Life-Link Alpine Extreme Composite Probe Poles - 2004 BCS

These poles are great for everything they claim except as avalanche probes. If you are serious about finding someone in an avalanche you should buy a separate retractable avalanche probe. Other wise these are the best poles made. I have been skiing them for 10 or more years. The releasable straps are critical for the tight tree skiing I do (saving many a shoulder injury.) The break off tips are easy to replace as are the baskets. The minor adjustment in height is nice but not often used and the light weight is superb. I finally broke one in a major yard sale after jumping into a hole below a rock face.

I've had mine for about 6 years, although mine are 2 piece with more adjustment that these. Sweet! The swing weight is perfect with the resort baskets, a little off with the powder baskets, but still nice. My wife and nephew have a set and they love them too. I also still have a set of the old aluminum LL avalanche, decent but nothing like the composites. When switching baskets, make sure that basket is snapped in all the way before you take off, or you'll lose one like I did.

I love these poles, BUT don't use them to manipulate Naxo or Fritschi bindings! I used my poles for alpine resort skiing for a whole season. The ability to change baskets is cool and there is security in having a probe even when inbounds and fringe skiing. Then, I made the mistake of taking them out while using Naxos. I used a pole to unlock the binding to freeheel mode and POP went the pole tip. The shaft enters the plastic ferrule/tip and it broke at the end of the shaft. There is about 1.5 inches of the plastic ferrule that is not protected by the shaft inside. I saw it happen and was able to save the piece and re-attach it with a metal insert and epoxy. Unfortunatly, the weak spot in the pole is exactly where you put the leverage pressure to lock, unlock, or adjust the height of the heel of the bindings. Back to the aluminum poles for the backcountry.

These poles are feather light and swing beautifully. I expected a little more vibration-damping from the composite but they are quite stiff. They are strong and functional, the probe is quick to set up if you ever need it.

Best poles I've used. They swing well and you get a perfectly customized length with the 2 inches of adjustment. They weigh next to nothing but are plenty sturdy. The baskets are huge and provide pretty good "stay on top" ability. The grips are really nice because of their contour and grippy material. The removable pole straps adjust a generous amount and really do remove when you bite it or catch them. Overall, I'd buy them again.

These are sweet ski poles. They're lightweight and balanced. Easy to plant with a mere flick of your wrist. To make a probe out of them, you just stomp on one of the baskets and yank it off. Then flip a lever under the grip and yank the grips off & join them together at the grip end. I've had a pair for a few years now (they've changed very little). I haven't had any problems. Very durable.