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Just as there isn’t one car that is best for everyone, there isn’t one avalanche
transceiver that is best for everyone. And just as it isn’t my role to tell you which
car to buy, it isn’t my role to tell you which transceiver to buy.
Of course, we can measure and compare car features. We can measure the braking
distance, turning radius, fuel consumption, and the amount of storage space. And we
can compare the seating comfort, the driver’s visibility, and the arrangement of the
dashboard. Which car you ultimately choose should be based on how you prioritize these
features and how you plan to use your car.
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Similarly, the avalanche transceiver you select should be based on how you prioritize
its features and how you plan to use it. If you won’t spend much time practicing with
your transceiver, choose a unit with minimal features and options. Are you outfitting
customers for a one-day wilderness trip? Choose the unit with the most obvious controls
(“Everybody change their transceiver to receive now!"). Are you
weaning yourself from 20 years with an analog transceiver? Consider a unit that can
quickly toggle between digital and analog.
All of the avalanche transceiver that are rated
five stars are solid choices.
Selecting from within that group should be based on how you will use the transceiver,
the features that are import to you, and the price.
Although I encourage you to purchase a transceiver that is rated
five stars, the
four star and
three star transceivers are quite acceptable.
The limitation of the four star transceivers is most of them do not handle
spikes whereas the three star antennas typically require significantly
more skill (i.e., practice).
More important than the model of transceiver you carry is that 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.
In addition to practicing frequently, you should take an avalanche course—not
getting buried is the best way to survive in avalanche terrain.
Steve Achelis
PS: Purchasing Mountain
Responder helps support BeaconReviews.com. It also provides a peak into the
world of backcountry calamity which might help you stay safer in the mountains.
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| Mammut Pulse |
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| Pieps DSP |
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| Tracker2 |
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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 can't sound an alarm
if you are not wearing a beacon. |
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