With all of this talk about classes and the 20+ beacons on the market. I find it hard, even for someone in the outdoor industry, to find conclusive findings on beacon preferences. In my search I found a lot of people use the Tracker 2 and I've had some friends swear by the Pieps Sport. Does anyone have some good insight to the use of both? Owned both? Or just one of them? What are your thoughts?
Beacon wars (attack of the beacon)
- Thread starter Zaks26
- Start date
idsnowghost
Staff member
Both are good choices. As long as it’s a digital transceiver made in the last few years the main thing to focus on is how easy it is for you to use. If your buddy has one you can try and play around with go for it. Second to that for me is search distance.
I’ve used both those beacons and still own a Pieps. I’ve kept it for some of the features for the 50m search range and 4th self test antenna. I use a new model Barryvox now and would highly recommend for ease of use, error correction and search range. (70m) Sort of wishing I got the pricey S model for some of the fancy smart search (no following flux lines) and group features.
I’ve used both those beacons and still own a Pieps. I’ve kept it for some of the features for the 50m search range and 4th self test antenna. I use a new model Barryvox now and would highly recommend for ease of use, error correction and search range. (70m) Sort of wishing I got the pricey S model for some of the fancy smart search (no following flux lines) and group features.
PowderPanda
Staff member
@Zaks26
I have the Tracker 2 and Tracker 3, in addition I have a Arva Axio.
I love the features of the Arva (group check, 60m range, et al) except not the LCD screen as it is hard to see in certain light. The casing is also mostly white, so IF it was dropped in the snow with low visibility can be a pain.
Whereas the Tracker 3 is bright red numbers that even a blind guy can discern and the casing in black.
As @idsnowghost noted, most important is within the last few years is best.
I have the Tracker 2 and Tracker 3, in addition I have a Arva Axio.
I love the features of the Arva (group check, 60m range, et al) except not the LCD screen as it is hard to see in certain light. The casing is also mostly white, so IF it was dropped in the snow with low visibility can be a pain.
Whereas the Tracker 3 is bright red numbers that even a blind guy can discern and the casing in black.
As @idsnowghost noted, most important is within the last few years is best.
@PowderPanda @idsnowghost
I appreciate the input. The final decision unfortunately is that I am a college student and am looking for deals on quality beacons. Are any of you going to be there on Beacon's and beers? I would love to talk more about the beacon stuff and learn more about the individual characteristics of beacons and preference. Thanks!
I appreciate the input. The final decision unfortunately is that I am a college student and am looking for deals on quality beacons. Are any of you going to be there on Beacon's and beers? I would love to talk more about the beacon stuff and learn more about the individual characteristics of beacons and preference. Thanks!
PowderPanda
Staff member
IMHO the best bang for buck is the Tracker 3 (or even the 2). I'd suggest staying away from the Tracker 1. It is very outdated. And chances are, it's been in someones pack a long time and gotten tossed and banged a few times.
Many times the 3 or 2 is on sale somewhere!
I get the whole college student gig.. Check with your college. Some schools have programs for reduced student rates.
Many times the 3 or 2 is on sale somewhere!
I get the whole college student gig.. Check with your college. Some schools have programs for reduced student rates.
I know I'm new, but I have to say I'm in love with my Mammut Barryvox S. I did a lot of research on all of the current beacons on the market and the 70m strip is hard to beat. I really like the features it has, the size and the feel. It is on the pricier side, but if you look around you can usually find a sale. It is a little more complicated than most beacons but if you read the manual and train with it (which you should do with any beacon), you'll be fine.
Here's one for $375. I didn't look around too long so there could be a better deal somewhere else.
https://www.backcountry.com/mammut-barryvox-s-beacon
Here's one for $375. I didn't look around too long so there could be a better deal somewhere else.
https://www.backcountry.com/mammut-barryvox-s-beacon
Also, there is a class being held by the Silver Mountain ski patrol starting tomorrow night that will give you your level 1 Avi cert for $200. This might be a cheaper alternative to most other courses held in the region. I don't know if they have any slots left or if it's too late to sign up but you can call or email Gabe White at 518-378-4145 / snojet4385@aol.com . He's been incredibly helpful and friendly the whole time I've been communicating with him.
PowderPanda
Staff member
Gabe's a solid guy!! Are you taking the course @Katrinaandrocket ? If so, let me know if you see that crust layer and the facets underneath (I saw this on a East facing slope at 6500ft on Glidden Ridge out of Burke). I'm curious to see if it's widespread or just isolated.
Cheers!
I am taking the course! I don't think we'll get into snow study until next weekend but I'll look for it. We'll be up on Wardner peak, I believe.
PowderPanda
Staff member
Yah, spoke to Gabe last night. You'll like it.. looks like we are getting a weather change next week. That will give good info to look at. Funky layer under the crust right now and will be interesting to see if it is there.
I'll definitely let you know what we find. I want to take a level 2 sometime this year now, the snow science interests me and I don't think we're going to dig too deep into it.