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 planning to outfit 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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