Quickdraw Carbon Probe 240

The Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon Probe 240 is a 240 cm avalanche probe with 100% carbon tubing that is lighter and stiffer than aluminum. It weighs about 248 g, collapses to 40 cm, and uses a Kevlar cord instead of a traditional stainless-steel cable.

The trade-off with a 240 cm probe is reach. It is lighter and more compact than a 300 cm probe, which makes it a great fit for ski tourers who count every gram, but it is shorter for deep burials.

It is for ski tourers, splitboarders and ski mountaineers who want a light, fast-deploying probe. CordLock technology with a wire gate deploys it quickly, and high-contrast markings at 30, 90 and 200 cm help you read depth and run stability tests. A robust aluminum tip penetrates hard-packed snow.

Graphics distinguish the top and bottom segments, and it stows without a stuff sack, though a storage bag is included.

We think it is a great probe for long tours where weight matters, and every pack heading into the Notch should carry one.