[pct-l] combo ice-axe

[Ned Tibbits]

Mountain Education has been using the Whippets on all our higher altitude 
(JMT areas) winter and spring trips, whether on skis or snowshoes and have 
found them to be well worth the investment.  Prior to the Whippet, Paul 
Ramer made a better self-arrest grip for his poles that had broad, flat top 
surfaces for pushing on poles behind you or simply sitting on.  When using 
snowshoes, the Whippets work best.  Each student is encouraged to carry one 
and a regular adjustable pole.  The Whippet is used in the up-hill hand and 
changed on switchbacks on unstable snow.  The self-arrest point can be 
removed, if desired.  Black Diamond makes quality products that we have come 
to enjoy and trust.  They are maybe a little heavier but are durable and 
will last for years to come.

A note of advice on ice axes:  be very wary of any ultra light axe whose 
manufacturer will not stand behind it - like that titanium one that was at 
last year's ADZ.

Mtnned

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Please visit: www.mountaineducation.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Wright" <gwtmp01 at mac.com>
To: "Mark Jernigan" <footslogger03 at yahoo.com>
Cc: <pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net>; "Marcia" <gottawalk at pacbell.net>; 
<paul at bluebrain.ca>
Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2007 5:01 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] combo ice-axe


>
> On Feb 17, 2007, at 11:56 AM, Mark Jernigan wrote:
>> I looked at that one too.  But it's $130 - 150 depending on
>> length.  The Black Diamond Whippet is $80 and functions as a
>> trekking pole and self arrest device.
>
> I don't claim to have any special knowledge about mountaineering or
> self-arrest, but I have seen a number of people with such experience
> express some concerns about the usefulness of the Whippet as a self-
> arrest
> device.
>
>
> Gary Wright (Radar)
>
>
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