[pct-l] axes vs. whippets

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

Hi, Ellen,

That depends how you are glissading. An axe in a seated glissade can be used 
as a rudder of sorts. What it does, actually, is provide a third point of 
contact so you can control your balance better.

I would not encourage the use of any already-broken, segmented, collapsible 
pole to be used where force is applied to bend it by your leaning on it 
perpendicular to its length. If you're standing and using the pole to catch 
your balance, you are "skiing" on your boots, it would help in such a slide 
as the force is being applied down its length. However, there are still 
friction cams which hold the pole at its length that can fail if you have to 
suddenly put a lot of weight on the pole, so be careful how much you ask of 
any extendable pole.

Mtnned
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ellen Shopes" <igellen at comcast.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 6:18 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] axes vs. whippets


> Looks interesting, can see how it's convenient and could work for
> self-arrest.  Is it sturdy enough to use in a glissade?
> Ellen
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com>
> To: "PCT MailingList" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 10:55 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] axes vs. whippets
>
>
>> Found a series of reviews regarding the use of self-arrest poles vs. ice
>> axes.
>>
>> Take a read before investing the same amount of money on an axe!
>>
>> http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_2263364_black_diamond_whippet_self_arrest_pole_reviews
>>
>>
>> Unless you intend on spending a fair amount of time in the snow as we do,
>> I ask you not to buy ice axes, but to buy a Whippet.
>> If you know what to look for in a dangerous snow slope and are wise 
>> enough
>> to have your axe out and in hand before crossing it, then
>> buy an axe. It certainly can, in trained hands, save your life, but 
>> you've
>> got to have it in your hands first.
>>
>> The Whippet is in your hands all the time. No wondering whether you 
>> should
>> have your axe out or not. Works as a regular pole, too.
>> If you're a two-pole person, a Whippet and a regular pole with a snow
>> basket work great together. No need for two Whippets.
>>
>> Costs about the same as a certified axe, as well. Both about $90 bucks.
>>
>> Don't buy those lightweight, un-certified axes or potty-trowels. Since
>> it's not certified, the manufacturer won't guarantee that it won't break
>> apart when you crash on the ice and need it to save your life. I know
>> they're lightweight, but why are you carrying it in the first place?
>>
>> Mtnned
>>
>>
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