Article in cooperation with the Backline Magazin.
One of the most important pieces of gear for free-riders, ski tourers, and winter backcountry enthusiasts in general, is the avalanche transceiver or avalanche beacon for short. In combination with an avalanche shovel and an avalanche probe, it is indispensable for rescuing companions, which is usually the only real chance of survival in the event of a burial. The principle has remained the same for decades: A electronic transmitting and receiving device is worn close to the body, in an emergency, the receiving function guides you along the field lines to the buried victim. Whereas not so long ago you had to do this by means of louder and louder signalling, with current avalanche transceivers you are guided quite intuitively by arrows on their digital display.
The current state of the art: today’s avalanche beacon
All current avalanche beacons are digital three-antenna devices. Compared to the original analogue avalanche transceiver with only one antenna, this enables better fine localisation and greater independence from the coupling position. In addition, you will be guided more intuitively and thus faster to the buried subject. A marking function can also save a lot of time in case of multiple burials.
Dreiantennengeräte mit Markierfunktion sind heutzutage Standard bei LVS-Geräten.
Most manufacturers offer a top-of-the-range model that offers additional special functions in addition to the standard functions – for example, an analogue mode, an inclinometer or a separate group check function. With the standard model, manufacturers often do without these additional functions; however, the standard functions are sufficient for practically all burial scenarios.
The main developments in avalanche beacons in recent years have been on the one hand the increase in range and on the other hand the emergence of relatively powerful but very compact and light devices. While it has been possible to increase the range of top devices in both ideal and poorer coupling situations, there are now also devices weighing around 150 grams. In addition, user-friendliness is improving more and more and the devices are becoming more intuitive in operation.
With the available technology, however, you should not forget that the best way to increase your safety in the terrain is to avoid being caught in an avalanche in the first place. Risk management in terms of avalanche safety requires knowledge, which is mainly acquired through training and experience and is just as much a part of the mandatory equipment in the field as an avalanche transceiver.
Overview of avalanche beacons currently available
Arva
Arva avalanche beacons are extremely reliable and above all offer an interesting price-performance ratio.
Neo Pro
The Neo Pro is Arva’s new top-of-the-range device with a range of functions designed for professional users. In addition to the search strip width of 70 metres, it is highly configurable and also has an analogue mode, for example. Of course, the device also has familiar features such as group test, marking function, and automatic switching from search to transmission.
Neo+
The Neo+ is Arva’s standard device and has a maximum search strip width of 70 metres. Naturally, the device also has familiar features such as group test, marking function, and automatic switching from search to transmission.
Evo 5
With the new Evo 5, Arva introduces a really small and extremely light avalanche transceiver to the market, but which does not need to hide from the “big” ones. In addition to the form and weight factor, it scores with all the necessary functions, but “only” offers a search strip width of 50 metres.
Evo 4
The Evo 4 is the basic device of Arva and has been in the program for several years in several revised versions. It is designed to be as easy to use as possible for occasional users, and its main aim is to find a single buried subject as quickly as possible.
BCA
The inventors of the digital avalanche transceiver, BCA, have a top model in their range with the Tracker 3, which does not have to hide from the competition with its performance or additional functions.
Tracker 4
The Tracker 4 is new on the market this season and is the top model of BCA. Like all other BCA products, the Tracker 4 has been designed to be as easy and intuitive to use as possible. The housing of the Tracker 4 is also very robust. The specifications and functions are similar to those of the Tracker 3+ and, like the latter, it has interesting additional search modes, namely “Big Picture”, which provides an overview of all received signals, and “Signal Suppression”, which only searches for one signal or another device.
Tracker 3+
The proven Tracker 3+ is still part of BCA’s line. Smaller and lighter than its predecessors, it is almost equal to the Tracker 4 and differs mainly in its housing.
Tracker S
The Tracker S is the cheaper avalanche beacon from BCA. Unlike Tracker 3+ and Tracker 4, Tracker S does not have an automatic emergency switchover and the firmware cannot be updated.
Tracker 2
The classic Tracker 2 is no longer necessarily a current avalanche transceiver, but it still has many fans and is particularly popular in North America. The device is easy to use and reacts quickly. However, the special mode for multiple burials takes some getting used to.
Mammut
With the current Barryvox series, Mammut offers proven devices with solid technology. The Barryvox S is the top of the range device with the most additional functions. But the slimmed-down Barryvox is also very interesting, especially for newbies and less experienced back country enthusiast.
Barryvox S
The Mammut Barryvox S is the top model from Mammut and offers many functions and intuitive handling. It combines visual and acoustic guidance and shines with an exceptionally high degree of customisation options. For example, it is possible to scroll through the list of buried subjects, the search strip width is an impressive 70 meters and the Smart Search function helps the rescuer to search even faster in the event of an avalanche accident. After the firmware update, which was released last winter, there are even more possibilities to configure the avalanche transceiver individually.
Barryvox
The Barryvox also convinces with its simple operation and good performance. The somewhat lower price makes the avalanche transceiver, compared to its “big brother”, particularly interesting for beginners who nevertheless do not want to do without missing any vital functions. Mammut has given the device a search strip width of 70 meters, and the transmission time is an impressive 300 hours.
Ortovox
Ortovox avalanche transceivers feature “Smart Antenna” technology, which allows automatic switching to the transmitting antenna with the presumably better position in 3D space. A function for automatic switching from “search” to “transmit” in the event of a prolonged standstill of the device is also available on all Ortovox avalanche transceivers, so that in the event of a secondary avalanche they are not buried in search mode.
3+
The 3+ is the “standard device” from Ortovox and actually offers everything you need. It also has a group check function and a Recco reflector built into the device.
Zoom+
The Zoom+ is an intuitive avalanche transceiver that can be used to quickly locate a single buried subject in particular. However, due to the lack of a marking function, the resolution of scenarios with multiple burials is only possible with the three-circle method.
Pieps
Pieps also has extremely powerful top machines in its range this season. Furthermore, the Pieps devices are compatible with the electronic Pieps avalanche probe “I-Probe”. This suppresses the transmission mode of a Pieps device found with the I-Probe, which is helpful in the event of multiple burials.
Pro BT
The Pro BT is the top of the range device from Pieps. It can check the transmission frequency of other avalanche transceivers and receive the signal from the Beep TX600 (a beeper device that transmits on a different frequency and is designed for dogs). In addition, the device has a “vibration alarm” and the possibility of simple updates via Bluetooth. The readability of the display has also been improved. The well-known extended group check function is also included as well as an inclinometer.
DSP Sport
Those who do not need the additional functions should take a look at the DSP Sport. It offers all basic functions, works excellently, and is relatively inexpensive.
Powder BT
The Powder BT is, similar to the DSP Sport, a slimmed-down version of the top unit. It is technically almost identical to the Pro BT, but does not have the advanced group check functions, vibration alarm, or inclinometer. You also have to do without measuring the frequency of other devices and compatibility with the TX600. Instead, you get a rock-solid avalanche transceiver at a lower price.
Micro BT
With the Micro BT, Pieps has the smallest and lightest three-antenna device on the market. In contrast to the Pro BT, it is not aimed at “professional” users (such as mountain guides, mountain rescue services, etc.), but is designed more for simple and intuitive operation. The Micro BT Sensor automatically switches from transmit mode to search mode by means of a distance sensor as soon as the device is unpacked (and not by a switch, as is common with other devices). Switching to transmit in the event of a post-avalanche is also automatic if the unit is not moved for one minute.
Micro BT Button
The Micro BT Button is basically the same as the Micro BT Sensor, but it is switched “classically” from send to receive with one button (the button itself). Both versions of the Micro BT have a “vibration alarm”, which is triggered in the signal search on initial reception. So you don’t have to look at the display all the time.
[table “70” not found /]Conclusion: Which avi beacon do I need?
A current three-antenna device with marking function can be considered state of the art nowadays and thus actually a prerequisite for anyone who moves in snow-covered mountains. You can decide for yourself whether you need one of the top devices with the various additional functions or whether the slimmed-down versions offered by practically every manufacturer are sufficient.
Which manufacturer’s model you choose is also an individual matter. It’s best to try out different devices to see which one will help you reach your goal the quickest. But wearing comfort on the body can also play a role in the decision.
Do not forget this: Even the best avalanche transceiver will only be effective if you practice using it again and again!
At Bergzeit Erlebnis there are avalanche courses for everyone who wants to improve or refresh their avalanche knowledge.