A2 with Probe

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

What makes the bomber shovel so strong?

We have designed our shovels to be the lightest and the strongest shovels on the market. Bomber shovels are made of 6061 aluminum alloy which is the same material commonly used in the construction of airplanes and bike frames. The oval shaft design helps disperse the stress forced on the shaft when lifting or moving heavy material. Our oval shafts are strongest along the major axis, in this case being the vertical axis that takes on the majority of the load. The collar of the shovel blade is welded to the back of the blade for continued strength along this load-bearing axis. The blade is constructed for torsional stability through reliefs that enhance the rigidity of the blade. This construction allows our Bomber shovels to have an industry leading strength to weight ratio.

Which BCA packs are compatible with this shovel?

The Float 30, Float 36, Throttle, Squall, Stash OB, Stash BC and Alp 40 packs will fit the Arsenal with Probe. However, in the Throttle, Stash BC and Alp packs the shovel shaft does not fit in the designated snow tool sleeve but will fit in the main storage compartment.

Am I compromising anything from getting a probe and shovel system?

The Arsenal Probe System comes with a full 240cm probe, however this probe is skinnier and less burley than our stand-alone probes. This probe will still perform well in a rescue situation but it is subject to deflect more when striking hard layers of snow in comparison to our standalone probes.

How does the Arsenal Probe System compare to the B-1 System?

There are three main attributes that differentiate the Arsenal Probe System from the B-1 System: size, locking mechanisms, and packability. The Arsenal Shovel System comes with a full 240cm probe (industry standard) and locks with a quick pin system. This longer probe consequently makes the shaft longer than the other BCA shovels and has compatibility issues with some of our smaller and shallower packs, requiring the shaft to be stored in the main compartment rather than the shovel shaft sleeve.