Probe 240 Short

The Mammut Probe 240 Short is an aluminium avalanche probe that folds down to only 38 cm, short enough to disappear into a slim ski mountaineering pack, and extends to a full 240 cm when you need it. A telescopic lock and ergonomic handle make it fast to put together with gloves on.

Who it's for

Skiers and ski mountaineers who travel light with small packs, from dawn laps on the Main Range to touring in New Zealand and Japan. It comes in three colourways, Vibrant Orange, Golden and Dragon Fruit, so each person in a group can tell their own probe apart. Everyone in the party carries a probe alongside their transceiver and shovel.

How it performs in a search

A 12.75 mm aluminium shaft gives a stable 240 cm of reach, and the drop-shaped tip is made to cut through avalanche debris without wasting effort. Mammut gives it one-sided probe scaling, so you can read off how far down a strike is.

Using it under pressure

The telescopic locking system is suitable for use with gloves: Mammut says the glove-friendly, high-tensile telescopic lock and ergonomic handle lock the probe into place quickly and reliably. The probe comes in a cover with an integrated emergency plan.

Certification and standards

The Probe 240 Short meets UIAA standard 157 for avalanche rescue probes.

Maintenance and checks

Assemble the probe fully before each season and each tour: it should lock firmly and stand straight. Check the cord for fraying and the segments for dents, and let it dry out of its cover before storing it.