Pitboss

Skiing magazine:"This one has it all: quick-draw deployment, a flat back for clean test pits, and a pointed blade to chip away hard snow. Gripes: The handle fees short and could benefit from an eight-inch extension. Props: It's hefty enough to move massive amounts of snow, and the curved shaft works well for digging."

Couloir magazine: "With their new Deploy shovels Black Diamond improves on the strength of an asymmetrical cross-section. The shaft is trapezoidal instead of circular or oval and employs a curve to stand stronger under the force of prying or lifting, which is where most shovels fail. The shape of the shaft also aligns the push buttons for fast deployment. The cold-hardened, stamped blade has a flat back for shaping pits and a pointed edge for chipping at harder snow. The Deploy packs down quite small with the handle sliding into the blade. Or, if you would rather have an extendable trapezoidal handle with the pointed blade, check out the Transfer 3 and 7..."

Skiing magazine: "The compact - and damn stylish - Spadetech slips into any pack. But our guiding crew thought the scaled-down shovel lacked the necessary bulk to effectively dig. Gripes:It's too small to unbury any avalanche victim. Props: The durable shaft and blade hold up in low temperatures."

Skiing magazine: "A great digging shovel with an extra-long shaft, the Pitboss was too large to fit into a guide pack, but it sure moves snow. Gripes: The poorly placed quick-release button that holds the blade to the shaft could be accidentally released by shoveling. Not good. Props:The flat blade is great for digging pits."

Couloir magazine: "Life-Link's new Pit Boss shovel features a new blade design, flat for smoother shaping of avalanche pits. Sized to mark Rutschblock widths, the blade also utilizes a new connection with the shaft, replacing the traditional neck of the blade with a longer tube sleeve welded in place for greater strength under pressure."

Skiing magazine:"The Mini Telepro's small D-Grip sits well in the hand, and its ergonomics help compensate for the short shaft. Gripes: The shovel blade is too curved, which makes it tough to plumb a pit wall or execute a descent shovel shear test. Props: Simple, compact design - the shovel fits well in any pack."

Built for backcountry travelers and first responders, these "shovels deploy instantaneously for emergency situations. Utilizing our trapezoidal, curved-shaft design, they provide rotation-free, fast activation with the squeeze of a spring pin. For integrated storage the shaft slides into the metal blade, which is made of exceptionally strong aluminum and designed to move large quantities of snow quickly as well as for creating smooth pit walls. The Deploy 3 incorporates all the features of the Deploy 7 but with a smaller volume blade. The ergonomic handle feels like a D-grip but packs like a T-grip."

"...versatility is the inspiration for the new SpadeTECH shovel. Its lightweight, compact design is easy to stow and quick to use. The TIG welded connector tube, also found on the renowned AviTECH shovel, provides incredible durability. A low angle blade featuring a rounded leading edge is designed to penetrate consolidated snow while the new T-Grip handle provides a solid, ergonomic hold."

"Focused on Pit Shaping with less dish for shaving sides and a 30 cm blade length for exact shovel shear tests. Or, for our big air fans, it is the ideal shape for kicker building. Stronger steep sidewalls, stiffening ribs and our new integrated welded sleeve eliminates the classic weak point of extended neck shovels. Large shovel blade that packs away small due to integrating the usual blade neck into the blade itself."

"Get all the benefits of our professional’s choice Telepro T6 avalanche shovel in a lighter weight and a more compact size with our new Mini Telepro T6 avalanche shovel.  We have reduced the size and the weight of the handle and the scoop without any compromise in strength or digging utility."