Not so quick of a Deploy

By cpe2534606 Ranked #964 - Avalanche Safety January 12, 2009

I loved the concept of a quick-deploying shovel -- imagining myself in an avalanche scenario and not having to stumble to get things together. The problem is that Black Diamond went and put a spring-loaded pin in the upper-handle which locks the blade in the 'compressed' position. To 'deploy' the shovel you have to pinch this button and than with a little bit of wiggling pull/extend the unit. The whole thought of putting the upper pin seems to go directly against the quickness - especially if you're wearing mittens as I do.

Also, as some others have mentioned: there is a considerable amount of play in the shovel. The lower spring-loaded pin is what keeps things secure, but it could do for a second to eliminate the wiggle all together. I'm going to see if I can relocate the upper pin beside the lower thus solving both problems in one solution.

View Details: Black Diamond Deploy 7 Shovel

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