[pct-l] ice axe vs pole self arresting

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Ok. Let's get this straight

A self-arrest pole is always in-hand, so, therefore, it is always there for 
you when you fall. On average slopes it is certainly adequate to stop a fall 
on crusty snow as long as it is used correctly in skilled hands. It can not 
help you when you want to self-belay, so if you want to go straight up a 
climb, then you'll need an

Ice axe: which is the tool of choice for all those steep ascents and 
glissading descents, whether you're traversing with the axe in the uphill 
hand as a plunged anchor while you kick steps or in both hands self-belaying 
straight up or as a rudder while in a seated glissade.

Swap out the whippet for the axe when times get steep or uncertain.


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net>
To: "Gary Swing" <homelessontherange at yahoo.com>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 1:23 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] ice axe vs pole self arresting


>
>
> Mtn Ned uses and endorses the Whippet for dual purposes. Most hikers use 
> full ice axe instead.
>
>
>
> Mango
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Gary Swing" <homelessontherange at yahoo.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 12:48:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] ice axe vs pole self arresting
>
> My employer is getting me a Black Diamond Whippet self-arrest pole with an 
> ice axe head as a PCT departure gift. See: 
> http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-whippet-self-arrest-ski-pole
>
> I haven't used one of these before, but I thought it might be a reasonable 
> piece of "dual use" gear in California to have an ice axe/ski pole. I 
> would switch it out for a regular trekking pole after the Sierra Nevadas.
>
> I saw a product review that said "Whippet Real Good." I also looked up the 
> Devo music video, but I didn't see the self arrest pole in Devo's video.
>
> Cheers,
>
> "Half Fast"
>
> --- On Wed, 4/20/11, Brian Miracle <bmiracle2 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> From: Brian Miracle <bmiracle2 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] ice axe vs pole self arresting
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 9:30 AM
>
>
> I just wanted some opinions on this. I found a mountaineering book online
> that argues for the case that poles are better for self arresting and
> general mountain travel if the proper technique is used. It also has
> pictures of the different techniques as well
>
> http://books.google.com/books?id=3hgJ0gvwIIIC&pg=PA192&lpg=PA192&dq=self+arrest++trekking+pole&source=bl&ots=xMXqWPl4Qq&sig=3K3b_19NBJQdIi5TsACGdpIVolk&hl=en&ei=j_euTdDbCIrksQOZ5ZWSAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CFQQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=self%20arrest%20%20trekking%20pole&f=false
>
> check it out and it talks of this around pg 200.
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