Every winter season, every snowboarder and skier will dream of trekking or climbing to a remote site that is covered with snow. It is evident that all mountain goers may ignore the snow forecast predictions about the coming of heavy snowfall, but only a few realize that the snowfall typically comes with some costs. The reason behind this is that heavy snow is more likely to bring about high avalanche risks thus making experienced mountain goers to realize the need for having an avalanche beacon
Surprisingly, spotting key features when in pursuit of avalanche beacon of your choice requires you to acquaint with the purpose of the kit. Irrespective of whether you are mountainous rookie or backcountry touring pro, you are still in need of help when it comes to selecting the ideal avalanche beacon to sail you safely through snow season!
Contents
- List of Best Avalanche Beacons in 2024
- #10. Tracker DTS Avalanche Probe + Avalanche Beacon by BCA
- #9. Backcountry Access Avalanche Beacon BCA Tracker DTS
- #8. Set Guide BT from Black Diamond
- #7. Pieps DSP Sport (Green) Avalanche Transceiver
- #6. Ortovox Zoom+ RECCO Avalanche Transceiver
- #5. Arctic Cat Snowmobile BCA Tracker2 Avalanche Beacon
- #4. EVO4 Avalanche Beacon from Arva
- #3. Tracker3 Avalanche Beacon from Backcountry Access
- #2. PIEPS Powder BT 60-meter range Avalanche Beacon
- #1. SpyTec STI_GL300 GPS Tracker
- How to select the ideal Avalanche Beacon
- Conclusion
List of Best Avalanche Beacons in 2024
#10. Tracker DTS Avalanche Probe + Avalanche Beacon by BCA
The Tracker DTS is digital multi-antenna transceiver with an endless track record for durability, reliability, and value. The unit feature real-time digital display that displays both distance and direction using red LEDs. The path at which the beacons transmits is displayed as indicators lights whereas range is displayed in meters.
The furtiveness 240cm Probe is also included in the package. BCA Tracker DTS has become the best-selling and the most popular avalanche beacon to North American for its reliability, ease-of-use, and affordability. For user suitability, this tracker is a great companion of less experienced and novice users. The avalanche beacon is ideal for cat-skiing, heli-skiing, and snowmobiling for recreational operation.
- Includes DTS Avalanche Beacon and BCA Tracker
- A real-time digital display
- Avalanche Probe with BCA Stealth 240cm
- Dual antenna technology
- Furtiveness 240cm Probe
#9. Backcountry Access Avalanche Beacon BCA Tracker DTS
Looking for best-selling avalanche beacon for snow mountaineering or backcountry split-boarders and skiers? If so, then avalanche Beacon from Backcountry Access is exactly what you have been looking for. Then again, the easy-to-use functionality and affordable price are what gives this BCA Tracker DTS its superiority over other older model.
The unit features a simple interface alongside one button that will help you in switching between send and search mode making you learn Backcountry split-boarders and skiers quickly. Next, the second button allows you to do multiple burial victims flagging, a fundamental aspect for the Tracker DTS that’s attractive and much standard in any contemporary beacons.
- Digital range: 40m
- Flagging option for multiple burial victims
- Harness secure included
- Case light-up with directional display
#8. Set Guide BT from Black Diamond
Set Guide BT from black diamond is safe and pro-grade and Avalanche Beacon for serious backcountry skiers, guides, and snow professionals. The package incorporates an essentials gear mountain goers. What’s more, the set includes, Quick-draw Tour 320 probe, Evac 7 shovel, and Guide BT beacon—necessary safety equipment designed for mountain professionals and serious backcountry trekkers alike.
For comprehensive search capability, there are iProbe to aid in the same. The Evac 7 is good enough to move snow away whenever there is a snow emergency. It also features Extendable shaft, and a large blade offers extra comfort and efficiency
- Measures 20-inches by 13-inches by 5-inches
- Measures 3.52 ounces
- No-slip grip surface for secure handling
- High-visibility markings
- Extendable shaft and large blade offers extra comfort and efficiency
- Long-lasting quick-draw Tour Probe 320
#7. Pieps DSP Sport (Green) Avalanche Transceiver
The DSP SPORT from PIEPS is defined as 3-antenna digital beacon with ONE single button and extensive range for proper support in any situation. In addition to 3-antenna, it also features 60m as maximum circular range and even optimal mark function for multiple burial scenarios. Luckily enough, readable display to aid you in precise reading.
More importantly, the testing of major function is accomplished during power-on: amplifiers, batteries, transmitting frequency, processors and all antennas. For the precise search, three antennas are incorporated, the intelligent transmitter includes IPROBE support and auto-antenna and initial distance and distance indicator
- Has 50m searching strip width
- Has 457 kHz transmission frequency:
- Powered by three triple-A size battery
- Include all lighting condition readable display
- Neoprene bag alongside comfortable shoulder strap
#6. Ortovox Zoom+ RECCO Avalanche Transceiver
The ZOOM+ by Ortovox combines the ease-of-use alongside the innovative design and contemporary technology and. Designed with two functional buttons, theOrtovox ZOOM+ avalanche focusses on spontaneous usability. The emphasis on the perfectly designed LED-display alongside ON/OFF switches plus the other the switch between searching and transmitting.
Information, directional arrows, and distances regarding some avalanche victims quickly direct you to the establish search area, alongside the mechanical search acoustics facilitates the manner at which the victims are located. With the smart-antenna-technology, finding avalanche victims is much better.
The unit examines its location spot in the snow slip and spontaneously switches to the maximum transmission antenna. It also features 3-antenna technology as advanced digital receiver function.
- Receive function: digital
- Has three antennas
- Microprocessor control and auto switchover
- Intuitive search acoustics
- Smart-Antenna-Technology ™
- Recco Reflector Inside
- Transmission capacity: 250h
- Display backlight
#5. Arctic Cat Snowmobile BCA Tracker2 Avalanche Beacon
Nothing catastrophic than getting buried in the snow all alone without the notice of anyone. However, with an efficient and easy-to-use beacon, you can handle all on-mountain emergency reasonably well. More interestingly, this is a must-have beacon for mountain goer’s survivor. Ideally, the integrated triple receiver antenna are precise and fastest in pinpointing.
The instant real-time display function and user-friendly interface enable the people to track the victim with ease. An automatic transmit/search switch provides desirable usability and user functionality as well. The unit incorporates harness and thinner profile as opposed to tracker DTS. The Avalanche Beacon also includes the multiple burial function special mode indicators.
- Multiple burial light indicator
- Package dimensions: 13-inches by 2-inches by10-inches
- Weighs 1 pound
- Special mode indicator
- Triple receiver antenna
#4. EVO4 Avalanche Beacon from Arva
The EVO popularity progresses alongside the brand new EVO4 Avalanche Beacon from Arva. Appreciations to its construction design, LCD screen and marking function, this available unit is receiving an upgrade, and it is efficient and excellent. Unlike other ski-trekking avalanche beacons, this one by Arva is safe and user-friendly.
More importantly, it incorporates red slider search-transmit mode switch on case’s curved edge for direct slapping into transmit mode. To switch it on, all you are required to do is connect the red-plastic strap-anchor requited for triggering magnetic switch. The package measures 1.2 by 3.5 by 4.7 inches and weighs 10.6 ounces.
- Package measurement: 1.2 by 3.5 by 4.7 inches
- Weighs 10.6 ounces
- Red slider search-transmit mode switch
- Has detachable strap
#3. Tracker3 Avalanche Beacon from Backcountry Access
Backcountry Access presents Tracker3 as their powerful Avalanche Beacon to help you in taking your mountain trekking experience to another level. Unlike the other heavier model, this one is smaller and is 20% lighter as compared with Tracker2. Tracker3 incorporates multiple burials markings, real-time display, and three receiving antennae.
Its progressive industrialized design brings unparalleled user experience and wearing comfort. Increasingly, tracker3 resembles earlier Trackers speed, top-notch, intuitiveness, ease-of-use and incorporates low-profile design and marking function. Interestingly, the unit is backed by a certificate of compliance with all applicable European and North American norms.
- Package dimension: 5.5-inches by 3.2-inches by 1.1 inches
- Frequency: 457 kHz
- Weighs 7.8 ounces
- Harness weight: 100 grams/3.5 oz.
- Range: 50 meters
- Operates on three triple-A sized alkaline battery
#2. PIEPS Powder BT 60-meter range Avalanche Beacon
Powder BT by PIEPS must be a great companion for backcountry split boarder and skiers for its high-performance. Dissimilar, the traditional model that has only 2-antennas, this one features 3-antennas that offers precise search. The 60-meter range can also play a significant role in helping you track and pick the signal of the victim right from a far distance.
It also includes functions like auto-search-to-send, multiple burial, Bluetooth connection, self-check, and iProbe support. The Powder BT features multiple burial features for picking up signals right from any buried victim within range, whereas the flagging function enables you to mark the lost victims.
It can accomplish a general self-check, showing all of the related software and hardware components so you can quickly ascertain the areas that require attention.
- Package measurement: 4.6 by 3 by 1.1 inches
- Weighs 7.8 ounces
- Operate on 3 triple-A batteries
- Battery Life: 300h
- Digital Range: 60m
- Has three antennas
#1. SpyTec STI_GL300 GPS Tracker
With modern STI_GL300 by SpyTec tracking someone you love when are away is possible because the kit’s GPS technology will keep on updating you about the location in real time. More importantly, the GL300 can even track vehicles, assets, and people in motion as it features the setting that enables it to transmit location update at an interval of 5 seconds.
The kit also features motion activation that operates on the battery with a lifespan of two weeks. The other pleasing feature with this kit is the fact that it is portable and compact making it handy and easily attached to belt holster, and also the water-tight magnetic case.
- Package dimension: 0.9 by 1.5 by 2.7 inches
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Uses GPS technology for tracking
- Has motion activation
- Equipped with real-time location updating function
How to select the ideal Avalanche Beacon
- Range: Before placing any order, always consider avalanche beacon’s range, as this will determine the geographical coverage of the signal. For better performance, the beacon of your choice should have a range of 60 meters (160ft) or 50 meters (160 ft.). Apart from range, it is also advisable to consider search width for effective results in various situations.
- Antennas: Many avalanche beacons feature multiple antennae. The advantage with a single antenna is that it will serve a limited reception range. While multiple antennae will perform a quick and more effective search. Likewise, multiple antennae are ideal in unfavorable conditions where immediate rescue is needed. Opt for the gadget with multiple antennae for its quick searching results.
- Multiple burial features: In severe avalanche conditions, being confronted with a single burial is very rare. With this in probability mind, specialists have engineered marking features. Therefore, with multiple marking function seeking several victims at a glance is possible. A rescue team usually mark several sites where the victims are buried while still searching for others.
- Comfort: It is always advisable to try out a harness or strap before making any purchase. The right choice will guarantee comfort and ease of use as well. Avoid the Harness that grasps the unit in a wrong position at all cost. For reliable and quick access you need a harness that is positioned well to cater for all avalanche scenario.
- Size & design: When selecting avalanche beacon, it is advisable to consider its design and size because comfort and size have a close relationship when it comes to handling. It is also not prudent to pick heavy and bulky beacon for convenient handling reasons. For durability assurance, the beacons you select should be lightweight but not fragile. With the above aspect, you can operate the unit easily and even much easier if your unit has harness and straps.
Conclusion
In sum, as technology advances, many avalanche beacons with powerful features like extended battery life, triple antennas, multiple signal search and mark, microprocessor function and some other useful improvements are being incorporated, and the listed avalanche beacons are no exemption because they are of high-quality as well.
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