: ca. 1992 Black Diamond adjustable probe ski poles.

: Or any Black Diamond probe pole with a nylon threaded stud on which the
: expander nuts are attached.

: The nylon stud on these poles can fail unexpectedly causing a sudden and
: unexpected structural failure of the pole. Since this structural failure
: can cause personal injury due to a fall, you are urged to discontinue use
: of any telescoping pole with a nylon threaded stud.

: Furthermore, a failure of the nylon hardware may make it impossible for
: the poles to be assembled as an avalanche probe as they are designed. This
: may make it impossible to locate a deeply buried victim.

: I have addressed this problem with Aimee Barnes at Black Diamond,
: 801-278-5552 extension 344. They don't seem to want to admit that there is
: a problem, but somebody's gonna get hurt as long as these poles are out
: there.

: Any info on how to encourage them to recall these poles would be appreciated.

Probe poles are a panacea anyway. Get and carry a good, easily assembled
probe. It's longer, it's a uniform diameter and it's smooth. These
features mean it will go together quickly when you are cold and
panicking, it's long enough to possible discover the buried person, it
will slide down into the compacted snow (that's the uniform dia/smooth
stuff). One with a steel cable inside goes together quickly. Avoid the
screw together ones unless you are a follow up team from a ski patrol/mtn
rescue and you have a lot of these on inventory. They're ok for that and
body recovery. As far as telescopic poles go, rough up the expander with
some emery cloth or sand paper and make sure there's no grease in there.
They work fine as poles. The only time I'm leaning THAT heavily on them
is when accending and if it slips then I don't think I'll get hurt.
Thanks for the warning though. TTFN, John

Calgary, AB