Tools for Ski Mountaineering

By Andrew McLean Ranked #3 - Telemark Skiing May 7, 2009

Having designed these baskets many years ago, I'm obviously biased, but I really like them. (And no, I don't get any royalties on them.) Where the asymmetry aspect really shines in when you are booting up a steep couloir, doing a long traversing ascent or our on a day of firm snow, like corn skiing. The asymmetry allows the tip of the pole to contact the snow first (instead of the edge of the basket), so that the pole has less tendency to "skate" when initial pressure is applied. The little teeth on the top/bottom help with grip and/or for pushing on things like heel lifters.

These baskets are much more ski mountaineering oriented rather than deep powder baskets. Powder baskets work well in powder, but in other conditions, they are just extra weight and skate like a banshee on roller blades.

View Details: Black Diamond 3/4 Baskets

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