Backcountry Access Tracker DTS and Barryvox Opti 3000 Avalanche Beacons
Insurance is a nasty thing. You don’t ever want to use it, but you don’t want to be without it either. That’s why savvy ski mountaineers and climbers routinely wear avalanche beacons when chasing alpine lines. The question, however, always comes down to, “Which one?”

According to the fine print and the technical specifications, there are differences between brands and models. The bottom line, however, is that if one of your party is caught in an avalanche, any beacon is better than none — except if you don’t know how to use it or the batteries are long since dead. Thus, in generic terms, if you need a beacon, get one — any one — because they all work.

If range matters, get a beacon with greater range (Ortovox F1, M2, X1, or the SOS F1-ND). If price is your guide, get the least expensive. If special features are your thing, get the one that rings your bell. Personally I like the extra features of the newer digital beacons (Arva Advanced, Arva Evolution, Barryvox Opti 3000, Pieps DSP, Ortovox X1, or the Tracker DTS). They can make it easier to pinpoint where to start digging for a buried buddy — again, as long as you practice. That’s the crux of beacons these days. Even experienced searchers have been known to freeze when a real avy occurs.

Ease of use then becomes paramount when panic sets in. That’s why, even though I personally prefer the Barryvox Opti 3000 ($300) for its fancy, switchable real-time audio signal (good in multiple victim scenarios), I want you to have a Backcountry Tracker DTS ($310), ‘cuz I don’t believe you really know how to use that thing if I’m the one buried.

Click here to buy now from MountainGear.com

The DTS was the first digital beacon on the market, and it still sets the standard for ease of use. To switch it to receive mode, just hold the big red button down for a full second. The red LEDs flash the letters SE, for search, and then you just sweep the entire path zig-zag style (20-meter strip width) until you pick up a signal. From there it’s pretty intuitive. Five LEDs show what direction to move, and the numbers show how far away you are. When you get within three meters, slow down to pinpoint the closest location. Then dig like mad. In the case of multiple burials, some of the other beacons have features that help out. But the bottom line with all beacons is practice, practice, practice. Several ski resorts that now offer practice ranges for this sort of exercise. Do it.
— Craig Dostie
Backcountry Access:303.417.1345, www.bcaccess.com
Barryvox/Mammut: 800.451.5127, www.mammutusa.com