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Probes - Snow safety
Whether you prefer freeride or freerando, the risk of avalanche remains the same. That's why you need to be careful, and have all the necessary mountain safety equipment. First and foremost are the three essentials: the avalanche transceiver (often referred to as ARVA), snow shovel and, of course, the snow probe. Only these three tools, perfectly mastered and correctly used, will enable you to intervene in the event of an accident and be rescued if necessary. And, of course, you should never hesitate to get training in the use of your equipment and your snow probe.
Why should buying an avalanche probe be almost compulsory?
The probe is an integral part of avalanche safety equipment. It's essential for determining the exact location and depth of the victim, so you can act as quickly as possible. Because in the event of an avalanche, it's the speed of reaction that can save lives.
Studies have shown that without using an avalanche probe for final localization, it takes twice as long to free the victim: around 25 minutes. With the probe, the average rescue time is reduced to eleven minutes. This means that rescue within the vital first 15 minutes is virtually impossible without the use of a probe.
How to choose your snow probe?
The principle and construction are generally the same, whatever the brand. The parameters to be taken into account when choosing a snow probe are its length, its construction materials, its diameter, as well as its assembly and closing system. It must be light yet robust.
- Materials:
The material must be light yet provide the necessary stability. The most robust are made of T6 7075 aluminum, a top-of-the-range material that guarantees optimum weight with maximum rigidity. For more lightness, carbon will be used; it is rigid and extremely light.
- Rigidity :
For optimum efficiency when probing, your equipment must have sufficient stability and rigidity so that it doesn't twist during use.
- Tensioning system:
Systems can be made of either steel or aramid; steel being recognized as very reliable because it doesn't stretch.
Discover our selection of the best avalanche probe brands!
The essential Ortovox brand, the Mammut DVA kit reference, and finally the best-known brand of avalanche victim detectors. Arva.
A final word of advice before you buy?
Don't forget to get some training once you've selected your equipment! It's crucial to know how to use your tools effectively before any outing in rugged terrain.
Also consider the avalanche transceiver packs available here: Complete avalanche transceiver kit.
Also explore our snow probe categories such as < a href="https://www.alpinstore.com/en/categ/78-shovels-snow-safety">Snow Shovels .
