The D3 appeals to a user who wants a relatively simple and straightforward directional beacon, and doesn’t want to bother with any special multiple-burial features (besides the indicator light) or other complications. As such, it is the most direct competitor to the Tracker DTS (aside from the hard-to-find ARVA Evolution+).
See my complete review here:
http://www.wildsnow.com/1881/ortovox-d3-beacon-review/

The range isn't the best, being all digital. Also, you are supposed to be able to navigate straight to a victim, but I noticed a tendency for it to follow the flux lines. Further, when you have it strapped on the way it's designed, you can't get the unit close to the ground while standing for precise locating. It's got a cable that keeps it within a couple feet of you chest. Might have to cut the cord. Finally, the multiple victim feature is a bit confusing, it jumps around to different numbers rather wildly.

As easy to use as this beacon is, I am having a tough time finding a place to settle it where it is not either impeding my motion or uncomfortable on my breasts... If there is a beacon with a different strap system I might reccomend that to other well-endowed ladies out there.

This is a nice little beacon. Handling multiple burials take a little more practice than some of the higher end beacons, but it is very intuitive. Love the harness, I don't even notice it when I'm out in the back country.

Very quick to latch on and direct you via flux line to a single beacon. Good luck with multiple burials though, this thing bounces all over, gives numbers that are way off the charts. Go to beaconreviews.com for some really good info regarding all beacons. Also the pouch is thick and adds too much bulk, and the strap makes it difficult to get close to the snow. I'm going to return mine and go for the Barryvox, or the S1.

This is a great beacon if you are beginning in backcountry but want something more than the Tracker. It's pretty idiot proof in single burial mode and multiple burials just takes practice.

Just took my Avy I Cert class and got to try out my Ortovox D3. I was amazed at how fast I could find another buried beacon! Took me straight to it. Easy to read. The harness is a bit annoying as you have to have it strapped around you to turn it on, and if you don't want it on, you have to have a strap dangling from your waist. Also, it's hard to get close to the snow unless you adjust the waist strap.

I have only played with them briefly to make sure I know how to locate with them. So far they are not being as simple to use as I had hoped. I'll try some more and report back.

this beacon latches on to signals super quick. it's really great for a single person rescue, but i find the multiple beacon search function to be a bit difficult.

My first beacon, what can I say, its relatively affordable, very simple to use, no complaints.

Simply put the best and easiest beacon made. all digital with 3 antennas, lighted arrows to quickly focus you onto the buried transmitting beacon. fast and accurate. What everyone is saying who has one, tried one or wants one is that this is the beacon. if you don't want to go pro or deal with the more intelligent avalanche tools, like the S1, then this is the only beacon you should buy. advanced technology in a solid construction case. dependable, reliable and simple. It is what the guides give their clients, because it is so easy to use they know anyone, even without and skills, will be able to find them fast. Don't go into the backcountry without one, don't go into the backcountry with anything other then an ORTOVOX!