Black Diamond

Whippet Ski Pole

Neat, but It's literally one ski pole

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Weight:

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This is my bad for not reading carefully, but I returned this. For $120, a single ski pole is NOT what I wanted. Don't make my mistake.

Early season snow test

My first outing with the whippet, found me on variable autumn conditions in the Cascades. I used it from the car, gaining 3000 feet from thin crust to deep powder over a breakable crust. The point penetrated reliably on all surfaces. Are used both the hand grip with strap and grasped the top of the pic, ala ice axe grip. all these positions were comfortable with both hands. Because of the changing snow depth, I tend to lengthen the pole as I climbed into deeper snow, and the adjustments were quick and easy. there was a thin layer of ice on the upper boulder fields in the pole was more secure and reliable than the edges of my skis. I only bought one pole because I intend to hold an Ice axe in my other hand, when the terrain warrants that. maybe I should just have bought a second whippet. Hmm?

Updates look good

I’ve had an earlier model of whippet for ten years or so; it wore out this spring so it was time to try the new one. The removable pick works great; no more leg stabbing down in the trees after the big exposed line. The ability to remove it will be great for multi day outings where it’s not needed all the time. Also, having the shorter collapsed length will be nice for summer outings where it rides on the pack for extended periods. Looks like a solid upgrade to a useful tool.

Whippet

The whippet is light weight and easy to extend. I wanted to try it out for the 90 degree palm hold. It ended up exactly how I wanted it. The ice axe is a nice addition.

Excellent for this years summer snow

Practiced self arrests in Desolation Wilderness with the whippet and it didn’t disappoint Highly Recommend with Sierras huge snow fields now. Paired with my BD spikes I felt more confident about falling on the sloped snow fields.

Way better than the old version!

I had a whippet about 5 years ago when the pick was fixed to the ski pole, always worked well, but always had a slight panic attack when skiing with them.. to be able to remove the pick when skiing is a game changer!

Perfect poles for touring

These are the Perfect poles for ski touring. The whippet is great for self arresting if things get spicy.

Sick

Perfect tool for when you want just that little bit of extra security but don’t want a whole ice axe

the screw down mechanism is

the screw down mechanism is solid and dependable. Love that I can put the ice axe attachment in my knapsack when not needed

Only thing I wish is

Only thing I wish is that this came with the second pole.