BCA Stealth 330cm Aluminum

The Stealth 330 is BCA's longest probe, built for snow safety professionals and anyone traveling in the deepest snowpacks. At 330 cm it gives you the most reach in the Stealth lineup, and it still folds into a compact 47 cm bundle. Dual-sized depth markings are laser-etched so they stay readable season after season, and the Stealth Quick-Lock hardware keeps the cable from whipping around while you probe. It's certified to the UIAA standard for avalanche probes.

SPECS

• Certified to the UIAA standard for avalanche probes
• Pro-level aluminum construction
• Laser-etched, dual-sized depth markings
• Stealth Quick-Lock hardware
• Collapsible, nesting bundle
• Extended length: 330 cm (130 in)
• Collapsed length: 47 cm (18.5 in)
• Diameter: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
• Weight: 390 g (13.8 oz)
• 3-year limited warranty

BUYERS' GUIDE

Check your pack before you order. The 330 is the one Stealth probe that doesn't fit inside all BCA Float and Stash packs, while the shorter lengths up to 300 cm do. If you carry a BCA pack, make sure it will hold this one, or consider the Stealth 300 instead.

The extra length makes sense for guides, patrollers, and riders working in the deepest snowpacks, where a longer probe can be the difference in a deep burial. For most recreational touring, a shorter probe is easier to pack and handle, so don't buy the longest one just because it's the longest. Whatever length you choose, practice deploying it with cold hands, and carry it with a beacon and shovel you know how to use.

• Material - The stronger (and heavier!) the material, the more effective it will be at probing. The lighter the probe, the more expensive it gets. Carbon is the lightest (and most expensive), Aluminum is stronger and cheaper, but heavier, Steel is heavy and expensive, but the best at the job.
• Length - You'll see probes ranging from 200cm-320cm. We don't sell anything less than 240. Successful extractions have been done up to 3m. Keep in mind you'll need to hold on to the probe as you enter the snow. Longer probes mean more ferrules, so count on them being a bit heavier (but not much) and having more mass.
• Assembly - How quick can you get it together and secured (like really secured!) into place? Practice will help, but make sure it's got an easy lock.