Whippet Self Arrest Pole

Black Diamond Whippet Self Arrest Pole

By CAB from Denver, Colorado on 3/7/2010

Pros:

Easy to adjust, Good grips

Cons:

Too long when collapsed

Best Uses:

Snow field navigating, Snowshoeing

Describe Yourself:

Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style:

Comfort Driven

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Black Diamond Whippet Self Arrest Pole:

Whippet Self Arrest Pole by Black Diamond in the collapsed mode is too long. It should be made in 3 segments. I was hoping to use the lower 2 segments of my BD 3 segment poles with the top section with the arrest. The diameters of the shafts do not allow this. It appears that the length of the Whippet pole is designed to use as a probe, however I carry a separate probe when conditions warrant and therefore the long Whippet is not a benefit to me.

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Essential Gear for Steep Skiing

By cbc

from Missoula, MT on 3/30/2009

Pros:

Easy to adjust, Good grips, Strong

Cons:

Pricey for just one pole

Best Uses:

Steep skiing

Describe Yourself:

Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style:

Minimalist

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Black Diamond Whippet Self Arrest Pole:

The Whippet is a key tool for ski mountaineering, and has literally saved my life more than once. I have two complaints: first, Black Diamond wrist straps pretty much suck; they're not ergonomical and they bunch up under the wrist; it would be so easy for them to design more nordic-style straps that are comfortable. Second, the Whippet is heavy; it would be great if they produced a carbon fiber version.

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The Whippet Compromise

By Dr. Algorithmist

from Colorado on 8/8/2008

Pros:

Easy to adjust, Lightweight, Strong, Versitile

Cons:

Needs shorter collapse sz

Best Uses:

Hiking

Describe Yourself:

Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style:

Minimalist

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Black Diamond Whippet Self Arrest Pole:

Good design. My axe is too short for hiking, my poles are not designed for steeper snow or ice. The whippet fills both roles.
It is a bit too long when compacted and stowed on the pack.

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Whippet Self Arrest Pole - Single