Avalanche Equipment review!

[scotts]

I thought it might be a good idea to have a forum to be able to review our likes and dislikes in regard to Avalanche Safety equipment! I spent a fair bit of time the other weekend at an Avy course and was kinda surprised with some of the equipment issues that arose that I hadn't encountered before, and that could prove to be serious in the wrong circumstances!
These are just my own observations and hope others will contribute what they have discovered about their own stuff for good or bad!
First off is the DSP pro transceiver from Pieps.
for the most part I love my transceiver, I've had it for a couple years now and find it simple to use, has great range and very effective marking function! I did discover one concerning issue with the DSP pro recently, I started to make a habit of putting the unit back into its case after completing the fine search phase and beginning to probe! Instead of letting it hang by the cord or slipping it in a pocket! If you have this transiever be very aware it is very easy for the slide switch to be inadvertly moved from search mode back into send mode as its slide back into the carry case! I had this happen twice during search scenario's over the weekend and it's very problematic as other searches get pulled into your location when your sure your in receive mode! I no longer try to store the receiving becon in its case, it's better off hanging or just in a pocket!!
The next item is my BCA shovel/hoe. This seems like a good concept but I find the shovel Handel to be quite short, making it very awkward to use for any amount of time unless your working on your knees?? The hoe mode is better suited to digging out a sled or possibly for work on a steeper slope.
The last issue I had was with the Klim Probe. It was quite cold when we were out and that might account for the trouble I had with the probe, a couple times over the weekend I found the probe to have ice in the top section that wouldn't let the cable slide so the probe could be pulled together! This really isn't a design issue but made me think that possibly it would be a good idea to use some form of deicer or lubricant in the probe barrels to prevent freezing. It really sucks when you throw the probe out and attempt to pull it together and can't because the cable is frozen solid!
I hope people can take something away from all this and contribute some of your own experiences, good ones appreciated also!

 

[007sevens]

I was with Scott and can attest to his problems with his gear.

First off I want to say to anybody who really cares to set up mock avalanche's and run your gear through its paces. I learned more then I expected by doing three person recovery's then any one person search would teach.

My issues.....

I had recently bought a new transceiver Ortovox S1+ (updated), an upgrade from a Ortovox 3+. I had never noticed any issues with the 3+ and the electronic equipment I carried, (sat phone and Garmin Rino). With the S1+ the Garmin would completely mess it up in search mode. Even after being told it was an issue I continued to carry it as I had before thinking I would just turn it off when I went into rescue mode. I am here to tell you that your brain completely blanks things out when you are trying to focus on the task of searching. I had forgot to turn it off like I said I would and it rendered me and it useless and I basically spent 4.5mins walking circles trying to understand my confused beacon. It went into a weird signal overlap problematic mode that was very confusing and not understandable. Even after my brain kicked in and I turn the Garmin off it took the beacon a few seconds to clear its computer and get back to normal.

I strongly suggest that if you carry electronics to find if your beacon can receive signals off of it while in search mode. Make sure you do this in an open area away from any other kinds of interference.

I thought I was fairly competent when it came to beacon searching and all I can say is know your gear and how it reacts. Just having it with you is not good enough.

 

[scotts]

Disappointed that this thread never went anywhere, really leads me to believe that people aren't using their equipment on a regular enough basis to identify that drawbacks!

 

[Bnorth]

Was working through some scenarios back in January and I was really impressed with the Ortovox S1+ and its ability to 'map out' the scene and give a big picture view of multiple burials.
I also want to point out how important it is to range check your transceiver once in awhile. I found last year that my tracker 2 had garbage transmit range likely due to a broken antenna after colliding with the handlebars. I switched to the Pieps DSP sport which is a great value transceiver and has a much better marking feature than the Tracker 2.

Was surprised to see how many SOS transceivers were in the cabin on Sunday; counted at least 3 of them. Throw that junk in a box in the garage and buy a digital 3 antenna transceiver. The old excuse of "oh I'm quick with it" doesn't cut it anymore because they are not detected as well by the new transceivers and I want to dig you out while you're still breathing.

Other than that by black diamond probe and shovel have been bulletproof for ~6 years. I would consider upgrading to the hoe style shovel though. Ortovox now makes one as well as BCA.

 

[sledneck__11]

Sos it nearly imposible to use without the book there in high stress pressure times need something simple, they may still work but spend the money and buy a decent one. i really like my tracker 2 its very simple to use and easy to show others the basics of it

 

[Mike270412]

I was also hoping for more feedback. Getting a couple new beacons for next season and would be great to know some pros and cons.Currently using S1 Ortovox and find them really easy to use in search mode but was really disappointed that they had the weakest transmit signal of all beacons at our avy course.

Disappointed that this thread never went anywhere, really leads me to believe that people aren't using their equipment on a regular enough basis to identify that drawbacks!

 

[Depsnolvr]

Remember Mike, your transceivers strength could be affected by several other factors. First being battery strength and age, then things like electronic or metal interference, position and flux line orientation in the test etc. Dont take one test and make a decision. Try it a couple of times.

In my fleet I have many of the newer transceiver models and have experience with most models with the exception of Arva. They are all very good and the best transceivers these days is the one you are most familiar with.

My preference is still the tracker series of transceiver for their speed and simplicity followed closely by the Pieps Dsp. I get flustered when a transceiver tells me to STOP....wtf?

With all the gadgets we carry now a days, one has to be very familiar with function and how to properly store our electronic devices.

Still seeing way to many ****ty probes out there. People need to get a good and solid probe with current design and up to 3m.

And regarding Airbags....use the flipping thing if you are in an event. Still blows me away as to why people are not pulling the cord. Carry a spare cylinder or at least buy a brand that is easily refillable and repackable so you are not concerned about "not having it for tomorrow"

Now shovels - throw your stupid little costco shovel in the garbage and spend a couple dollars on a real avalanche shovel. Aaaaaand you are on a sled...dont buy the smallest most compact tea spoon that is made for shoveling granola and ski touring...get a good strong shovel with a big blade and a long handle. This is the tool that gets your friends out of the snow!

Could type for hours but duty calls!

Thanks for keeping this thread going Scotts and GET OUT THERE AND PRACTICE PEOPLE

I was also hoping for more feedback. Getting a couple new beacons for next season and would be great to know some pros and cons.Currently using S1 Ortovox and find them really easy to use in search mode but was really disappointed that they had the weakest transmit signal of all beacons at our avy course.

 

[Wrench & Ride]

Was messing around with the Ortovox 3+ and the S1+ and definitely prefer the 3+. Found we had a harder time pinpointing with the S1+. This was likely due to a few things, most importantly was the user. Secondly the numbers on the LCD screen of the S1 are smaller and in my opinion harder to read especially in bright light conditions. Had to look just a little bit harder to see what I was doing. The last reason I did not prefer the S1+ was the goofy flip phone style. It is a bit clumps and I don't really understand why they would make it like that. These are all minor things but I feel I was just a bit more comfortable using the 3+ and that comfort could help shave time of a rescue and to me that's gold. The extra price on the S1+ gives you a few, in my opinion, gimmicky features that really do not justify the 100+ bucks for that model. Definitely would recommend the 3+.

Also had a BCA D-2 EXT hoe shovel. Good size and a sturdy build but the hook they have for grip when using it as a hoe does not work well if you have a backpack with internal shovel storage. The sleeves inside BCA backpacks are a little too tight to get the hand into. The handle itself is also quite long and would not fit in my Float 32. This shovel is fine if you have a holder on the exterior of your bag.

 

[lilduke]

Here is some of the stuff I use. I have Tracker 1,2 and 3. Piep DPS sport and old SOS beacons too. Tracker 2 is my favorite. Easiest to use and most durable.
I'm not a fan of the Pieps. I have used Mammut's and Otorvox's. But I like the Tracker 2.

I have used SOS shovel's and probe's since 96,(have a few of them) but I broke the handle on my last SOS shovel so I bought
the Mammut shovel/hoe and probe.

The Mammut shovel has a nice sharp blade and a decent handle, kind of a small scoop though. Over all the old SOS shovel was better.(had a built in saw too)
A lot of the time I have my grain shovel with me for building booters, so that would work best I think.

The SOS probe is 3m and the Mammut is 3.2m. They are both easy to put together. The SOS has a better locking mechanism, the SOS is more sturdy.
The Mammut is anodized, looks cool and has a built in ruler. Again I think the 20 year old SOS probe is the better piece IMO

I used to bring a Rutschblock cord and snow study kit. But I never use it, so that chit stays at home now.

I have a nice snow saw incase I want to build a igloo or something.

GPS and Sat phone just in case I have to call in the Pro's.

Float 22 pack. Have been debating on upgrading to a new pack or maybe even going back to a regular backpack.
I hate the extra weight of a Avy pack. Best thing is to stay out of Avy's really.

I bring other stuff too but this is the Avy gear I carry.

 

[snopro]

Here is some of the stuff I use. I have Tracker 1,2 and 3. Piep DPS sport and old SOS beacons too. Tracker 2 is my favorite. Easiest to use and most durable.
I'm not a fan of the Pieps. I have used Mammut's and Otorvox's. But I like the Tracker 2.

I have used SOS shovel's and probe's since 96,(have a few of them) but I broke the handle on my last SOS shovel so I bought
the Mammut shovel/hoe and probe.

The Mammut shovel has a nice sharp blade and a decent handle, kind of a small scoop though. Over all the old SOS shovel was better.(had a built in saw too)
A lot of the time I have my grain shovel with me for building booters, so that would work best I think.

The SOS probe is 3m and the Mammut is 3.2m. They are both easy to put together. The SOS has a better locking mechanism, the SOS is more sturdy.
The Mammut is anodized, looks cool and has a built in ruler. Again I think the 20 year old SOS probe is the better piece IMO

I used to bring a Rutschblock cord and snow study kit. But I never use it, so that chit stays at home now.

I have a nice snow saw incase I want to build a igloo or something.

GPS and Sat phone just in case I have to call in the Pro's.

Float 22 pack. Have been debating on upgrading to a new pack or maybe even going back to a regular backpack.
I hate the extra weight of a Avy pack. Best thing is to stay out of Avy's really.

I bring other stuff too but this is the Avy gear I carry.


http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb415/revy1516/DSC_3724_zps97le5epn.jpg

Hey Dan? If I call you next week you interested in showing me your grain shovel? Got a few Super B's of wheat going out next week. Lol.