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Avalanche Shovel
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead

This Austrian study from 2008 upset many manufacturers and resulted in some redesigns (Ortovox for example). Just because a shovel looks the part, or is described as a snow shovel, does not mean it will work in the real world.

http://www.voile.com/AvalancheVol86_54-60.pdf

As others have said, unless you are using your shovel just to build kickers, it's primary purpose is to rescue others.
snow conditions
snow conditions
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person

Having extensive experience with both NATO and non-NATO type shovels I think it's horses for courses. There are times when a 'snow specific' type collapsible shovel (A) is great and times when I would want the smaller, heavier versatile NATO type blade (B). If I was planning on a lot of uphill skinning then the weight of B would be a factor. There are lighter weight versions of B so maybe that's a compromise. The issue I have with A is - as pointed out above - they do not work well with mixed media that includes rocks, branches, ice, etc. I have seen A type shovels fail when trying to shift this type of stuff. Also weaker people can struggle with the weight of a full A blade. The 'volume moved issue' raised above for B is easily dealt with - shovel faster. On balance the experts seem to have decided that A wins BUT they are generally big burly professionals intent on reducing weight for off slope highjinks or manufacturers who are trying to sell kit for a chunk of profit (i.e. type A costs a lot less) . So make your own mind up for your destination and your own abilities. Oh - and practice before you have to do the real thing.
snow conditions
snow conditions



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