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2009 Black Diamond Whippet | Reviewed On: June 10, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Ski Poles>>Adjustable>>Black Diamond WhippetPRODUCT SUMMARY
By Ski Waheenie
THE GOOD
You might think that carrying an ice axe/ski pole hybrid would be a little over-the-top, but in my experience, using a Whippet on Spring ski tours is nothing less than awesome! Here is why:
1. Steep Ascents. In the Spring, conditions are finally safe enough to ski 40 degree+ lines. While hiking up these couloirs, I use the whippet for stability and pull on it to get up icy slopes. It's amazing how much it helps- they are truly a climbing tool!
2. Mellow climbs Especially in the Pacific Northwest, I've found myself skinning up mellow slopes, where an ice axe is completely unnessicary. But with potential to slide down 4000' of slick ice, carrying a whippet is the perfect safety compromise. I have tested it as a self-arrest tool with great success.
3. Black Diamond Quality. I like this pole for all of the same reasons that I like the BD Traverse and Carbon poles. The flick-lock system is the best on the market. Super easy to use!
THE BAD
1. Sold individually. Although this completely makes sense and most people would only want 1 whippet, I would love to have a pair. Mostly it's important to just understand what you are getting for the price!
2. Kinda scary while skiing... I'm the type of person that always thinks about worst case scenarios, and let's just say that gushing blood is the first mental image that comes to mind when I think about skiing with a whippet. However, I have skied with the whippet (and even fallen) enough now that I feel pretty dang comfortable. I do strongly prefer to hold it in my right hand, but for no particular reason!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
I know this sounds like an advertisement, but trust me, You want to buy a whippet. You will be happy to have it! I have no affiliation with Black Diamond- I simply love the product!
By Ski Waheenie
THE GOOD
You might think that carrying an ice axe/ski pole hybrid would be a little over-the-top, but in my experience, using a Whippet on Spring ski tours is nothing less than awesome! Here is why:
1. Steep Ascents. In the Spring, conditions are finally safe enough to ski 40 degree+ lines. While hiking up these couloirs, I use the whippet for stability and pull on it to get up icy slopes. It's amazing how much it helps- they are truly a climbing tool!
2. Mellow climbs Especially in the Pacific Northwest, I've found myself skinning up mellow slopes, where an ice axe is completely unnessicary. But with potential to slide down 4000' of slick ice, carrying a whippet is the perfect safety compromise. I have tested it as a self-arrest tool with great success.
3. Black Diamond Quality. I like this pole for all of the same reasons that I like the BD Traverse and Carbon poles. The flick-lock system is the best on the market. Super easy to use!
THE BAD
1. Sold individually. Although this completely makes sense and most people would only want 1 whippet, I would love to have a pair. Mostly it's important to just understand what you are getting for the price!
2. Kinda scary while skiing... I'm the type of person that always thinks about worst case scenarios, and let's just say that gushing blood is the first mental image that comes to mind when I think about skiing with a whippet. However, I have skied with the whippet (and even fallen) enough now that I feel pretty dang comfortable. I do strongly prefer to hold it in my right hand, but for no particular reason!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
I know this sounds like an advertisement, but trust me, You want to buy a whippet. You will be happy to have it! I have no affiliation with Black Diamond- I simply love the product!
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Best in Test
AVG USER ADVICE
n/a
| VALUE | 4/5, I highly value life saving tools |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 4/5, great on the way up. easy to grip and instinctive to use. |
| MITTEN TEST | 5/5 |
| TESTING LOCATION | Oregon, Washington |
Gear Reviews>>Ski Poles>>Adjustable>>Black Diamond Whippet
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $89.95 |
|---|---|
| SHAFT MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| GRIP MATERIAL | Plastic, Steel |
| TIP MATERIAL | Carbide |
| WEIGHT | 14.1oz (400g) per pair w/baskets |
| EXTENDABLE RANGE | 110-140cm (collapsed) |
| ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM | Flick Lock |
| REPLACEABLE BASKETS? | Yes |
| NUMBER OF BASKETS INCLUDED | 1 pair |
| PROBE | No |
| BREAKAWAY STRAPS? | No |
| RECOMMENDED USE | Ski Mountaineering, Backcountry Skiing |
| WARRANTY | 1 year |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
 |
TRAVE RSE | Solid | $60.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
OUTTA BOUND S POLES | Solid | $59.95 |
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Dark Star wrote on 06/10/09 at 12:16:34 am pst:
Yes! By far and away my favorite piece of gear for any steep BC skiing. It acts as protection while climbing and descending...another marvelous thing Andrew Mclean has brought us!
Their Advice
