LifeLONGBackCountrySkier

#1 this beacon is not downward compatible, i.e. it does not recognize and recieve signals from older analog beacons. This is probable because Piep's tweaked the bandwidth to increase their range. and because their software needs to be re-written, again, to account for those who still have their old analog beacons in use. Owning a beacon that does not receive all other units available is not a good idea, no matter what.

#2 At least we know who sponsors Andrew McLean, but does that equal a valid opinion on which beacon is best? NO! Don't buy into the hype! In this case it just might cost u ur life.

#3 the magnetic switch used inside the Pieps DSP is proven to be effected by small low power magnets and radio transmissions turning the unit OFF! or to receive in many cases. This is a serious flaw that should be seriously considered as a liability to all DSP users.

#4 The DSP continues to produce poor performance in the field when matched to all other beacons. Speed and ease of use are not associated with this product.

Ortovox just upgraded my S1 via infrared link so the software is all new and improved. It is a much cleaner functioning beacon now. The boys at the lab stepped it up by identifying the noises that aren't beacons (ie. electrical currents, radio transmissions...) and when I tested it in a very "dirty" field test the beacon performed amazingly with multiple signals active and tons of external static noise, which would typically cause any digital beacon some difficulties. Now because it ignores that extra noise the S1 hones in very accurately and quickly. This tool is undoubtedly the most advanced, dependable, reliable and easy to use beacon on the market. All the talk about it being too much of a tool is wrong and a bunch of non-sense. If u want u can just change it to all analog, but why would you when you get a graphical representation on an easy to read screen that now includes arrows to help you find and lock onto the signal, plus being able to mark that signal and move on. All the pros know ORTOVOX is it. With more then 4 different beacons transmitting a child could use this tool with ease & find everyone fast. Turn it on and follow the simple directions to the buried beacons. All others fall way behind ORTOVOX's newest and greatest avalanche safety tool, some are already copying their technology, but not successfully, the rest just don't compare. The rest of them are just spewing PR rhetoric and hype that isn't an accurate portrayal of is the real truth behind the beacons they are selling(2 antennas don't cut it for digital). Don't buy anything else, or you will have bought an antique that isn't even in compliance with the current beacon standards set by the industry. Go digital for sure and be sure you buy the best (ORTOVOX!!!). all the rest are just trying to catch up to a company that has been setting the standard now for a very long time. Try it yourself. You don't even need to read the directions, but you do have to have avalanche rescue skills and the proper equipment (ORTOVOX).

I modified this one by incorporating a climbing harness with removable leg loops. A simple slice in the back where the leg straps drop thru and bam! super snow kiting harness delux! send it with this one protecting your ribs and kidneys. Nothing feels better when strapped into a kite on any kind of water.

All of the beacons made are good. They transmit and they receive the same signal. It is in the industry standards that everyone must transmit the same, but what they do with the signal once they receive it is very different. "flagging" is an excellent way to find 1 transmitting beacon and move on to the next, but to ignore the signal is not correct. While I found this beacon good and easy to use I thought it lacked significantly in the area of multiple burials. It's 3 antenna digital technology is great (at the min. all beacons should have 3 antennas for the fine search) but the quoted range is off and it is still following the flux line in like most beacons. Of course your faster with 3 antennas then just 1 (ortovox m2), unless you practices with your beacon until your skills are solid. Again this beacon can be worn while turned off, a big deal when you go into the BC and you make some turns in avi arenas only to find you skied all day with your partner, but they forgot to turn it on, the what if factor left me thinking hard about a beacon even more fool proof, like an Ortovox Patroller.

I watched someone with no skills take this beacon for the first time ever and find 4 "victims" faster then some pros. The simplicity of the tool is excellent! I am not convinced that motion technology will assist in triage scenarios of multiple burials, but the beacon is fast and easy, so it wins huge kudos from me. Seems like they need to universalize the beacon some more, but in general this beacon blows away peips and is a close second to the Ortovox S1.

back protection makes it heavier, but after landing on my spine while trying a backflip the rock that should have cancelled my ability to walk never ever touched me! It flexes with my movements and carries the weight correctly for skiing. I love it's access to inside stuff and it's simplistic design. This is a very, very good pack for anyone who is serious about skiing, alpinism and the mountains. The features that aren't there are not there because they aren't needed. This pack rides well and will keep you from harm. A serious yes for those looking for a better pack.

I got this beacon back a few years ago and out of the box I was amused. At first I thought great, turn it on and it works...! But when I looked at it hard I noticed...
1. I had to turn it on, it wasn't just automatically on when I put it on.
2. It was big and bulky
3. it has a short range, like less then 40m
4. The lights are indicating where the flux line is
5. The numbers mean very little, especially in a multiple burial scenario.
6. When in close (5m) for the fine search the beacon is not very good at all.
7. It hears everything, so you will ultimately be able to find that transmitting beacon.
8. I was way faster at finding someone with my F1 focus that was 10years old.

So I sold my Tracker right away and got a different beacon that actually delivered on its promises. I am sooo tired of high end PR selling product that is less then it is made out to be. Considering the technology in Tracker is now more then a decade old it is hard to believe anyone would buy one. Everything else on the market is a better deal. Don't read this wrong, the tracker works, but not like they say it does. Ask any professional patroller who has used many types of beacons in practice and they say the same thing, "the tracker sucks!"

I used to cut down the handle of my metal shovel so it would fit more compactly in my pack, but I still had to detach the handle from the blade. At first when I received this shovel as a gift I thought wow, what an aggressive blade with a serrated edge. and I thought the push button would fail right away, but after lots of use shoveling for booters or picking through debris I was amazed at how strong and efficient I was with the shovel. Best of all the way it folds up allows it to fit right in the pack as one whole unit w/o taking up additional space. The hoe feature is very nice for trawling away snow. Basically I determined I was a knucklehead for ever doubting this shovel. I highly recommend this shovel for anyone looking at getting a shovel. Plastic is light, but metal is where it is at and this shovel blows the water away from the competition. Hands down the best designed fully functional shovel for real shovel users. Do not be caught w/o one of these babies.

This is the shorty lil brother of the big, burley and incredibly versatile Grizzly 2 shovel. I got this one for my girlfriend because she is shorter then I am and she likes her pack to be much more compact and light then I care to. However, I could not get her a shovel that was plastic because I have broken them. Once I showed her this shovel she was as excited about it as I was about the Big Grizzly 2. What can u say? This is an aggressive tool for anyone who seriously needs to be able to shovel all kinds of snow. This is the real deal and they way it folds up is amazing! When a tool works well it doesn't need reviews to sell it, but since no one had written in I decided I needed to help "sell" something that is selling itself by reputation alone. other shovels cry when you pull out a Grizzly because they wish they had as much action in their few ounces as the Ortovox line does.

Hands down the most durable and simple probe. Easiest to pull together and simplest to take apart. A probe is a probe is a probe until you look at the details of how it goes together. Keep it simple and easy, carry this probe.

This shovel has been upgraded from its original design, the one everyone copied. The improvements add ease to chopping into debris as well as moving mass quantities of snow fast. It is simple and durable. An obvious choice for those who know that cool colors and graphics are just PR tools. This is a tool for pros and people in the know about quality products. Don't be fooled into another shovel because of promises made. This is a time tested design with enhancements. Trust in ORTOVOX for quality beyond your need at a price that can be accepted.

back protection makes it heavier, but after landing on my spine while trying a backflip the rock that should have cancelled my ability to walk never ever touched me! It flexes with my movements and carries the weight correctly for skiing. I love it's access to inside stuff and it's simplistic design. This is a very, very good pack.