Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon Fiber Probe 230 - 2007

Light... quick to put together... what more do yo want out of a probe? I have been very impressed with this probe. I upgraded from my old aluminum probe to shed some precious ounces and have been pleasantly surprised to find that this probe is not only lighter but more functional. The shorter sections make it possible to fit the broken down probe in my smallest pack without it sticking out. Also this is the quickest probe to put together that I have ever used. The velcro flap on the stuff sack opens much quicker than a drawstring, then just pull the cable tight and the whole thing snaps together. Very impressive.

2 things impressed me: 1. The grab loop is rubberized and mitten friendly. 2. the top section of probe has skate board tape on it making it more mitten friendly for fast assembly. Just tug and go.
THERE ARE NO SCREWS TO FUMBLE WITH.
I would give it a five if I could hear the fastener click into place when it's built.

Luckily, I haven't had to use the probe for what it was intended, but I will say that after testing it, I'm impressed with its functionallity, user-friendly design, and most of all, weight. I just spent a week in Brittish Columbia with it and was happy to have such a simple, light setup.

Quick deployment and great construction. The newer smaller sectioned probes are great for putting in those smaller more accessible pockets in your pack (each section measures 15.5"). Have been using this for about a year both side country and AT... no durability issues yet.

Very nice probe, solid and beefy to probe dense debris, and very fast to open when adjusted right; however if the snap is out of adjustment it can be a pain to figure out why it will not snap and the biggest beef I have with this probe is that the plastic coating on the cable is quick to come off in the area where the cable comes through the snap. Mine separated after only about ten uses. Could have used a kevlar cord would have been my only improvement.

Very quick to put together -- just toss and pull until the final piece snaps into place. Doesn't rely on any plastic parts to hold the probe together + coated wire, unlike other brands. Stiffer but lighter than aluminum probes. Nice stuff sack with a Velcro flap, instead of the usual draw-string bag, so you can get your probe out quicker. Have yet to test in the field.

I've only had it for a few months now and haven't needed to use the probe in the field, but I only have good things to say so far. The probe is nice and light, easy and quick to assemble, and fits nicely on my pack. So far, so good. I'll add more if I ever have a complaint.

The carbon fiber makes the QuickDraw probe nice and light. I like the relatively short sections which will fit in my smaller pack for my quick slack country trips. The probe is nice and stiff, though I have used it only in a beacon park and not actual debris. Black Diamond makes thoughtfully desinged and durable products, and I highly recommend this probe.