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2008 Backcountry Access Tour Shovel | Reviewed On: October 13, 2008
Gear Reviews>>Avalanche Gear>>Shovels>>Backcountry Access Tour ShovelPRODUCT SUMMARY
By powderjunky
THE GOOD
The Backcountry Access Tour Shovel is a sturdy shovel that can slice through the firmest of avalanche debris. Its telescoping handle makes it very versatile. It is relatively lightweight but still has an ample amount of blade area for efficient snow moving.
THE BAD
The buttons tend to freeze making assembly tough, especially when your hands are cold. The shaft is very slippery and i recommend putting some grip tape on it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A good shovel for the price, but not my first choice. Also the probe that stores in the handle is absolutely worthless as it is too short for any real avalanche rescue.
By powderjunky
THE GOOD
The Backcountry Access Tour Shovel is a sturdy shovel that can slice through the firmest of avalanche debris. Its telescoping handle makes it very versatile. It is relatively lightweight but still has an ample amount of blade area for efficient snow moving.
THE BAD
The buttons tend to freeze making assembly tough, especially when your hands are cold. The shaft is very slippery and i recommend putting some grip tape on it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A good shovel for the price, but not my first choice. Also the probe that stores in the handle is absolutely worthless as it is too short for any real avalanche rescue.
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Novelty
AVG USER ADVICE
Solid
| MITTEN TEST | 2/5, Buttons are small, and freeze up. |
|---|---|
| DURABILITY | 5/5 |
Gear Reviews>>Avalanche Gear>>Shovels>>Backcountry Access Tour Shovel
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $45.00 |
|---|---|
| SHAFT MATERIAL | 6061 Series aluminum |
| BLADE MATERIAL | 6061 Series aluminum |
| EXTENDABLE | Yes |
| ASSEMBLED LENGTH | 30-40.5in (71-103cm) |
| WEIGHT | 26oz (731g) |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
 |
DEPLOY 3 SHOVEL | Solid | $60.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
T HANDLE | Solid | $49.95 |
 |
MINI T HANDLE | Novelty | $50.00 |
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
freeheelgirl wrote on 01/04/09 at 12:58:27 am pst:
I own the BCA tour shovel, and I also have to agree that it's a good shovel for the price - solidly constructed, plows through crud, and the shaft is well-designed for tough digging. The probe in the handle is a nice idea....but,that being said - I think the handle is still too short for comfort when you have to dig a deep pit or make any extended use of it, it's so cold that it's impossible to use without gloves, and the probe's too short and too difficult to get to if you're in a hurry, your fingers are cold, or the shaft is frozen.
So, the BCA is now going in the car for emergencies (along with a pair of gloves), and I'll be skiing this season with my new Voile shovel.
Their Advice
