In addition to the avalanche transceiver and the avalanche shovel, an avalanche probe is absolutely essential for the successful search for avalanche victims!
If an emergency occurs, it is against the clock. Heavy masses of snow weigh on the bodies of the buried and the air supply is cut off. Speed and precision save survival. But how do you determine a person's position under the snow quickly and effectively, and as accurately as possible? Only by probing! With an avalanche probe, the position of the buried person can be determined as accurately as possible in order to provide help as quickly as possible.
Avalanche probes: Saves lives in an emergency In addition to the avalanche transceiver and the avalanche shovel, an avalanche probe is absolutely essential for the successful search for... learn more »
In addition to the avalanche transceiver and the avalanche shovel, an avalanche probe is absolutely essential for the successful search for avalanche victims!
If an emergency occurs, it is against the clock. Heavy masses of snow weigh on the bodies of the buried and the air supply is cut off. Speed and precision save survival. But how do you determine a person's position under the snow quickly and effectively, and as accurately as possible? Only by probing! With an avalanche probe, the position of the buried person can be determined as accurately as possible in order to provide help as quickly as possible.
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Which avalanche probe for which application?
Generally speaking, avalanche probes are intended as an all-round aid and should be part of every tourer's equipment. In terms of functionality, they are basically the same, and provide every tourer with the best possible service quickly and easily in an emergency. The probe is not heavy during the ascent, is quickly ready for use in an emergency and (also) crucial for a quick rescue of comrades.
For beginners, occasional tourers or piste walkers, a simple 260-centimeter aluminum probe is suitable. Especially because the small additional weight does not bother considering the price. Athletes, of course, value the right equipment for their endurance and strength. The weight of the equipment affects performance. Thus, they should go for the lightest avalanche probes. For long-distance skiers, ambitious and experienced alpinists, as well as guides who are often on the move in very heavy snow, probes with a long length , as used by professional mountain rescuers and guides, are suitable.
Please note: No matter which model you use as a tour guide, please attend a workshop or course on avalanche victim search. Here you will learn not only the basics of avalanche analysis, but also the procedures in emergency situations and how to behave in them in order to save the lives of your touring partners!
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Important features of avalanche probes
All currently available avalanche probes are on a very high quality level. The probes of BCA offer in all variants the best possible reliability, robustness and handling.
In our assortment you will find the avalanche probe BCA Stealth in several sizes and made of metal and carbon. Length and material are decisive for the area of application as well as for the weight of your equipment.
The avalanche probe BCA Stealth
The length of the avalanche probes usually ranges between 220 and 320 centimeters. With our assortment you find the 240 - 300 variants. Usually probes are used in increments of 20 centimeters - in rare cases even 10. BCA, however, has focused on 30cm. For the average ski tourer, a probe length of 240 to 280 centimeters is recommended. However, those who do a lot of off-piste skiing and/or are professional rescuers or mountain guides should always carry an avalanche probe with a length of 300 to 320 centimeters. These are generally fixed lengths, i.e. not adjustable.
Regarding the material, the tube of the avalanche probes is either made of aluminum or carbon or a composite material that combines both raw materials. The connecting cord or rope that connects the individual segments is made of polyamide, Kevlar or a wire rope made of metal. BCA has incorporated Quick-Lock technology here to keep the full length probe assembly time to a minimum. Regarding the weight, it can be stated that there are rather small differences in weight between the individual probe sizes, but nevertheless significant for one or the other. Ultimately, however, the weight is defined by the material.
The pack size (actually the pack length) depends mainly on the segment length and turns out differently depending on the handle system. Depending on the number of segments and the overall length, pack lengths can be found between 37.5 and 60 centimeters. A good guideline for the vast majority of probes is 45 centimeters (for overall lengths of 240 to 320 centimeters). For example, the BCA STEALTH CARBON BLACK 300 has a transport length of 43 centimeters. The smaller models are slightly shorter.
Tip: Before you buy a probe, compare the transport length with the fastening and stowage options of your backpack.
Our recommendation: A ski or snowboard backpack with a separate probe/emergency compartment, which makes transport easier and can be reached quickly in an emergency. You can also find an avalanche protection backpack with suitable compartments in our range.
Diameter, construction, tip & depth marking
The diameter of the tube varies systematically with the material, so that a reliable rigidity of the built-up probe is guaranteed. For example, a 240cm probe measures 1.1cm in diameter and a 300cm probe measures 1.3cm. These differences ensure that all probes have a stable, vertical probing direction. A bendy or loose probe does not allow precise location of the buried victim, because the probe can move to the side in the snow and slide past the buried victim.
The BCA probes offer a fast and safe set-up due to the principle of a quick-lock hardware. This is an essential quality feature of good probes. Through this principle, the probe can be thrown and quickly assembled in seconds. Similar system to a throwing tent. A "throwing probe" with a self-locking tensioning mechanism allows unrestricted operation with gloves.
The depth markings are essential for effective and accurate work. BCA uses laser-engraved markings that are twice the size of other models and do not wear out. Depth markings to be read. Font size, color contrast of segments and markings as well as a clearly highlighted 1-meter marking are the most important criteria and are present in all models from BCA.
How to use an avalanche probe and use it correctly can be seen here in the video.
Generally speaking, avalanche probes are intended as an all-round aid and should be part of every tourer's equipment. In terms of functionality, they are basically the same, and provide every tourer with the best possible service quickly and easily in an emergency. The probe is not heavy during the ascent, is quickly ready for use in an emergency and (also) crucial for a quick rescue of comrades.
For beginners, occasional tourers or piste walkers, a simple 260-centimeter aluminum probe is suitable. Especially because the small additional weight does not bother considering the price. Athletes, of course, value the right equipment for their endurance and strength. The weight of the equipment affects performance. Thus, they should go for the lightest avalanche probes. For long-distance skiers, ambitious and experienced alpinists, as well as guides who are often on the move in very heavy snow, probes with a long length , as used by professional mountain rescuers and guides, are suitable.
Please note: No matter which model you use as a tour guide, please attend a workshop or course on avalanche victim search. Here you will learn not only the basics of avalanche analysis, but also the procedures in emergency situations and how to behave in them in order to save the lives of your touring partners!
" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="">
Important features of avalanche probes
All currently available avalanche probes are on a very high quality level. The probes of BCA offer in all variants the best possible reliability, robustness and handling.
In our assortment you will find the avalanche probe BCA Stealth in several sizes and made of metal and carbon. Length and material are decisive for the area of application as well as for the weight of your equipment.
The avalanche probe BCA Stealth
The length of the avalanche probes usually ranges between 220 and 320 centimeters. With our assortment you find the 240 - 300 variants. Usually probes are used in increments of 20 centimeters - in rare cases even 10. BCA, however, has focused on 30cm. For the average ski tourer, a probe length of 240 to 280 centimeters is recommended. However, those who do a lot of off-piste skiing and/or are professional rescuers or mountain guides should always carry an avalanche probe with a length of 300 to 320 centimeters. These are generally fixed lengths, i.e. not adjustable.
Regarding the material, the tube of the avalanche probes is either made of aluminum or carbon or a composite material that combines both raw materials. The connecting cord or rope that connects the individual segments is made of polyamide, Kevlar or a wire rope made of metal. BCA has incorporated Quick-Lock technology here to keep the full length probe assembly time to a minimum. Regarding the weight, it can be stated that there are rather small differences in weight between the individual probe sizes, but nevertheless significant for one or the other. Ultimately, however, the weight is defined by the material.
The pack size (actually the pack length) depends mainly on the segment length and turns out differently depending on the handle system. Depending on the number of segments and the overall length, pack lengths can be found between 37.5 and 60 centimeters. A good guideline for the vast majority of probes is 45 centimeters (for overall lengths of 240 to 320 centimeters). For example, the BCA STEALTH CARBON BLACK 300 has a transport length of 43 centimeters. The smaller models are slightly shorter.
Tip: Before you buy a probe, compare the transport length with the fastening and stowage options of your backpack.
Our recommendation: A ski or snowboard backpack with a separate probe/emergency compartment, which makes transport easier and can be reached quickly in an emergency. You can also find an avalanche protection backpack with suitable compartments in our range.
Diameter, construction, tip & depth marking
The diameter of the tube varies systematically with the material, so that a reliable rigidity of the built-up probe is guaranteed. For example, a 240cm probe measures 1.1cm in diameter and a 300cm probe measures 1.3cm. These differences ensure that all probes have a stable, vertical probing direction. A bendy or loose probe does not allow precise location of the buried victim, because the probe can move to the side in the snow and slide past the buried victim.
The BCA probes offer a fast and safe set-up due to the principle of a quick-lock hardware. This is an essential quality feature of good probes. Through this principle, the probe can be thrown and quickly assembled in seconds. Similar system to a throwing tent. A "throwing probe" with a self-locking tensioning mechanism allows unrestricted operation with gloves.
The depth markings are essential for effective and accurate work. BCA uses laser-engraved markings that are twice the size of other models and do not wear out. Depth markings to be read. Font size, color contrast of segments and markings as well as a clearly highlighted 1-meter marking are the most important criteria and are present in all models from BCA.
How to use an avalanche probe and use it correctly can be seen here in the video.
