BeaconReviews.com contains information to help you survive an avalanche. Much
of the information on BeaconReviews.com focuses on selecting an avalanche beacon that meets your needs.
Here are the test conclusions:
- My top picks (five-stars) are the Ortovox S1, the
Pieps DSP and the Barryvox Pulse. These units have long
ranges, allow you to suppress a transceiver during a multiple
burial, and their third antennas are excellent at dealing with spikes.
The Tracker2 also earns five stars, although its range is a bit shorter and it
doesn't allow you to suppress a transceiver during a multiple burial. Of these four avalanche transceivers, the S1 has a unique display, the Pulse has a rich set of features, and the Pieps
and Tracker are the easiest to use.
- Second place (four-stars) is a four-way tie between the
ARVA Advanced, ARVA Evolution+,
Barryvox 3000. and the Tracker DTS.
These are all solid two-antenna transceivers.
- Third place (three-stars) is a tie between more than a half-dozen single-antenna beacons
(e.g., the Ortovox F1 and M2). These are
fine avalanche transceivers with great ranges, but they require significantly more skill and practice.
The bottom line is that any transceiver ranked three-stars or higher
is fine as long as you learn how to use it and practice frequently. I would rather travel with a skilled rescuer wearing a lower-ranked
beacon than with an unskilled rescuer wearing a higher-ranked beacon. If you are purchasing your first transceiver, I strongly encourage
you to purchase a unit ranked four-stars or higher.
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| Barryvox Pulse |
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| Pieps DSP |
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| Tracker DTS |
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| Ortovox S1 |
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| Brighton Ski Area Boundary Sign |
| This sign "beeps" as you walk past it to show that your transceiver is transmitting. It is too bad it doesn't
sound an alarm if you are not wearing a beacon. |
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