A beacon (transceiver), which is considered to be one of the three sacred treasures, is a must-have safety gear for going out in the backcountry (BC). Although it is a small gear that fits in the hand, it is an enormous presence in the snowy mountains that protects human lives from avalanches. When choosing a beacon, the most important points are the ability to fulfill the role of searching and the ease of use. From that point of view, the STEEP editorial department has picked up the models that we are interested in for the 2022-23 season.
ARVA｜Neo Pro
A high-end model packed with functions necessary for experts such as guides. Up to 3 buried subjects can be displayed, and more are displayed with +. With marking function, searching can be done more efficiently and speedily. Search reception width is 70m
Size: 12 x 7.3 x 2cm
Weight: 240g (including batteries)
¥51,700
ARVA｜ EVO5
Search distance is 50m with digital triple antenna. Entry model with excellent interference control with electronic devices such as smartphones. It is a compact and lightweight entry model with a weight of 170g, which is comparable to the advanced model in terms of performance.
Size: 11 x 7 x 2cm
Weight: 170g (including battery)
¥40,700
Click here for the official website
BCA｜TRACKER 4
The LED display is bright and very easy to see. The strength is that the reaction is fast and accurate, and the time to catch the buried subject is short. It is compact, lightweight, easy to hold and easy to handle, and has been highly praised by many professional guides. There is also a sense of security that it can be used for a long time because the amount of power used is small.
Size: 12 x 7.5 x
2.6cm Wegiht: 215g (including batteries)
¥53,900
Click here for the official website
BCA｜TRACKER 3
TRACKER3 is the thinnest and easy-to-use model among BCA beacons with instant real-time display. Signal suppression and big picture modes allow you to search for important multiple burials. It is a design that does not interfere with more active riding and also considers storage.
Size: 11.6cm x 7.1cm x 2.3cm
Weight: 215g (including batteries)
¥48,400
Click here for the official website
BCA｜Tracker S
Excluding motion sensing, electronic device performance test functions, and upgradeable software, the performance is the same as TRACKER4 and TRACKER3, but the operability and price are standardized and affordable for entry users. Includes harness and battery.
Size: 11.6cm x 7.1cm x 2.6cm
Weight: 215g (including battery)
¥42,900
Click here for the official website
Black Diamond | Recon X
Equipped with 3 high-precision antennas and a reception range of 60m, it supports quick and accurate searches. Software updates and various settings are possible by connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth®. It can be stored in the attached harness-type carrying pouch and quickly removed in an emergency. A model with high performance and high cost performance.
Size: 11.8 x 7.6 x 2.9 cm
Weight: 217 g (including battery)
¥45,100
Click here for the official website
Black Diamond｜Recon LT Beacon
Black Diamond's lightest and smallest beacon. Makes equipment lighter and more compact. The handle has been improved to prevent slipping. The reception range is 60m. It has a marking function for multiple buried subjects. Software can be updated via Bluetooth.
Size: 11.4 x 7.5 x
Weight: 160g (including batteries)
¥52,690
Click here for the official website
ORTOVOX｜DIRACT VOICE
An innovative model equipped with the world's first high-level search voice navigation system. Guided by English voices, you can discover buried subjects even when blindfolded, making it perfect for beginners. It has an effective search range of 50m and uses a rechargeable battery (charging terminal is UCB type C). It can also be shared with a smartphone battery, etc., and it will also reduce the weight of luggage. Software updates can also be done by users through a free app.
Size: 12 x 7.9 x 2.3cm
Weight: 210g (including battery)
¥53,900
Click here for the official website
MAMMUT｜Barryvox S
Easy-to-read large display, operation is possible even with gloves on. High operability comes with origami. Equipped with many cutting-edge technologies, such as shock resistance, intuitive beep sound search guidance, and a revolutionary and simple visual interface. Since it can search over a wide reception band of 70m, the search time can be shortened. It is a flagship model packed with advanced functions such as automatically switching to search mode when caught in a secondary avalanche. Many professional guides love this model.
Size: 11.5 x 6.7 x 2.7cm
Weight: 210g (including batteries)
¥59,400
◆ Click here for the official website
MAMMUT｜Barryvox S
By eliminating waste and installing only the necessary functions, it features intuitive operation with clear instructions through a simple visual interface. The easy-to-read display and buttons that can be operated while wearing gloves are attractive. Wide reception band with 3 antennas, effective search strip with 70m range, shock and damage resistant housing. It is a user-friendly model that offers excellent performance and advanced, easy-to-use search guidance.
Size: 11.4 x 6.5 x 2.5cm
Weight: 210g (including batteries)
¥46,200
Click here for the official website