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Black Diamond Transfer Shovel

Snow Sports > Avalanche GearRated: **** by 16 reviews.

Berg's Ski Shop

Optimizing extended shaft length for increased comfort and efficiency, the Transfer shovels are ideal for backcountry travelers who dig pits regularly for snowpack analysis. The removable, trapezoidal shafts extend to 86 cm (34 in) on the Transfer 7 and 84 cm (33 in) on the Transfer 3. Our unique hybrid D and T handle is friendly to both mitts and gloves. The lightweight aluminum blades move massive amounts of snow and generate clean cuts for efficient snowpit construction.
For the demands of mountain professionals and serious backcountry skiers, the ultra-strong aluminum blade of the Transfer shovel facilitates maximum snow removal in the smallest footprint of space. Lightweight yet strong, these shovels are optimized for extended shaft length'³the Transfer'­s removable trapezoidal shafts extend to 86 cm (34 in) on the Transfer 7 and 84 cm (33 in) on the Transfer 3. The strong, ergonomic handle is friendly to both mitts and gloves; it provides the benefits of T-and D-shaped handles in a low-profile, packable design. The blades generate clean cuts for efficient snowpit construction.
Features
  • WEIGHTS: 650 g (1 lb 7 oz) Transfer 3 770 g (1 lb 11 oz) Transfer 7
  • BLADE VOLUMES: 1.14 L (0.3 gal) Transfer 3 2.65 L (0.7 gal) Transfer 7

REI

Providing maximum snow-moving power with rapid deployment, the Black Diamond® Transfer shovel has a stiff reach for deep pits.

  • Unique patent-pending trapezoidal bent shaft offers maximum extension through two-piece shaft design, enhancing both reach and strength
  • Shaft deploys quickly via a quick squeeze of spring pins; shaft shape prevents rotation for positive engagement of spring pins every time
  • Ergonomic T-grip handle feels like a D-grip but packs small and is glove- and mitten-friendly
  • Sturdy anodized 6000-series aluminum blade in a smooth and flat shape carves quickly through snow during recovery and cuts clean during pit analysis
  • Pointed blade enables more effective chopping and flat sides help in smoothing pit walls; anchor holes through blade allow use as a dead man anchor

TahoeMountainSports.com

The Black Diamond Transfer shovels offer the greatest bang for your buck
A traditional extendable shovel at a super light weight and a great price, the Transfer will keep you safe and compact in the backcountry
Lightweight yet strong, these shovels are optimized for extended shaft length
The Transfer's removable trapezoidal shafts extend to 84 cm (33 in) on the Transfer 3
The strong, ergonomic handle is friendly to both mitts and gloves; it provides the benefits of T-and D-shaped handles in a low-profile, packable design
The blades generate clean cuts for efficient snowpit construction


Oregon Mountain Community

Optimizing extended shaft length for increased comfort and efficiency, the Black Diamond Transfer Shovels are ideal for backcountry travelers who dig pits regularly for snowpack analysis. The removable, trapezoidal shafts extend to 84 cm (33 in) on the Transfer 3. Our unique hybrid D and T handle is friendly to both mitts and gloves. The lightweight aluminum blades move massive amounts of snow and generate clean cuts for efficient snowpit construction (pictured with the larger Transfer 7 for comparison).


Mountain Gear

Dig ditches with ease when you've got the Transfer Shovel from Black Diamond. With an ultra-strong aluminum blade and trapezoidal handle that eliminates rotation, digging out a deep pit has never been easier. f09 avy

Features:

  • Digs smooth, clean, walls for pit analysis
  • The glove-friendly handle is small for easy packing, yet gives you plenty of leverage
  • The sturdy aluminum blade is designed for maximum snow removal with a minimal amount of surface space

Backcountry.com

The Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel combines a small size, low weight, and idiot-proof design for demanding backcountry fanatics. What sets the Transfer 3 apart from other avalanche shovels is its trapezoidal shaft. This Black Diamond shovel's shape ensures no rotation during setup, so it goes together fast and easy. In addition, the low 1lb 7oz weight puts a smile on the faces of alpine climbers and backcountry skiers alike.


Skis.com (2010)

The Transfer 3 Shovel is an essential accessory for safety on the mountains. When you are out trekking through the snow, having a Black Diamond shovel comes in handy. The Transfer 3 shovel has a removable trapezoidal shaft and a hybrid D/T handle. This snow safety shovel has an optimized extended shaft for snow professionals and others working to shovel out deep pits.

This description was also provided by: SummitOnline.com (2010)


USOutdoor.com

Solid, due to it's unique design features; Light, 1lb 7oz; Simple, non-round handle shape. Brilliant.

Features:

  • Locking BladeQlb 7oz
  • T-Handle

Moosejaw

No description provided.

Blade Material:6000 Series aluminum
Blade size:28 x 21cm / 11 x 8.25 in.
Blade volume:1.14 L (3); 2.65 L (7)
Extended length:86cm / 34 in.
Length Attached:32.7in
Length Detached (Handle):16.3in
Packed length:66cm / 26 in.
Recommended Use:Avalanche safety
Shaft Material:6000 Series aluminum
Telescoping:Yes
Transfer 3:Midnight, 1.14L Blade Volume, 650 grams (1 lb. 7 oz.)
Warranty:1 Year
Weight:1 lb 7 oz (3); 1 lb 11 oz (7)

View other products from Black Diamond classified in Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear.

View all products from Black Diamond.
View other products classified in Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel 0809Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel 0809$44.95
Black Diamond Transfer 7 ShovelBlack Diamond Transfer 7 Shovel$37.95 - $59.95

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Black Diamond Quickdraw Super Tour Probe 265Black Diamond Quickdraw Super Tour Probe 265
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$37.95 - $49.95
Ortovox S1Ortovox S1
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$499.00 - $529.95
Life-Link SlopemeterLife-Link Slopemeter
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$23.50 - $24.95
Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche TransceiverBackcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver
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$289.00 - $289.95

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

SizeColor
BlueMidnightN/A
3  44.95
7  49.9549.95
N/A44.9544.9544.95 

Legend

  •     - SummitOnline.com (2010)
  •     - Skis.com (2010)
  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - REI
  •     - Mountain Gear

Notes:

Backcountry.com offers this product at $35.96, but does not provide any color/size information.

Oregon Mountain Community offers this product at $44.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Berg's Ski Shop offers this product at $44.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

USOutdoor.com offers this product at $44.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

TahoeMountainSports.com offers this product at $49.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Black Diamond Transfer Shovel Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****9
****3
***2
**2
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Snow Avalanche Gear Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

Marine Snowpack Shovel

Rating:*****

I do almost all of my skiing in the Sierra or Cascades, only rarely venturing into the central (drier) US.

The Transfer 3's shovel blade was made for heavy wet snow, in my opinion. It is a great size for chewing through snow to dig pits, caves, or the unmentionable. I've dug through hardened debris, but never in actual anger, and it has worked great for me. Why? Because I can't overload the blade as easily as I can with my girlfriend's Voile big-shovel (size of the transfer 7). If you have the intelligence not to fill up a blade with heavy snow, or you live in light fluffy snow land, go for the 7 or a bigger blade. If you live in a coastal region or are an over-eager shoveler, go for this one. Your back will thank you.

Sam Reese at Backcountry.com on 02/11/2009

Gets the Job Done

Rating:****

This is a great shovel and packs nicely. The extendable shaft is a nice feature, and the shovel is light enough that it doesn't add too much weight. I felt it could be bigger, especially when digging snow pits to set up camp, but also wouldn't want to carry something much larger for the day. Need to make sure to pack both parts of the shovel in the same place in your pack in case of emergency (may not have time to fish around for the handle!)

I bought this with one of the BD probes in a package, which made it really affordable.

Highly recommended though this is the first shovel I've ever bought.

yaheweha at Backcountry.com on 05/22/2009

Quality

Rating:*****
This shovel is perfect if you want to use it for more than just that one emergency in the backcountry. I was very satisfied with how well it dug out my car, and wasn't worried about the weight in caryrying it up the mountain. Even when the handle is fully extended this is a solid well built mover of snow.
mountainfun at REI on 09/15/2007

Sturdy Blade

Rating:****

This shovel has a sturdy build and is light for the strength of this shovel. I like the handle, although the shaft of the handle has an odd shape it works ok, but I would not want it shaped like this on a big scoop shovel...seems okay on this size though.

Pete Stone at Backcountry.com on 11/10/2008

Great Shovel!

Rating:*****
Bought this as a "just in case" for casual snowshoeing. Ended up using it to save my bacon when my truck got stuck. This thing worked great and saved the day. Breaks down easily into my daypack but was easy to deploy and use.
Kipper at REI on 01/06/2008

Great Shovel

Rating:*****

Small enough that it doesn't take up much room in your pack and sturdy enough to dig you out. The extendable handle gives you more power and makes it much more comfortable to use

Daniel OConnell at Backcountry.com on 01/26/2009

Great Shovel

Rating:*****

I used this shovel when hiking Tuckermans Ravine, it was a great first shovel for me, it does the job, very small, lightweight, and easy and quick to assemble. Great for the money

Brian Muller at Backcountry.com on 07/24/2007

Black Diamond transfer 3 Shovel is awesome

Rating:*****

I used this in a week long avalanche training course. It was used a lot and it dug through some very icy thick snow. I would highly recommend it.

geraldcf011103127 at Backcountry.com on 02/10/2009

"light as a feather"

Rating:****
the growing capabilities are great. for me a multi use shovel. i can build back country jumps, or dig out my car in wintery conditions.
Megan at Moosejaw on 12/18/2007

shovel its great

Rating:*****

its amazing
its light
it folds to get very big and gets very small
moves snow fast i love it

derekdresler at Backcountry.com on 03/23/2009

Negative Reviews:

Bends

Rating:**
Good lightweight shovel for snowcamping, car emergencies etc. Unfortunately when digging a pit in some hard sierra cement I managed to bend the handle where it meets the blade. Not confidence inspiring for avalanche rescue work.

I returned this shovel as I just wasn't impressed. I have bought a different shovel, one of the tried and true ones out there, a little heavier but I think it's well worth it.

Not a bad shovel just be aware of it's best uses.
T-T at REI on 03/06/2009

Not for snowpack stability tests

Rating:**
This shovel is light and compact, but I found that it does not work well for doing snowpack stability assessments in a snowpit. It is too small and the curvature of the blade prohibits an effective shear or compression test.
GregB at REI on 03/04/2008

Neutral Reviews:

Busted Button (Edited)

Rating:***

The first time that I whipped this shovel out to dig in and look at the snowpack on Mt. Hood, I depressed the button on the handle to slide it into the shovel head and discovered to my surprise that it would not return, immediately rendering my shovel fairly useless. The culprit seems to have been a tiny bit of snow that got in the way of its return, but the button is still offset and won't return. I am disappointed and will be exchanging it in the hopes that it was a simple defect and not a design problem.

Edit: I believe it is a design problem with the shovel, but having found a simple fix, I'm going to hang onto it. If the button is stuck inside, the handle can be swung in a "get the ketchup out of the bottle" sort of arc, and the button will slide back into place.

The Cascade Kid at Backcountry.com on 05/22/2009

Adequate.

Rating:***
Not too bad, but I wish it collapsed into a smaller size for stowing. There are others that get smaller, but for the price, it's a good beginners shovel.
jox at REI on 09/13/2007