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Shovel Information

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Owner's Manual

Why Aluminum?
Most avalanche professionals agree that aluminum shovels are far superior to plastic shovels for avalanche rescue because aluminum cuts better, digs faster and is less likely to break.

When does a strong, light shovel matter most? When it’s your partner’s shovel…and you’re the one praying to be found.

Strategic Shoveling
Shoveling might sound elementary but it's the next frontier in decreasing avalanche rescue times. Shoveling takes the majority of time in avalanche rescue. For information on how to organize and excavate efficiently, download this handout.

The excavation process is the true crux of every avalanche rescue. Time lost or gained can directly determine life versus death. At BCA, we have developed both the technology and the training necessary to get the job done better. Based on a foundation of bombproof aluminum and a rigid oval shaft, we’ve created the most efficient human powered digging device known to man. Our off–the–charts strength–to–weight ratio ensures you waste no valuable seconds when a life is a stake.

Traverse™ EXT Shovel

Our stand-alone, strong & light extendable shovel.

Super-strong oval shaft
T-grip
Extendable only
6061-series aluminum blade with oval ferrule
Collapsed length: 24 inches/60 cm
Extended length: 31 inches/78 cm
Blade dimensions: 9x10 inches/23x25.5 cm
Weight: 20 ounces/567 grams

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Tour™ Shovel

Our lightest, most compact shovel.

Super-strong oval shaft with T-grip
Fixed-length
6061-series aluminum blade with oval ferrule
Blade dimensions: 9x10 inches/23x25.5 cm
Length: 25 inches/63 cm
Weight: 16 ounces/454 grams

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Tour™ Shovel Systems

Tour Assembly

Tour Shaft and Probe

The lightest, most compact shovel/probe combination.

Super-strong oval shaft with T-grip
Fixed-length or extendable length variations
6061-series aluminum blade with oval ferrule
Blade dimensions: 9x10 inches/23x25.5 cm
Stowable probe: 6 feet/180 cm, 5 ounces/142 grams

Fixed-length shovel:

Length: 25 inches/63 cm
Weight: 16 ounces/454 grams

Extendable-length shovel:

Collapsed length: 28.5 inches/72 cm
Extended length: 34.5 inches/88 cm
Weight: 23 ounces/652 grams

Arsenal Shovel/Saw Systems

The Arsenal saw system includes a 35cm snow/wood saw that is stowed inside the shovel grip. Once the saw is deployed, the shovel is still fully assembled and functional. Available in four versions, both fixed–length and extendable.

Super–strong oval shaft with T–grip
6061–series aluminum shovel blade with oval ferrule

fixed length with Tour blade

Blade dimensions: 9x10 inches/23x25.5 cm
Length: 28.75 inches/73 cm
Weight: 27 ounces/765 grams

extendable with Tour blade

Blade dimensions: 9x10 inches/23x25.5 cm
Collapsed length: 27.5 inches/70 cm
Extended length: 37.5 inches/95 cm
Weight: 28 ounces/793 grams

fixed length with Companion blade

Blade dimensions: 10x10.75 inches/25x28 cm
Length: 29.5 inches/75 cm
Weight: 30 ounces/850 grams

extendable with Companion blade

Blade dimensions: 9x10 inches/23x25.5 cm
Collapsed length: 28.5 inches/72 cm
Extended length: 37.75 inches/96 cm
Weight: 31 ounces/878 grams

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Arsenal Shovel/Probe Systems

The Arsenal probe system includes a full–length 240cm probe that is stowed inside the shovel grip. The probe can be instantly deployed from the shaft. Once the probe is deployed, the shovel is still fully functional: the shaft does not have to be removed from the blade and the grip is still intact. Available in two fixed–length versions.