Ski & Snowboard · Head-to-head
Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe vs BCA Dozer 2T
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Avalanche Shovels: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Pro Light Hoe pairs a large certified blade with a D-grip and hoe function at a weight that still packs small. The Dozer 2T gives up the hoe and the spring lock detail but matches the blade size and costs less.
Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe
Buy itA large, certified aluminum blade with a D-grip and a hoe function, at a weight that still packs small.
- The blade is hardened, anodized aluminum at 24 cm wide and 27.5 cm long, certified to the UIAA 156 avalanche shovel standard.
- The shaft is an oval telescopic design with an automatic spring lock, and the ergonomically shaped D-grip is made for shovel control.
- Mammut lists a hoe function, with variable shaft positioning that lets it work as a 90 degree pick.
- At 675 g it is heavier than the ultralight options.
- Collapsed it is 68 cm long, which is longer than most compact tour shovels.
- It sits at the premium end of the shovel field.
BCA Dozer 2T
Buy itA large 6061 T6 aluminum blade with an extendable T-grip, UIAA 156 certification and a 3-year warranty.
- The blade is 6061 T6 aluminum at 25 x 29 cm, the Large size in the Dozer range, with a flat stomp edge.
- BCA lists certification to the UIAA 156 standard, plus a limited 3-year warranty.
- The ovo-concave shaft is designed to resist breakage while prying, and the whole shovel weighs 680 g.
- Its feature table shows no hoe mode on the 2T; the 2H and 2H-S carry that.
- The product page does not describe the locking mechanism, so check it in person before you buy.
- The T-grip gives less leverage than a D-grip for some hands.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe Our pick | BCA Dozer 2T | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Regular backcountry skiers who want the most capable certified shovel here. | Skiers who want a large certified blade without paying for extras like a hoe. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Blade material | Hardened, anodized aluminum | 6061 T6 aluminum |
| Blade size | 24 x 27.5 cm | 25 x 29 cm |
| Listed weight | 675 g | 680 g |
| Shaft | Oval telescopic | Ovo-concave, extendable |
| Locking | Automatic spring lock | Not described on page |
| Handle | D-grip | Extendable T-grip |
| Hoe mode | Yes | Not on the 2T |
| UIAA 156 certified | Yes | Yes |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe if
regular backcountry skiers who want the most capable certified shovel here.
Know before buying: at 675 g it is heavier than the ultralight options.
Pick the BCA Dozer 2T if
skiers who want a large certified blade without paying for extras like a hoe.
Know before buying: its feature table shows no hoe mode on the 2T; the 2H and 2H-S carry that.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe - A large, certified aluminum blade with a D-grip and a hoe function, at a weight that still packs small. Choose the BCA Dozer 2T instead if skiers who want a large certified blade without paying for extras like a hoe.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Avalanche Shovels: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).