MAMMUT - Alugator Light SE, ultralight snow shovel

Mammut - Alugator Light, shovel

Mammut 's Alugator Light is the lightest avalanche shovel. It weighs less than a small water bottle and can fit even in small backpacks.

The sharp, kink-proof blade is made from ultra-strong anodized aluminum, while the mounting holes make building a snow anchor or rescue sled quicker and easier.

The telescopic handle has an oval profile which makes the Alugator even more robust.

Characteristics

• Sturdy anodized aluminum shovel
• Oval telescopic handle
• Self-closing with lock for quick and precise alignment during assembly
• Symmetrical T-grip handle for optimal power transfer
• Space saving blade design
• The shovel and handle can be stored flat and space-saving
• Stabilizing ribs for maximum stability
• Quick and easy use of the shovel even with gloves
• The "SCOOP" mode is particularly suitable for shoveling snow
• The "CUT" mode is ideal for cutting blocks of snow and creating snow profiles
• Sharp, kink-proof blade with integrated steps for efficient power transfer, especially in hard snow
• Straight blade back - perfect for cutting precise snow profiles
• Attachment holes for creating snow anchors and rescue sled
• Cut: basic
• Blade width: 21cm
• Blade length: 24cm
• Weight: 475g
• Handle length (closed): 37cm
• Total length: 54cm (closed) / 75cm (extended)

Materials

• Blade material: 6061 T6 aluminum
• T-Grip handle material: 6013 T6 aluminum

Other characteristics

• Certified according to UIAA Standard 156
• Lightweight, strong and durable
• Neon orange colour

UIAA 156 certification

UIAA standard 156 – Certification for avalanche rescue shovels

The UIAA Safety Commission has been developing safety standards for mountaineering equipment for decades. The new test standard 156 introduced the first test procedure for verifying the suitability of avalanche rescue shovels.

What does the standard indicate?

For the first time, the new standard specified uniform requirements in relation to the appropriate size and strength of an avalanche rescue shovel.

The standard ultimately defines the load an avalanche shovel must bear during a rescue operation before the material fails.

Test method and standard specifications

For the bending test, up to half of the blade of the shovel (test specimen) is inserted into a block of epoxy resin. This roughly corresponds to inserting the shovel when digging through snow, and this practical correspondence increases the validity of the test result.

The test sample is then subjected to a bending force of 300 N on the shovel handle. The test is performed in two different load directions, which represent the typical load in an avalanche rescue scenario.

The deformation of the test specimen should not exceed 5% of the original state, and no part of the blade can break.

For the tensile test, the test specimen is clamped lengthwise along the blade and handle. The test specimen is then subjected to a tensile force of 1000 N. The test is passed if there are no breaks in any section of the blade.

Only shovels that meet all test criteria are allowed to carry the UIAA safety mark for avalanche rescue shovels.

What is the benefit for customers?

Reports of broken avalanche shovels are unfortunately too frequent these days and this is a sad reality. The new UIAA standard for avalanche shovels allows customers to immediately identify at the point of sale which avalanche shovels meet the requirements of the safety standard. The UIAA safety label thus represents a quality seal for innovation and quality standards for avalanche shovels and their manufacturer.

Does Mammut meet the new 156 standard?

Since the winter season 2018/19, all Mammut shovels meet the new UIAA standard and are authorized to carry the UIAA safety label. This will undoubtedly make it easier for customers to compare individual shovel manufacturers.