Snap!!

This shovel is sweet!! It is super light weight, very fast to get out and extend. The blade is a little small, I would not use it to build a booter or shovel the driveway, but for safety and digging when you need to, it works great.

Perfect Partner

My plastic lifelink is weak but very extendable and light. My metal BCA Tour System is strong but very short and impossible to use. This BD shovel has a large strong metal blade and is just long enough to be the perfect compromise. The curved handle really helps when prying out blocks of snow for shelters. If you ever plan on stomping on your shovel with ski boots like I do, do not even consider something plastic. This has worked well for AVY needs and snow-cave building. If all you want to do is shovel the driveway or build kickers all day then maybe something longer would work better if you are a taller dude.

OK, but a bit bulky and sloppy

After finishing multi-month long climbing class I've used quite a bit of shovels. I've used this shovel to build a snow cave and hauled it up Rainier. Pro's: It's a bit wider than most...but that doesn't help much. It's also relatively light. Cons: The construction is rather sloppy with lots of play in the handle. I've found that I prefer the narrower shovels as they work just as well and are easier to fit in your pack. Also, the handle is shorter than most, so you have to bend down a little bit more.

Good fit.

This shovel fits well in most packs. I have a Dakine Blade pack for day-trips and this easily fits in the dedicated outer shovel/probe pack. It is a burely design, but still light weight. I think the shovel size is more than adequate for its intended use. Only complaint would be that there is some play in the handle, but I do not think that it affects the use. Obviously it is a short handle, but when shoveling you should be on your knees regardless!! Definitely pick one up. You can't go wrong with Black Diamond.