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Avalanche beacons?

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schism
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 389
So i just out that for my trip to chile in the summer, it's required to have an avalanche beacon, but instead of renting one i think i should just one for when i eventually move out west.

So my question is this avalanche beacon legit? And if not whats the next best under $300?


http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/pieps-freeride.html

Thanks!
Apr 16 2009 3:22PM
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Jballz
Posts: 1638 - Karma: 79
i wouldn't skimp on safety. it only has one antenna, go for a beacon that has at least two
Apr 16 2009 3:30PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753

I got my dts tracker for 200eur, thats a bit more in dollar, but its a proven design, double antenna, super reliable and easy to operate, allmost no thinking required, so you can save those valuable minutes when things really go wrong...

right now theres a three antenna tracker coming out that supposed to replace the 2 antenna dts tracker, so with a bit of luck you can get one cheap.....

(for arvas, beacons, more money doesnt mean its better, its probably more multifunctional, but for the regular freerider you dont want a beacon thats super high tech that can be tuned in all kinds of ways, you just want to be pointed to the nearest victim (dts tracker auto ignores weaker signals) and if you want you can even switch between signals, what more do you need? 2buttons thats it, thats all!)

Apr 16 2009 3:44PM
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zutroy
Posts: 34 - Karma: 10
Pieps makes quality stuff.  This is their bare bones system.  It's OK, but it's range is shorter in general because of the one antenna, so it requires a much more methodical search pattern and a higher level of skill to do a good search quick.  it also doesn't have have some of the nicer things a higher cost one has.

It'll be good if you get caught, but you'll probably be less effective in a search.

Personally I think the BCA DTS is the beast bang for your buck beacon out there and worth the extra money if ever have to do a search you'll be happy you have it.

Also if you get one do practice with it, search effectively is a skill and it needs to be practice, we run a practice every time we get a chance up in Mammoth where they have a beacon basin.
Apr 16 2009 5:09PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,141
It's not a beginner beacon. Get a tracker and learn to use it properly.
Apr 16 2009 5:22PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,682
If I was to buy a beacon right now it would be the pulse hands down.
Apr 16 2009 5:22PM
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iggyskier
Posts: 10434 - Karma: 9,735
Pulse or older Barryvox would be my choice.  Tracker is also good, but IMO a bit bulky. 

Older barryvox is my favorite because it is the smallest of the three, and has the choice of going to analog for quick pinpointing.

It doesn't have the multiple burial skills of the pulse, but you can find it a lot cheaper, and if you are smart and know your shit, you should never encounter a multiple burial situation.
Apr 16 2009 5:40PM
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iggyskier
Posts: 10434 - Karma: 9,735
just to be clear....

Click for larger image
Apr 16 2009 5:49PM
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iggyskier
Posts: 10434 - Karma: 9,735
Oh - and as JD said, learn how to use it.  Practice practice practice.
Apr 16 2009 5:50PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,751
don't price hunt on beacons, you're life is worth more than $300
Apr 16 2009 5:52PM
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MarkieR
Posts: 5337 - Karma: 98
i have the tracker dts and it's been awesome for me. super easy to use. i feel like it has shortened my learning curve quite a bit.
Apr 16 2009 7:15PM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,267
yep mammut beacons are the best by far, the pulse barryvox= secks
Apr 16 2009 7:46PM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
i love that beacon. basically idiot proof (this doesnt mean dont practice). im a big fan.
Apr 16 2009 8:41PM
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epic.ride
Posts: 52 - Karma: 22
I have the freeride, but it's definitely not a beginner beacon and takes some practice to search efficiently
i would go for the tracker or the pulse as a beginner beacon
Apr 16 2009 8:41PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753

i have had a chance to try barryvox, the red one you showed earlier, a dts tracker (from BCA) and a pieps DSP

Barryvox and DTS have only2antennas while the pieps dts has three

pieps dsp has a far longer range than the barryvox (dont care what specifications tell, ive tried them out and the pieps has incredible range)

range of the DTS , i dont really remember but i think that the range was allmost equal to that of the barryvox....

but now considering i hadnt trained before with any of these beacons(my first friend had a pieps dsp, my other friend a barryvox and i had a brandnew DTS tracker) i compared them and the pieps picks up the signal much faster than the barryvox or the dts but the dts is much faster, it ranges faster and more accurate than both pieps or barryvox, furthermore, the dts is much more accurate on close range than the barryvox or the pieps and once youve got a signal the dts will lead you there the fastest...

Conclusions: Barryvox: good beacon, good range, easy to use, and ok tracking

Pieps DSP: high-end beacon with lots of options, and if trained with, really is the better beacon of these three

DTS tracker: flip on beacon, has good range and will lead you to your victim without thinking, in emergency situations when youre stressed and dont really know what to do, i think the DTS is your best buy... 

Apr 17 2009 8:32AM
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Mt_Baker_Man
Posts: 2012 - Karma: 105
Nice comparison. One major thing to think about when buying a transceiver, is how much use it will see. If you are on the snow in avy terrain more than a couple times a month, you should have a higher end beacon, like the ortovox S1, but if you are a lift accessed backcountry user, or only get out once in a while, the simplicity of the DTS is the best. It is reliable, idiot proof, effective, and not that expensive. I have one, and I would highly recommend.
Apr 17 2009 8:50AM
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