Life-Link Carbon Fiber Probe 280
Posted: 03/01/2004 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews
![]() |
Saving a few bucks on gear that save lives is false economy. In the past couple of seasons, a flood of cheap avalanche probes has reached the market and may not be "better than nothing." It's rather like carrying a tiny shovel -- both clearly state that the owner cares little about their backcountry partners.
Consumers and stores often don't realize that these "lightweight" probes can seriously compromise safety. A probe that is only 6 feet (190 cm) long is just effective to a depth of about 4 feet while there is still a reasonable chance of survival for victims a couple feet deeper; anything under 230 cm should neither be sold nor carried. A probe that is too flexible is easily deflected rather than going straight down, rendering a search less effective. And a probe that takes a couple minutes to assemble during a crisis (or a tension cord that breaks) slows the race for survival.
The new Life-Link Pro Series avalanche probes have several features that place them well ahead of the competition. An auto-locking handle makes assembly easier and faster than any other probe we've tested; just pull. Because the handle wire is rigid, the full 280 cm length of the probe can be used if necessary. While seemingly trivial, the rounded bullet heads at the male end of each pole section make a huge difference in speed of assembly. The bullet heads also increase durability by preventing nicks in the ends of tube sections.
The Carbon Fiber Probe 280 weighs a mere 10.2 ounces (290 g) -- just 4 ounces more than the so-called "light probes" that are too short. It retails for $76 versus $40 for the dinky probes -- only $36 more for a decade of superior service. And the 10 mm carbon fiber tubing is stiffer than the wimpy probes. Other features are what you'd expect on any good probe: depth markings every 5 cm, stainless-steel cable that will not wear out like cord, an over-sized head, and a nylon stuff sack.
Although Life-Link offers four other probes, the Carbon Fiber Probe 280 is the best buy for any backcountry skier. This sets the new standard for performance in a category that has only emerged among backcountry skiers in the past few years.
SNEWS Rating: 5 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)
Suggested Retail: $65
For more information: www.life-link.com
| Rating: |
To learn more about how SNEWS® conducts product reviews, click here. |
|
|
Hoist V6 Personal Pulley Gym Mar 8, 2010 Hoist V6 Personal Pulley Gym fits into a relatively small space and allows you to everything from toning to strength training to serious weightlifting. Read Review | Comment on this review | Go to all Product Reviews |
|
|
Ruffwear Sunshower jacket Mar 1, 2010 The Ruffwear Sunshower jacket keeps your pooch dry when you don't want a wet dog in the house or the car, not to mention on the couch or your lap. Read Review | Comment on this review | Go to all Product Reviews |
|
|
Minox binoculars Feb 22, 2010 The general thinking is that you’ll pay at least $200 for a decent pair of binoculars for nature observation, and, of course, the price tag can reach into the thousands. So we set out to find what kind of experience we would have with a new model of Minox binoculars priced at $199. Read Review | Comment on this review | Go to all Product Reviews |
|
|
Women's Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant Feb 18, 2010 Best Uses For The ExOfficio Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant: Backpacking, Camping, Everyday, Fishing, Hiking, In-Transit, Lounging, Outdoor Work, Paddle Sports, Resort, Stay Dry, Sun Protection, Urban Exploration Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace |
|
|
Men's Neptune Long-Sleeve Crew Feb 18, 2010 Best Uses For The ExOfficio Neptune Crew: Backpacking, Camping, Everyday, Fishing, Golfing, Hiking, In-Transit, Lounging, Outdoor Work, Paddle Sports, Resort, Stay Dry, Sun Protection, Urban Exploration Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace |
|
|
Ariel 65 Mar 1, 2010 The Osprey Ariel 65 is an ideal size for a variety of backpacking adventures. With added features like J- Panel access, Stow-on-the- Go™ trekking pole attachment and an improved suspension technology, this backpack remains the #1 choice for adventurers of all calibers. Superb women's custom fit is achieved through torso specific sizing, and contoured women's harness and hipbelt. Colors available: Seaside, Salsa Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace |
Director of Sports Retail - Alyeska Resort
Listed - 03/14/2010
Global Buyer - Columbia Sportswear Company
Listed - 03/10/2010
Athlete Services Representative - Carmichael Training Systems, Inc.
Listed - 03/09/2010
Retail Store Manager - Advantage Sport & Fitness, Inc.
Listed - 03/09/2010
Account Executive - Seven Cycles
Listed - 03/09/2010
Dealer Customer Service Representative - LOWA Boots LLC
Listed - 03/09/2010
Marketing Manager - Montague Corporation
Listed - 03/08/2010