Splitboard.com Forums

I've been using a knotted cord to cut snow, and but have been lustily eyeing the Black Diamond snow saw. What advantage would the saw give me over my cord? Is the extra weight and bulk worth it?

Cord:
- $$$ for isolating the back of ECTs
- faster block isolation (esp. w/ 2 people) in your stability tests
- Way easier to cut cornices
- Can use it as rap tat if you get the right diameter.
- good repair material for various things.
- the best (maybe the only) way to isolate a rutschblock

Saw
- unbeatable for the sides of your column (ECT or CT)
- can't do a propagation saw test without it
- the BDs offer a nice handy 30 and 35cm reference.
- nice tool for smoothing and cleaning up walls in your pit.

The cord always stays in my pack. The saw is in the most of the time, and always when I know I'll be digging pits (which I do on about 75% of the days I spend touring). I would recommend both!