Beacons (transceivers) are considered the first of the three sacred treasures of essential safety gear when heading out into the backcountry (BC). Though they are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, they play a vital role in snowy mountains, protecting lives from avalanches. When choosing a beacon, the most important factors are its functionality in carrying out its search function and ease of use. With that in mind, the STEEP editorial team has picked out some models that are of interest to us for the 2022-2023 season
ARVA｜Neo Pro
This high-end model is packed with features necessary for experts such as guides. It can display up to three buried subjects, and if there are more than three, they are displayed with a +. It also has a marking function, making searches even more efficient and speedy. The search reception range is 70m
Size: 12×7.3×2cm
Weight: 240g (battery included)
¥51,700
◆For more details, click here
ARVA｜ EVO5
The digital triple antenna provides a search distance of 50m. This entry-level model also excels in interference management with smartphones and other electronic devices. Its performance is comparable to that of higher-end models, yet it weighs just 170g
Size: 11 x 7 x 2 cm
Weight: 170 g (batteries included)
￥40,700
Click here for the official website
BCA｜TRACKER 4
The LED display is bright and easy to read. Its fast response and accuracy make it a great tool for quickly locating a buried subject. Its compact size and lightweight design, along with its ease of handling and ease of handling of each part, have earned it high praise, making it a favorite of many professional guides. Its low power consumption also gives it the peace of mind of being able to be used for long periods of time
Size: 12×7.5×2.6cm
Weight: 215g (battery included)
¥53,900
Click here for the official website
BCA｜TRACKER 3
TRACKER3 offers instant real-time display and is the thinnest and easiest-to-use BCA beacon available. Signal Suppression and Big Picture modes enable critical multiple-subject retrieval. Its design minimizes interference during active riding and allows for easy storage
Size: 11.6cm x 7.1cm x 2.3cm
Weight: 215g (battery included)
¥48,400
Click here for the official website
BCA｜TRACKER S
Excluding motion sensing, electronics performance test functions, and upgradeable software, the performance is the same as the TRACKER4 and TRACKER3, but the operability and price are standardized to make it more affordable for entry-level users. Harness and battery are included
Size: 11.6cm x 7.1cm x 2.6cm
Weight: 215g (battery included)
¥42,900
Click here for the official website
Black Diamond | Recon X
Equipped with three highly accurate antennas, the 60m reception range supports fast and accurate searches. Connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth® for software updates and various settings. Store in the included harness-style carrying pouch and quickly remove in an emergency. This highly functional yet cost-effective model
Size: 11.8×7.6×2.9cm
Weight: 217g (battery included)
¥45,100
Click here for the official website
Black Diamond | Recon LT Beacon
This is the lightest and smallest Black Diamond beacon. It helps keep your equipment as light and compact as possible. It features an improved grip for a more comfortable grip. It has a reception range of 60m. It has the ability to mark multiple buried subjects. It also features Bluetooth software updates
Size: 11.4×7.5×2.6cm
Weight: 160g (battery included)
¥52,690
Click here for the official website
ORTOVOX｜DIRACT VOICE
This innovative model is the world's first to feature a high-level search voice navigation system. Guided by an English voice, it allows users to find buried victims even while blindfolded, making it ideal for beginners. It has an effective search range of 50m and uses a rechargeable battery (UCB Type C charging terminal). It can also be used with a smartphone battery, reducing the weight of your luggage. Users can also update the software via the free app
Size: 12×7.9×2.3cm
Weight: 210g (battery included)
¥53,900
Click here for the official website
MAMMUT Barryvox S
The large, easy-to-read display allows operation even while wearing gloves. Its ease of use is undeniable. It's equipped with many cutting-edge technologies, including shock resistance, intuitive beep voice search guidance, and a groundbreakingly simple visual interface. Its 70m reception bandwidth allows for wide-ranging searches, shortening search times. It's a flagship model packed with advanced features, including an automatic search mode if you're caught in a secondary avalanche. Many professional guides favor this model
Size: 11.5×6.7×2.7cm
Weight: 210g (battery included)
¥59,400
◆ Click here for the official website
MAMMUT Barryvox S
By eliminating unnecessary features and incorporating only the essentials, the model features a simple visual interface with clear instructions for intuitive operation. Its appealing features include an easy-to-read display and buttons that can be operated even while wearing gloves. It features a wide reception band with three antennas, an effective search strip with a range of 70m, and a shock-resistant and shatter-resistant housing. This user-friendly model offers excellent performance and advanced, easy-to-use search guidance
Size: 11.4×6.5×2.5cm
Weight: 210g (battery included)
¥46,200
Click here for the official website