Whippet

 

Product Description

Want the convenience of a trekking pole with the ability to perform a self arrest? Then the Whippet may be just what you seek. The Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole gives you a bit of extra security when you ski lines where a fall can mean the end of your season—or worse. The ice axe head helps you self arrest if you slip in the no-fall zone or if your buddy drops into a crevasse during a ski-mountaineering trip. Black Diamond's Whippet Pole has become a standard piece of gear for everything from local gnar to Himalayan steeps. *Sold individually.

The redesigned, sleeker Whippet now permanently integrates the pick right into the grip top and the upper shaft for increased comfort and greater collapsibility. Comes stock with our BD Pick Protector.

Features

Durable aluminum lower shaft adjusts easily with the reliable FlickLock adjustment mechanism.

Shaft: Aluminum
Grip: Plastic/Steel
Tip: Carbide
Range: 110-140 cm
Weight: 14 oz.

Initial Review

I originally purchased a Whippet to use during lower glacier travel on Denali. I have since begun to use it during all backcountry boarding descents as opposed to an ice axe. While the Whippet comes as a two-section pole, I purchased a set of Black Diamond Expedition poles and converted it to a three-section pole, with greater adjustability. I have compared the Whippet to the Grivel Condor and prefer the design of the Whippet, although the Condor provides a little more clearance for self-arrest. If you are a boarder the ability to both self-arrest and push yourself along on traverses serves great backcountry utility. One thing to note is that given the handle is a combination of plastic and steel it can lead to a colder hand versus a trekking pole that uses either foam or cork for the handle material. I am completely happy with my Whippet and will continue to use is for nearly all glacier travel and backcountry descents, see here.

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