Which avalanche transceiver should I buy?

Practicing in the field is the be-all and end-all. Even the best device is of little help if you can’t handle it properly. And you can make a mistake in almost every section of the search. It is definitely recommended not only to test the functions on the soccer field, but to really try the device in the snow. Including signal search, multiple burials, deep burials and a portion of stress.

The range is more relevant than you might think. While you can perfect the operation and hidden pitfalls of the devices with training or eliminate errors, the range will not improve even with the hundredth scenario. Therefore, the better range is a clear buying argument. Standing without a signal in an emergency is a really bad situation. The sooner you receive a signal, the better you get into a regulated process and the faster the search is completed.

The devices are constantly evolving. Don’t buy old devices just to save money. The avalanche transceiver can be decisive whether your buddy survives or not. In our opinion, a 10-year-old device simply needs to be replaced. The reason for this cannot be attributed to a single point, but the flaws of the new devices are simply much smaller. Here are a few examples. Better range in signal search in poor coupling positions. Better visualization and faster distance update in the coarse search, which allows you to move faster. Higher accuracy in the fine search, especially with regard to depth of burial. And less influence of electronic interference on the search. As mentioned in the first point, a very good understanding of the device and regular practice can compensate for these weaknesses, but you will still perform better with a new device.

Usability must be Simple and Stupid. Nobody needs any extra features outside of the main functions. The avalanche transceiver only has to be able to do two things, and these as well as possible. Send and search. Ok, we also want a group check and marking function, but that’s it. Nobody needs an inclinometer on the avalanche transceiver. The device must be self-explanatory in handling, otherwise you will make mistakes under stress. Replacing buttons with sensors, or assigning double functions to buttons are unnecessary sources of error in an emergency. The device operation must be subconscious.

Voice control is only for people who never practice with the device. Anyone who can handle their device is more likely to be thrown off by the verbal announcements than helped by them.

Interference from electronic devices is real and extremely relevant, especially when searching. EVERY avalanche transceiver is disturbed by devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, batteries, etc. And you can go so far as to say that the devices become almost unusable due to the interference. Avalanche transceivers with Interference Protection Systems can better deal with interference sources, but cannot eliminate them either. Therefore, especially in the signal search, make sure that the cell phone is far enough away (50cm) and that there are no smartwatches or heated gloves on the search hand. Modern devices show the interference on the display with small symbols.