Updated October 3, 2025
I’ve carried a lot of probes over the years, both guiding and riding for fun, and the BCA Stealth 270 is one I know well. It is not the flashiest or the longest probe out there, but that is kind of the point. You want something that works every single time you pull it out of your pack.
This one does. It is quick to deploy, stiff enough to punch through heavy snow and short enough to ride light without feeling like you are lugging around a telephone pole. For anyone who skis or rides mostly inbounds with the occasional sidecountry lap or shorter tour, the 270 makes sense.
I am not here to tell you it is the only probe worth buying. But if you want something reliable, straightforward and proven, the Stealth 270 earns a spot in your pack without overthinking it.
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Full Review
The Stealth 270 showed up in our best avalanche probes roundup for good reason. It is quick to set up, dependable when you need it and light enough that you will not think twice about carrying it. Here is how it stacks up in real use.
1. Deployment
The whole point of BCA’s Stealth system is speed and simplicity. The 270 uses their Quick-Lock setup where the top section nests inside the next one, so there are no loose cables hanging out to snag on your gloves or pack. When you pull the handle, the probe snaps together in a couple of seconds with a solid click. Even with gloves on, it is straightforward and reliable.
In practice, that matters. I have deployed it in cold training scenarios and real guiding situations, and it has always felt clean and predictable. There is no fumbling with dangling cords or awkward twists, just a smooth extension and lock. Is it the absolute stiffest probe I have ever used? No. You can feel a little flex if you are hammering it into firm layers, but it has never collapsed or failed on me. For most skiers and riders, the balance of speed and reliability is right where it needs to be.
2. Build Quality
The 270 is made from aluminum, which to me is still the best balance between weight and durability for a daily carry probe. Carbon is lighter, sure, but in the real world aluminum holds up better when you are pushing through crusts, buried branches, or the rough snow you actually encounter in a burial scenario.
At full length, it gives you 270 centimeters to work with, which is enough for most snowpacks outside of really deep continental zones. Collapsed, it packs down small enough that it disappears into a pack sleeve, and at just under 300 grams it is light enough that you will not think twice about bringing it. The depth markings are clear and easy to read, and the overall feel is stiff and confidence-inspiring without being overbuilt.
3. Packability
One of the things I like most about the Stealth 270 is how little space it takes up. Folded down, it slides easily into a probe sleeve or side pocket without bulging out or fighting for room.
At just under 300 grams, it is light enough that you forget it is in there, which is exactly how it should be. A probe is the kind of tool you hope you never use, but you carry it every single day. If it feels like a hassle to pack, it will get left behind. The 270 never gives me that excuse.
4. Pros & Cons
Who The BCA Stealth 270 Probe is For
The Stealth 270 is a good fit for skiers and snowboarders who are venturing into sidecountry or doing shorter tours where weight and bulk matter. It is long enough to be effective in most snowpacks, but compact enough that you will actually bring it every time. If you are guiding in areas with consistently deep snow or spending most of your time in big mountain terrain, you will probably lean toward the Stealth 300. But for everyday use, especially if you are mixing resort days with backcountry laps, the 270 strikes a really nice balance.
Who It's NOT For
If you spend most of your time in big terrain or guiding in areas with consistently deep snowpacks, the Stealth 270 is not going to cut it. You will want the extra reach of a 300 or even longer probe to make sure you are covered in a deep burial. It is also not the best choice if you are obsessed with shaving grams. Carbon probes will beat it on weight, even if they are not as tough in real-world abuse.
For everyday riders who just want something dependable and pack-friendly, the 270 is great. But if you live in places like interior BC or Colorado where snow can stack up meters deep, I would go bigger.
Alternative Options
If you want that little bit of extra length and future-proofing (far less likely to need to upgrade this) then go for the 300. Same build and tech, just slightly more reach.
Final Thoughts
The BCA Stealth 270 does what you want a probe to do: it deploys quickly, locks securely and feels tough enough to rely on. It is not the longest probe in BCA’s lineup, but that shorter length makes it lighter, smaller and easier to carry.
I’ve guided with it and carried it on plenty of personal days, and it has never let me down. If you want a probe that is simple, dependable and built for real use, the Stealth 270 is a solid choice.
