PRODUCT SUMMARY
By powderjunky

THE GOOD
The Black Diamond Deploy 3 Shovel is a Compact, durable Shovel that will fit in most packs.It also gives the user the options to detach the handle for options on how to pack it. The Blade cuts through hard pack snow with ease.

Buttons that release handle do a decent job of not freezing up. The smaller size allows for more precise digging which comes in handy when digging a pit or shelter.

THE BAD
Although the smaller blades size is precise it limits the amount of snow that can be moved with each shovel when precision doesn't matter, like a rescue.

The handle can be a little slippery to grab. The shortness of the handle makes it a little awkward for people used to a longer shaft.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Compared to other models this shovel stands out as one of the best. However from a safety perspective, due to the small blade and handle, i would upgrade to the larger model, the Deploy 7, if the primary intention of this shovel is to be used in avalanche rescues.

OUR ADVICE


AVG USER ADVICE

freeheelgirl wrote on 12/09/08 at 12:22:12 am pst:

I have questions about gripping the squared-off shaft when digging with this shovel - what's it feel like on your bare hands vs. wearing a glove? And is the larger size actually big enough to move a lot of snow in a short amount of time? It looks like it was designed to fit on a daypack, rather than to do any serious digging. I'd love some more feedback - or better yet, to try one out myself.

Their Advice

powderjunky wrote on 12/09/08 at 07:47:10 am pst:

I think the 'trapeziodal' shaft helps with grip for bare hands or gloves. This small shovel is good for people who don't do a lot of digging and wouldn't be able to use a larger shovel blade to its most efficiency. I agree though, i would rather get the bigger version, which is an ample size blade, and just practice using it to build the muscle necessary.

Their Advice

Maciej Pike-Biegunski wrote on 03/02/09 at 9:19:51 pm pst:

This shovel is sturdier than most I've seen, and the curved, trapezoidal handle makes it surprisingly comfortable to use. If you're digging cement-hard (avalanche) snow, the amount of snow this little guy can shovel out at a time is pretty heavy anyway. A bigger one may chop out bigger blocks, but I'd say you won't dig anyone out faster 'cause you'll wear out faster using it. I guess if you're big and burly and want to move lots of snow, a bigger shovel may be called for. For snowpits, avy rescue, and maybe digging a car out of a snowbank (hee hee) this does the job just fine, in a compact package.

Their Advice

Justin wrote on 03/23/09 at 11:06:02 am pst:

I've got the larger version, chosen for a few reasons
-Felt solid. Yeah, that's subjective, but too many avalanche shovels don't have a 'solid' feel to them, which just doesn't give me confidence in them being there in my time of real need
-The angled shaft. It could just be me, but the angled shaft works for me when I'm down and digging, it feels far more anatomic/efficient than a straight shaft.
-Blade size. I've got the 7, and the blade was the largest blade I found that felt (again, subjective) substantial enough to chomp through debris

You'll notice I didn't mention weight - for me I wouldn't want my partner making a shovel decision based on weight, and I wouldn't make a decision that could save someone's life based on trying to save a few ounces.

The only negative I have with this shovel is the slight curve of the blade, combined with the curve of the shaft, makes it a bit more difficult to get a smooth pit wall v. something like a BCA companion

Their Advice

powderjunky wrote on 03/23/09 at 1:25:37 pm pst:

Good points Justin, I want my partner to have something that will chop through anything but my arm:), the lighter weight shovels definitely have me wondering if they could get the job done.

Their Advice