Ortovox Probe Alu 240 Light snow probe finder
Best lightweight probe for backcountry skiers prioritizing speed and rescue reliability.
The Ortovox Probe 240 Light avalanche probe is an essential piece of emergency equipment for anyone venturing into avalanche-prone terrain. It's designed to quickly locate buried victims, accurately determining their position and depth. The probe's ability to lock in place provides a crucial guideline for excavation, significantly speeding up rescue efforts. Studies show that rescues without a probe take twice as long, making it nearly impossible to save a life within the critical first 15 minutes. This probe is praised for its quick assembly, stability, and resistance to bending during probing, ensuring precise results. Its 2.40-meter length, marked in centimeters, is ideal for reading burial depth and assessing snow profiles, covering the average burial depth in an avalanche. The tensioning cable at the probe's head allows for immediate extension and retraction. It's a great product for ensuring safety in the backcountry.
$43.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
30
/ 73
#30 in Avalanche Probes
Price vs Category Average
-79%
Below average
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Ortovox
/ Ortovox
Who it's for
- Backcountry tourers prioritizing minimal pack weight on long ascents
- Rescuers needing immediate, reliable deployment during high-stress emergencies
- Safety-conscious skiers requiring precise depth measurements for efficient excavation
Who should skip it
- Mountaineers probing hard, icy debris in challenging conditions
- Skiers traversing regions with exceptionally deep, high-risk snowpacks
- Users wearing thick, bulky gloves needing a substantial grip
Performance breakdown
Deployment speed
Tensioning cable system allows for near-instant assembly in high-stress scenarios.
Structural rigidity
Aluminum construction resists bending effectively when probing through dense avalanche debris.
Depth readability
Clear centimeter markings make depth assessment intuitive and precise during rescue.
Weight efficiency
Lightweight profile minimizes pack burden without sacrificing necessary probe strength.
Locking mechanism
Secure locking system ensures the probe stays rigid during critical excavation.
Reach capability
Standard 2.4-meter length covers the vast majority of typical burial depths.
Key Specs
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Ortovox
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Grey/Orange
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235 g
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Aluminium
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7
Know before you buy
A 240cm length is the industry standard because it covers the average burial depth of avalanche victims while remaining lightweight and packable. It provides enough reach for most snowpacks without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.
The probe features a tensioning cable at the head that allows you to snap the segments into place instantly. By pulling the handle, the probe locks rigidly, ensuring it is ready for use in seconds when every moment counts.
Yes, the centimeter markings are essential for assessing snow profiles. They allow you to accurately measure snowpack layers and depth, which is a critical part of evaluating avalanche risk before you even start your tour.
Yes, the aluminum construction is designed for high stability and resistance to bending. This rigidity is crucial for probing through dense, compacted avalanche debris where a less durable probe might deflect or fail.
After use in the snow, you should fully extend the probe and let it dry completely before folding it back up. This prevents moisture from being trapped in the segments and ensures the tensioning cable remains in good condition.
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