Materials, Construction and Features

As you may have guessed from the name, the Ortovox Alu 240 is made primarily of aluminium, the famously lightweight metal that Americans can’t say properly. That makes it clock in at an even 200g, which the majority of riders will barely notice on their back. It folds down into six sections, and so measures only 40cm end-to-end when collapsed.

Speed is everything when a search is on; with the Alu 240 you just throw the probe out in front of you, keeping hold of the handle end (identified by the blue topper). A quick pull on the tensioning system and hey presto, the probe is assembled and ready to be put to work. The loop at the end of the rope is nice and big, so you can stick a gloved hand through it with ease.

Five-centimetre markers run the entire length of the shaft, and the one-metre-mark can be seen from distance, so once contact is made you’ll have a quick and accurate readout of the depth of the burial. The business end has a wide point on it that’s tough enough to get through compacted snow, and the final section is can’t-miss-it orange to let you know when you’re getting close.

It comes with a neat bag, but you’re better off leaving that behind when you venture out. Removing the probe from it is a drain on precious seconds, and it could blow away in unfavourable conditions. Still, it’s handy for storage and transport.

“Anyone looking for their first probe should certainly be considering this”

Roundup

The Ortovox Alu 240 has been the first probe for many, and often remains their go-to as the years and face shots stack up. A quick look online will reveal the wide variety of materials, lengths and tensioning systems out there, and certain riders will indeed be able to make the case for upgrading, but for the majority this is sufficient.

And remember: a well-practised searcher with a simple probe beats a rusty one with the latest, lightest model, so keep your hand in with regular drills and get your riding companions to do the same.

“Speed is everything when a search is on; with the Alu 240 you just throw the probe out in front of you, keeping hold of the handle end”

Pros:

• Simple yet effective
• At that price, there’s no reason not to have one

Cons:

• Lighter, more durable and faster-assembling probes are available

Buy the Ortovox Alu 240: £60 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Ortovox Alu 240: €65 at Blue Tomato EU