Gear Review
Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole
Don't leave home without them.
By Andrew McLean
Ranked #15 - Telemark Skiing
February 7, 2008
I've been skiing with Whippets since they first came out - actually, even before they came out as I designed them for BD many years ago (no, I don't get commissions or royalties on them!). I love using them because they are always there and you never know when you are going to have a small slip which could turn into a big slide. With Whippets, you can instantly plug them into the snow to stop a fall, or at least get your feet back underneath you. I use them as a pair - one in each hand. Another nice aspect of Whippets, especially for ski mountaineering is that they work well for ascending - I'm constantly using them in 4wd mode when booting up a chute and they greatly enhance your traction.
View Details: Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole
Helpful Votes: 11 Yes
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: August 1, 2011 By: Andrew McLean
Hi Nick - I've heard that concern from many people, but have never personally impaled myself with them or know of anyone who has. After a while you just get used to them. I ski with them 90% of the time and the only occasions I don't are when I'm going for a long, mellow tour or resort skiing.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
They sound awesome for a lot of sticky situations, but what about just plain old skiing? Do you take along regular non-ax top-sections for just ripping down big faces or for mellow tree sections? I have put a pole or two into my face over the years and the thought of a whippet to the noggin seems ugly.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes