(This post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry.)
Alex did a good first-look at the new Whippet, thought I’d piggy back as well as embarking on the trail of the mod.

It’s not really a box, but everything is bundled with zip ties so the retail process stays as pristine as the crisp white powder you will probably experience once you have this ski pole in your glove nestled hand.

Socket filler plug installed, it’s somewhat difficult to remove. If you use this often it might be worth installing a loop of string to help with removal.

After breaking a fingernail getting the socket filler out, I modded with a pull string. This might exceed the threshold for reasonable hardware hacking. Hints, bore holes with heated steel such as reversed drill bit, make hole in top as well as another hole in the hidden part of the plug and knot through that, otherwise your stopper knot will just pull through the soft plastic.

Whippet tip protector has a clever little elasticized clip. Elegant, yet perhaps a bit redundant considering how easy it is to remove the Whippet. In any case, if all you do is snow work with this tool, no reason for it to be razor sharp. Ease off the edges and the point a bit with file and sandpaper. The teeth under the pick are especially shark like — clearly more shelf-appeal item than of any practical value — they’ll serve nicely to wear out your gloves, ease ’em.
This is where I mention weight. Because this is WildSnow.com. Sadly, due to the large sized steel anchor bung welded to the pick, one Whippet removed from pole weighs 5.3 ounces, 150 grams. They’re rather hefty. My non-adjustable carbon ski poles only weigh 7 ounces! Weight of the Whippet Carbon adjustable pole, without whippet pick installed, 10.6 ounces, 300 grams.

In the name of science, the grip was removed so you can see how the pick attaches to threaded insert at top of pole. The fitting appears to be pressed in, perhaps with some adhesive. Grip was removed with ANSI certified boiling water methodology. Do NOT try at home!

All leading one to think, how about a few accessories? Most obvious, make a monopod camera adapter. Got some 1/4-20 all-thread rod, a plastic “universal” knob with a 1/4″ bore, and a nylon plastic 1/2 inch cylindrical spacer. Back to the maker space for the build.

Allthread in the knob. Next, cut to length matching factory unit, tap about an inch on the end to the 5 mm thread required by the factory female fitting inside the Whippet ski pole.

Assembled adapter uses 1/2 inch diameter nylon spacer, has to be eased about a millimeter down to fit 12 millimeter pole socket. Easily done with sanding disk on rotary grinder.

Bonus shot. The Carbon Whippet comes with an aluminum ring on the upper shaft, intended for lower grip while climbing. I somewhat like the idea, but not for certain. In the name of science I removed. Turns out the ring is tightly press fit with some adhesive underneath. What’s odd is the shaft has a join under the ring. Research is ongoing.
Okay, you got this far. One more thing. I have a lot of experience with Whippets, not only due to my own use, but my son’s life being saved by them, as well as knowing how Andrew McLean (the guy who originally designed them) utilizes. One for each hand. That is all.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.