| A really versatile hook, perfect for your pothole escape kit. Three different hook heads fit small to large features, and the smallest one fits in 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch holes well. Tripod base for stability.
Designer: Andrew Mclean
Weight: 48 grams or 1.7 ounces
More Info: Black Diamond
When used, the Talon is used for "Bat hooking", which means it is placed in drilled holes. In Heaps and Imlay, the method of last resort (the Nuclear Option) for getting out of potholes is to drill 3/8" holes about 1/2" deep and use the Talon in them.
Why ONLY Heaps and Imlay? - because this is where it is traditional, and this is where there are already holes in place. Contrary to popular rumor, holes last a long time. The holes on potholes in Imlay, for instance, are at least 10 years old. They may occasionally need to be "cleaned up" - drilled a little deeper, which can probably be done with just the drill bit and holder, without benefit of a hammer. Elsewhere on the Colorado Plateau, throwing bags and partner assists have proved to be the most effective method for escaping potholes.
Hooking natural features has not proven to be a useful technique. It seems that anything you can hook, you can probably grasp with your hand, for the short, relatively low-angle pothole exits found in our sandstone canyons. Or, they are just WAY TOO BIG, and drilling bat holes would be a 4 or 5 hour endeavor - time better spent working on throwing stuff.
Tom |
