Best Beacons to buy

[Bikeswithtrax]

Someone stole our beacons yesterday, so need to get new ones.
I don't follow technology items closely at all, so lots has probably changed by now.
What are the best beacons to buy?
Ease of use and reliability especially?
Also small in size and light weight?

Thanks in advance.

 

[CJD]

Mammut pulse barryvox

 

[FernieHawk]

Mammut pulse barryvox

Same same...

 

[Bnorth]

If I was a casual user looking for a new transceiver I would go for the Mammut Barryvox, Black Diamond Recon/Pieps Powder, or Pieps DSP Sport.

 

[Teth-Air]

You guys do realize that Mammut was listed on this website as a supporter of the Sierra Club, just a couple years ago?

 

[Bnorth]

You guys do realize that Mammut was listed on this website as a supporter of the Sierra Club, just a couple years ago?

I try to avoid companies like that in general, you'll never see me wearing a Patagonia hat with a fish on it, but not when it comes to safety gear. I do not like BCA transceivers which iirc is the only company that does not fund some variety of organization trying to shut us down.

 

[BCACanada]

Sorry to hear about the theft of your gear. Always known as the easiest to learn, simplest to use, and fastest 'real time' beacons are BCA Trackers....the new Tracker S is well priced, has Big Picture Mode (to see all beacons within range) and signal suppression (proven more reliable than marking functions in multiple beacon searches)....the Tracker 3 has been on the market for several years and is well-liked by professionals in the field. And the New Tracker 4 will be on the market in Fall 2020. 5 year warranty....fast customer service with the majority of sled dealers carrying BCA products....and well-known as a sled-industry supportive company.

 

[BCACanada]

Curious as to why you don't like BCA transceivers....??? quite the statement, considering Trackers were the first digital transceiver out, and always considered the most user-friendly

 

[BCACanada]

As noted here, both Black Diamond/Pieps and Mammut are energetic to shut down motorized recreation everywhere....just do some research on their websites

 

[FernieHawk]

As noted here, both Black Diamond/Pieps and Mammut are energetic to shut down motorized recreation everywhere....just do some research on their websites

I currently have a Mammut pulse Barryvox and I really like like it, but I have only recently become aware that some of the equipment manufactures are anti motorized. My first digital transceiver was a BCA Tracker and I really liked it...my wife still uses it, they are very simple and intuitive.

Looks like I will have to sell my Mammut and buy an updated BCA...cheers

 

[moyiesledhead]

The best beacon to buy is the one you're not only going to wear, but learn how to use by practicing.

 

[Bnorth]

Curious as to why you don't like BCA transceivers....??? quite the statement, considering Trackers were the first digital transceiver out, and always considered the most user-friendly

It's a preference thing. I prefer flagging to suppress. I could search well with suppress back when I had a tracker 2 but had some issues pushing the button and just didn't take to the suppress process. That same Tracker 2 failed a range test later on and I retired it. I have done a fair bit of formal avy training and the BCA products would commonly have shorter detection ranges. Now admittedly I haven't used BCA transceivers since the 3rd generation has been out.

 

[Teth-Air]

For me there are a few criteria that should be considered when buying a beacon.

1. How well it works and easy to use.

2. Manufacturer support . Personally BCA has been the best for me as they have reps on the ground and riding sleds and are at the snow shows. (only manufacturer to attend the shows that I've seen)

3. Warranty. Not that I have had much for problems but warranty issues are always taken care of without question and when you call you talk to a real person in this country.

4. If they support organizations that want to close our riding areas, no chance I will buy.

There is more to think about than price when it is a potential life saving device.

 

[lilduke]

I like the BCA stuff. Pieps I had issues with. Mammut are nice but harder to use IMO Otrvox has some nice beacons but I say BCA for the win.


Simple and it works.

 

[brian h]

bca imo simple,reliable, works good and i test mine for range everyyear and never have had any issues

 

[cattechsummitrider]

I had the opposite luck Pieps works good and Bca had issues ,,, luck of the draw

I like the BCA stuff. Pieps I had issues with. Mammut are nice but harder to use IMO Otrvox has some nice beacons but I say BCA for the win.


Simple and it works.

 

[Bikeswithtrax]

Just an update, i got us new BCA Tracker 3 beacons.