Comments on: Latest BCA Avalanche Rescue Shovels — Best Yet

By: Lou Dawson

Lou Dawson — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:16:05 +0000

Steve, you pointed it out, so it’s done! That’s the way a blog with comments is supposed to work. Thanks! Lou

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:32:59 +0000

Lou, thanks very much for your very useful advice.
I am amazed that BCA are marketing the combination of the B-1 shovel and a 180cm probe on the basis that the probe fits in the shaft of the shovel and so saves space in a back pack which for many people like myself who have opted for the Float22 avalanche airbag system is desirable due to the relatively small amount of space available in the bag. I have no plans to do any ski touring and so I am keen on light and compact equipment and like many people I am not in a position to have an armoury of different types and combinations.
I am sure a lot of people visit this site to get information on equipment as indeed I did and so I think it would be very useful for the site to point out that the B-1 Touring System as BCA have called it is not really fit for purpose if the probe is stored in the shaft of the shovel as is suggested by BCA’s promotional information. This would save some other people using your site from buying a product that is sure to disappoint.

By: Lou Dawson

Lou Dawson — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:17:08 +0000

Steve, storing the probe in the shovel handle can be kind of lame unless it goes in and out fast. Also, probes that are small enough to do that with tend to be too flexible. Personally, I’d rather have a shorter and more rigid probe rather than a longer flexy one. And that’s exactly what I do, I carry a fairly short but fairly rigid probe. Some folks here know that I don’t always carry a probe, just saying that so I don’t get jumped on by folks who know of my controversial take on that. I do carry a probe when I feel it’s appropriate, just as I carry larger or smaller shovels, and larger or smaller first aid kits. If you’re new to the game, always carry your probe. But once you’re experienced practice with a probe made from singe ski pole with basket removed, you may be surprised at how well that works with combined with modern beacons. Also, when it comes to avy safety, be sure your group always carries an emergency comm device such as a SPOT or satphone, or cell phone in an area where it work. Those things save lives as well, since trauma from avalanche is frequently of the type where a quick evac can make the difference between life and death. Lou

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:29:53 +0000

Lou
I have just bought my first shovel and probe being the BCA B- 1 Tour System which means the B-1 shovel and a 180cm probe. As you say the shaft of the shovel does have a plug in the bottom opening of the shovel. However, BCA’s promo on this B-1 Tour System is that the probe can be stowed in the shaft of the shovel, but the only way to get it in is to remove the plug and then the spring clip system that holds the shaft to the blade. Now I may be new to backcountry stuff but one thing that stands out above all is that speed is of the essence to saving people’s lives who have been caught in an avalanche and hence BCA’s suggestion to keep a probe in a difficult to get at place is irresponsible as well as misleading to customers.
I have written to BCA twice about this issue in the last couple of days but so far no response.
I would welcome your and other’s thoughts on this please and wonder if you would be able to ask BCA to comment please?
PS Great site, very useful, thanks

By: Lou Dawson

Lou Dawson — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:30:39 +0000

Ok you guys, regarding all this moaning and gnashing of teeth about the BCA shovels shaft plug issue. Here is the official word:

“they all have a plug in that (lower shaft) opening now. We even have a retrofit
kit, so you can add a plug to your existing Bomber.”