Komperdell Avalanche Snow Shovels

FYI - there are metal and lexan options for this drop, so I'm assuming that you're unopposed to the metal model? So, to your point about lexan (plastic) blades, here are my thoughts: . https://www.massdrop.com/buy/komperdell-avalanche-shovels/talk/1934037

@beean @ClusterFlux (and FYI @Motorrad @Hearst) Thanks for posting about this issue. Avalanche safety is obviously important, and getting the proper gear for going into avalanche territory is clearly vital. However, energy might be better directed at Komperdell for naming it an Avalanche shovel, as that is something we can't change, and you clearly disagree with. That being said, like you pointed out, metal blades are generally recommended over lexan blades for actual avalanche safety. However, that doesn't mean that lexan blades don't have a place, and here are a few thoughts on that: First, the technology has been improving and today's models are better than what was introduced into the market over the last 10-20 years. Second, the manufacturer is an important aspect. Komperdell is not some random company making cheap knock-offs. They produce generally high quality, well designed gear. Yes, lexan shovels are usually more affordable than metal, but that can be explained by manufacturing process and not necessarily the quality. Third, lexan does have advantages over metal. For example, when spring skiing where one's likely to see a slide avalanche and not a slab, one might be better of with a lexan shovel that wouldn't get stuck with wet, sticky snow. Fourth, if people are generally poorly informed about avalanche safety, as repeatedly proclaimed here, then the debate of metal vs. lexan is moot. At least they have a shovel, which is one step better than people who head into the backcountry without one. There are likely far more important things to focus on to improve safety, that will have far greater impact, then trying to convince people that lexan blades are unfit. Fifth, lexan shovels are generally more affordable, and following up on the point above, I'd prefer someone buy and carry a handy shovel rather than not buy one due to cost prohibitions. Consider that some people are going out on cross country skis or snowshoes and aren't themselves going into avalanche terrain, but they might be able to access if others get caught and help out. I'm not opposed to us changing the text of our product description, but I do feel like your position on this is very hardlined, and rarely are their times when one can make a blanket statement like 'lexan blades should never be used for avalanche safety'. So while metal might be more recommended than lexan, I still find that there is sufficient reason to be able to describe these just as the manufacturer has - a snow shovel that has many uses, including potentially with avalanche safety. I'm thrilled you're posting here and trying to do your part about education our community and staff, and I hope you'll continue posting and sharing. You clearly have a wealth of knowledge and a sense of concern. Thank you all.