Whippet attachment strength/durability?

There's a disclaimer associated with the Whippet too.

A telemarking friend of mine who shall remain nameless has successfully used the Whippet to arrest a skiing fall near the summit of Hood (snow was an icy crust). As Lowell pointed out, you must use the wrist strap as it is what attaches the pick to you. The notch in the shaft is secondary.<br><br>As for strength and durability: I've used Whippets for about 10 years and they're still going strong. Other parts of the pole will probably crap out before the Whippet itself does.<br><br>I've looked at the Grivel product in Feathered Friends and while I like the retractability of it, I think it is overkill for skiing (plus it's heavy). If you really need something like that on a descent, you might even consider using an actual ice axe. I've done this before and I've even seen Sky do this once in a while (although it is not my preference). If the skiing is that sketch, you do whatever makes you feel safer to get you through it.

This conversation reminds me of another on this topic should it be of interest to anyone. Coincidentally, I've had a reason to find out you can buy replacement whippet picks for $34 directly from BD.<br>-s