX

ARVA|Spark 240

This probe is made of durable aluminum and features a pin lock system. It is divided into eight sections and is compact at just 30cm when collapsed, making it easy to store

240cm (shortened to 30cm) / 250g / 8 shafts
¥6,800

◆Official website is here


BCA|STELTH 300 CARBON

It's lightweight and made of carbon fiber. It's 300cm long, but the tapered joints allow for quick assembly. The depth ruler has two convenient sizes: one side with 5cm increments (for distress searches) and the other with 1cm increments (for determining snow depth)

300cm (43cm when shortened) / 290g / 7 shafts
¥12,650

◆Official website is here


BCA|STELTH 240

The smooth design allows for self-assembly with the pull of a lever. At 240cm, it's easy to handle even for BC beginners. It features large markings that make it easy to check the depth during rescues or when observing snow conditions

240cm (40cm when shortened) / 250g / 6 shafts
¥6,600

◆Official website is here


Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe 280

The stainless steel cable and dual quick-draw ferrules provide high durability, while the lightweight 7-section aluminum probe offers excellent cost performance

280cm (46cm when shortened) / 225g / 7 shafts
¥11,990 

◆Official website is here


Black Diamond Quickdraw Carbon Probe 240

This is BD's lightest carbon probe, thanks to its shaft and cable made from lightweight materials. The 2021 model features a Kevlar cord instead of stainless steel for the internal cable. A new cord lock wire gate mechanism has been adopted, further reducing the weight

240cm (46cm when shortened) / 225g / 6 shafts
¥14,960

◆Official website is here


G3|SPEED CARBON 240

The handle is large and easy to grip. Made from high-strength, three-way woven carbon tubing, this is the lightest G3 probe model. It can be quickly assembled and is designed to resist freezing even in bad weather. Comes with a dedicated case

248cm (40cm when shortened) / 220g / 6 shafts
¥26,400

◆Official website is here


G3|SPEED 320 NAVY

The high-strength aluminum 7001-T6 tube is lightweight yet strong. This combination of lightness and strength makes it suitable for a wide range of needs. Comes with a dedicated case

328cm (45cm when shortened) / 294g / 7 shafts
¥11,550

◆Official website is here


MAMMUT|Probe 240 short

This avalanche probe is affordable and stable, with a short extension length of 240 cm. Made of high-quality aluminum, it's lightweight and features an integrated telescopic lock for quick and easy fastening. It's also suitable for use with gloves. It's reasonably priced and comes with a probe case with an emergency plan guide printed on it

240cm (38cm when shortened) / 245g / 7 shafts
¥8,800

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◆Official website is here


MSR | Striker 320

At 320cm, it's a length suitable for professional use. It's made from lightweight, high-strength 7000 series duralumin. The eight tubes are connected by corrosion-resistant stainless steel cables and then by an aluminum shaft. The handle is T-shaped for easy grip. The tubes are marked with a scale every 5cm, allowing you to check the snow depth at a glance

320cm (46cm when shortened) / 360g / 8 shafts
¥12,100

◆Official website is here


MSR | Striker 240

The 240cm length is a compact size for those who enjoy backcountry touring. The tapered tube tips allow for quick assembly. It is made from lightweight, high-strength 7000 series duralumin. The six tubes are connected by a corrosion-resistant coated stainless steel cable. The easy-to-grip T-shaped handle makes it easy to use even for backcountry beginners

240cm (46cm when shortened) / 295g / 8 shafts
¥12,100

◆Official website is here


ORTOVOX|STEEL PLUS・pfa

It uses a semi-auto-locking shaft attachment/detachment system called PFA. Simply hold the top blue part with one hand, throw the tip, and then pull up the strap at the bottom to assemble. Folding is easy; simply pull the PFA tab to release the lock and loosen the wire. Made of steel, it's durable, rigid, and reliable

320cm (44cm when shortened) / 680g / 8 shafts
¥18,370

◆Official website is here


ORTOVOX|240 CARBON SUPERT LIGHT・QAS

It uses the QAS (Quick Lock Assembly System). Simply hold the top shaft with one hand, throw the tip straight out, and pull the wire at hand to automatically assemble it. Once all the sections are connected, lock it in place and you're done. It's simple and easy to use. It's also easy to fold. It's easy to handle, and the carbon fiber construction makes it super lightweight, which is a big plus

240cm (37.5cm when shortened) / 185g / 7 shafts
¥14,740

◆Official website is here

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