Black Diamond  Quickdraw Pro Probe 280

I had no issues taking this probe out of my bag and deploying it. The probe extended and locked very easily both with and without gloves on. The unlocking mechanism is strong, but easy to unlock and fold up when you want. The depth markings are clear and easy to read and the probe penatrated snow easily. I measured the probe as 324g (slightly heavier than carbon) and 44cm long when folded up, which fit inside my Osprey Kamber 32L backpack just fine. The probe also came with a carrying case for storage off the mountain. With emergency gear, it's important that it works every time, especially when you need it. This probe worked for me every time. Be sure to make sure the length of your probe is appropriate for the snowpack where you live. In the PWN, with deep snowpack, I would go with at least 3m or more. If I needed a 280cm probe, I have no problems putting this in my touring bag.

During avalanche rescue drills this winter I noticed that the numbers on my old probe were wearing off and the locking mechanism was fairly difficult to use with my warmer gloves. Therefore the biggest upgrades I was looking for in a new probe was the ability to lock and unlock with larger gloves and confidence the depth numbers wouldn't wear off after a season or two. This probe is not the lightest (also not too heavy), but does appear to be durable and very easy to assemble. The depth numbers are also easier to read than my last probe. The reason for 4 out of 5 stars is mainly the weight, otherwise this is a great upgrade to my rescue gear and I look forward to using it for many years.

probe is 260 with color "coded" sections to indicate depth, but no actual visible numbers marked on it to easily identify burial/snow depth. The ease of use in getting the BD QuickDraw probe quickly out of it's bag, set up and locked was far superior to my current probe. The QuickDraw also stayed "locked" better when going in and out of the snow from spot to spot when scanning a potential burial zone. In an emergency, every second, every minute and every step you need to take to prepare add up exponentially during a rescue situation. Products that are quick to set up, easy to use and efficient to work with can make the critical difference between life and death in the backcountry or any rescue mission. I am planning to donate my old probe to NWAC for them to use to help train others that are just starting out in the backcountry. The QuickDraw will now be making it's new home in my BC pack!

Lightweight, easily straps to bag, one quick toss + yank and its ready for use! Thankfully I have not had to use it in an emergency scenario, but my rope team used this a few times where we suspected there was a snow bridge over a crevasse. Having it strapped to the outside of a pack, it is very easily accessible and does not take up much room. Toss it in front of you and give a quick pull on the tension cable and its ready to go in less than 5 seconds. The locking mechanism is still easy to use if you have heavy gloves on, along with the large loop for pulling. Overall, I can' think if any improvements to suggest...would recommend 10/10.

I've happily only used this probe in digging snow pits, but it has been reliable and very simple to use. Pulling the wire loop to deploy it is easy even when wearing mittens or with cold fingers, and the lock mechanism engages automatically and stays put. The only other probes I've used are the BCA ones and while those are fine too, I think I prefer Black Diamond's design for ease of use and simplicity. There are minimal plastic parts and it seems like it will last years. Additionally, it folds up into pretty short segments (about 17") and fits easily in the avy gear compartment of my size x-small women's pack. If you're new to traveling in avy terrain and looking for a solid probe, you can't go wrong with this one.

I've used this probe a handful of times for snow study when digging pits in the backcountry, and it seems like a good product overall. The overall 280cm length came in handy, as the snowpack where I went was nearly that deep where I dug my pit! Pros include the overall build quality - the aluminum segments are stout, and the cable looks well made. The pull handle on the cable is a good design, and the bright green color makes it easy to find in your pack in a hurry. I did find some cons, however: it's heavy overall, at 320g (I also own a 270cm probe that weighs 295g, which is noticeably lighter). The markings on the probe don't seem very durable - some of the numbers rubbed off in a few days use. It also doesn't have depth markings past 230cm (on the green pole segment), even though they could have easily done so. Lastly, I found that in a couple instances, after I had pulled the handle out and the cable was locked into place, I inadvertently pressed the release button, which made the cable slack - but I didn't find out about this until I pulled the probe all the way back out of the snow. Some other probes I've used have two release buttons on opposing sides that have to both be pressed in order to make the cable slack, and I prefer that design by far.

I think everyone should carry a probe when in the backcountry skiing or snowshoeing. An avalanche can sometimes happen when you are least expecting it so please have your probe accessible. I particularly like this probe because although it is so sturdy it is also lightweight. One quick pull on the deployment loop and the Quickdraw Pro 280 Probe is ready for use. I practiced using the probe up in the mountains but also in deep hard- packed snow piles left by snowplows. The probe functioned well in all conditions.

I wasn't sure whether the QuickDraw handle would be more of a gimmick than an actually helpful feature, but after testing it several times during beacon training I'm very happy to have it. It really does make deploying the probe a breeze. Sure, it's a little heavier and bigger than my older probe, but when every second counts I'm totally fine with carrying a few more ounces.

These are easily my favorite probes. They’re super light, durable, and the deployment is unbelievably fast and slick. I love the glove-compatible draw cord. These have quickly replaced my other probes as my go-to backcountry essential.

With an item like this, you want it to be exactly as described -- quick, safe, efficient. It was light, portable, and when I tested it in high alpine snowpack, it worked just as needed. Would 100% recommend