#8 on this list
Whippet
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Whippet is a specialized self-arrest pole engineered for ski mountaineers, steep-line skiers, and backcountry travelers navigating high-consequence alpine terrain. Combining a standard ski pole with a forged stainless steel pick integrated directly into the grip handle, the Whippet serves as a vital safety tool on firm, steep snowpack where a fall could lead to an uncontrolled slide. The current generation of the Whippet features an innovative removable pick system. Using an indexed click-in mechanism, you can attach the sharp alpine pick for exposed ascents and no-fall descents, then quickly detach it to convert the pole into a standard touring pole for gentler terrain. Constructed with an aluminum upper and carbon lower shaft, the pole maintains high stiffness and reliability, locking down securely via Black Diamond's proven FlickLock Pro cam system. The Whippet is definitely not an everyday resort pole. Carrying a sharp steel blade on your handle requires constant caution, disciplined technique, and self-arrest practice to avoid injuring yourself during an ordinary fall. It is also sold individually rather than in pairs by many retailers, and commands a premium price. But for alpine adventurers entering steep couloirs and icy ridge traverses, it provides irreplaceable peace of mind. **Highlights** - Forged stainless steel pick provides self-arrest capability on steep snow - Removable pick mechanism allows conversion to a standard touring grip - Robust FlickLock Pro metal adjustment clamp for dependable lockup - Hybrid aluminum and carbon shaft balances strength with low swing weight - Includes 3/4 powder basket designed to clear crusty snowpack **Watch-outs** - Requires strict self-arrest training and careful handling to prevent self-injury - Significantly heavier and more awkward than standard touring grips with pick attached - Higher cost, frequently sold as a single unit rather than a pair
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#9 on this list
Crows Furtis
Black
The Black Crows Furtis is an uncompromising fixed-length freeride pole engineered for skiers who demand a blend of lightweight feel, exceptional stiffness, and robust impact resistance. Renowned for its distinctive, bold graphic styling, the Furtis uses a massive 22-millimeter diameter 100% composite carbon shaft that provides immense structural rigidity without the hefty swing weight typical of thick aluminum tubes. Clocking in at roughly 1 pound 1.6 ounces per pair, the Furtis excels in big-mountain environments. The carbon shaft does an outstanding job dampening vibrations when charging through crud, wind-buff, and tracked powder, saving fatigue in your wrists and forearms. Despite being made of composite material, the extra-wide tube diameter gives it far greater resistance to shattering or breaking than standard thin-walled carbon poles. The pole features an extra-long foam grip sleeve that lets skiers adjust their hand placement when climbing brief bootpacks or traversing steep ridgelines, paired with flexible articulated powder baskets. Its major limitation is the price: approaching $200 for a fixed-length pole is a major investment. Furthermore, it cannot collapse for splitboarding or tight packing. But for dedicated big-mountain freeriders who value raw stiffness and low swing weight, the Furtis is top-tier. **Highlights** - Oversized 22mm carbon composite shaft delivers incredible stiffness - Natural composite damping absorbs chatter in rough, choppy snow - Long foam choke-up sleeve provides multiple hand positions - Flexible, high-surface-area articulating powder baskets - Low swing weight paired with robust big-mountain durability **Watch-outs** - Premium price point for a fixed-length design - Non-collapsible profile makes travel and pack stowage inconvenient - Large shaft diameter can feel unusual for skiers used to slim poles
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Whippet | Crows Furtis |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Material | Aluminum upper, carbon fiber lower | 100% composite carbon |
| Pick Material | Forged stainless steel | — |
| Locking Mechanism | FlickLock Pro metal cam | — |
| Pick System | Removable indexed click-in design | — |
| Basket Style | 3/4 notched powder basket | — |
| Packaging | Frequently sold as an individual pole | — |
| Shaft Diameter | — | 22 mm |
| Weight Per Pair | — | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. (499 g) |
| Pole Design | — | Fixed length |
| Grip Style | — | Extended foam choke-up sleeve |
| Basket Type | — | Articulated powder basket |
| MSRP | — | Approximately $200 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Whippet
- Modular pick system converts cleanly into a standard touring grip
- Forged stainless steel pick delivers reliable self-arrest in hard snow
- Stiff hybrid aluminum and carbon shaft provides solid lateral support
- FlickLock Pro cam lever locks securely across freezing temperatures
- Carrying an exposed pick introduces significant self-puncture risks
- Noticeably top-heavy swing weight when the pick is attached
- Typically sold individually, making a full set expensive
Crows Furtis
- Exceptional stiffness and stability from the oversized 22mm carbon shaft
- Composite construction absorbs vibrations in rough, choppy snow conditions
- Extended foam grip allows fast hand adjustments on steep sidehills
- Noticeably low swing weight despite heavy-duty downhill build
- Fixed-length design cannot collapse for travel or pack storage
- Expensive investment near $200 for a non-adjustable pole
- Thick 22mm diameter may feel unwieldy for skiers with small hands
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.