Black Diamond  Whippet Ski Pole - Single

I'm a backpacker who sometimes crosses steep snowfields. The Whippet enables me to use poles for stability and I never needed the ice ax for self arrest (but happy to have it just in case). I used the Whippet on a horrible route up the north side of Wind River Peak. It had been a glacier recently, with the ice holding the rocks, gravel, and mud together. The ice is gone and everything fell when I touched it. I buried the Whippet into the mess and pulled myself up. Not recommended but it worked.

I've used these 4 days now. I bought them because I loved the safety and convenience of a whippet ski pole when touring, but I found my arm that held the whippet pole getting noticeably tired by the extra weight. I find the weight and balance of these poles comparable to my other backcountry touring poles with the whippet attachment off. With the whippet on, I get the extra security I wanted. Attaching and removing the whippet is pretty easy. suggestions: the covers for the whippet socket take a bit to remove. add a larger tab or slot so the point of the whippet can be used to remove the cover.

Whippet worked on great for my British Columbia trip. Stores easily in the pack when not needed. Great for when the pack gets heavy or on steep up and downgrades.

Love this pole. Done a few steep peaks and couloirs this spring and always felt supper safe carrying my whippet! Loved it so much I got one for my son too.

I’ve been using whippets for steep ski mountaineering objectives around the world for 2 decades. Every update from my old version to this version adds material value, increased functionality and improved user experience. The poles collapse to be smaller, making them easier to pack for travel or store on your pack. The flick lock lever mechanism is improved over the old plastic versions. The snow basket now has a notch so it maintains its orientation. The picks are removable so you can travel with a single set of poles (eg if your trip might also include some resort use) and these can run double duty as trekking poles. The metal ring is a great temporary lower grip position. The handles and wrist straps are more ergonomic. Don’t listen to Cody. Whippets are awesome. ;-)

So I had BDs old whippet ( used in conjunction with your expedition poles) which was a excellent tool for backcountry travel and self arrest. I used it alot and thankfully never had to use it for a self arrest! BDs new whippet is a single pole and is much more robust and a lot more comfortable as it fits much better in the hand and doesn't have a piece of metal on the grip. I also like the fact that the when you remove the whippet from the pole the strap is attached to the grip. Another bonus is the whippet has a cover and a walking cover for the poles carbite tip and the pole has aluminum clamps for the poles sections. All in all it's a really nice tool and I look forward to using it here in the beautiful Sierra's. Thanks BD for another excellent tool for backcountry fools.

My first outing with the whippet, found me on variable autumn conditions in the Cascades. I used it from the car, gaining 3000 feet from thin crust to deep powder over a breakable crust. The point penetrated reliably on all surfaces. Are used both the hand grip with strap and grasped the top of the pic, ala ice axe grip. all these positions were comfortable with both hands. Because of the changing snow depth, I tend to lengthen the pole as I climbed into deeper snow, and the adjustments were quick and easy. there was a thin layer of ice on the upper boulder fields in the pole was more secure and reliable than the edges of my skis. I only bought one pole because I intend to hold an Ice axe in my other hand, when the terrain warrants that. maybe I should just have bought a second whippet. Hmm?

I’ve had an earlier model of whippet for ten years or so; it wore out this spring so it was time to try the new one. The removable pick works great; no more leg stabbing down in the trees after the big exposed line. The ability to remove it will be great for multi day outings where it’s not needed all the time. Also, having the shorter collapsed length will be nice for summer outings where it rides on the pack for extended periods. Looks like a solid upgrade to a useful tool.

I don't know how I ever climbed (and skied down) any steep(ish) snow without a whippet. I rarely reach for my axe anymore on anything under 45 degrees. This thing has caught me several times in places I really really reeeeally didn't want to go sliding down. I feel like for ski mountaineering in the PNW, this is a must, and it's worth every ounce of extra weight (I'd rather shave weight with my skis/boots/bindings than not carry a whippet).

After slipping a couple times touring up to Camp Muir on Rainier, then borrowing my partner's whippet for the last part, I immediately went home and ordered one. It has saved me from slipping/falling so many times over the years and is easily my favourite and most dependable piece of gear that I reco to everyone. It's heavier than a typical ski pole but the added security is well worth it.