Mammut Barryvox Transceiver

The Barryvox Tranceiver was introduced in the US a few years ago and has been a huge hit with backcountry enthusiasts of all abilities. It is a giant leap forward in transceiver technology offering both analog and digital search modes and the ability to switch back and forth between the two. A stream of range and directional data appears on an easy to interpret digital display, guiding the user along an induction line to the buried victim. There is no need for manual adjustment as you approach the victim. Simple one touch button operation is intuitive and easy to use—even for the uninitiated. It comes with the most comfortable and best designed harness system we've ever seen.

$298.95

small, comfortable, and easy to use
Hopefully will never have to use it for real but after being caught in an avalanche that broke both my femeurs I want someting good and easy to use when I am in the backcountry. The harness: very comfortable, dont even notice it is on. Size: smallest of them all but big enough to use with gloves on and an easy to read display. Use: Its straightforward to use but requires practice. Powerlines, cables, etc. tend to distort readings so try practicing in a number of different areas. Price: I know its hard for a ski bum to justify a price tag that is similar price to a new set of skiis or a seasons pass but you and your ski buddy gotta have one. Its your ONLY ticket to surivial if you get buried (you have about 15min to get dug out.)

Light weight, and super-easy to use!
This beacon is a major step-up from the analog Ortovox units that I've rented in the past. It's very small and light weight, and easy to use. In a practice session, I found a 5-ft-under analog beacon in under 90 seconds. Battery life is good too -- after four days out it still has 50% charge left on original batteries. The separate harness provided is comfortable -- instruction manual clear and simple. Controls are obvious and unambiguous.

I love this thing!
After reading Lou Dawson's review on his website at http://wildsnow.com/articles/barryvox/barryvox_review.html, I knew this was the beacon for me. It's small, it works. By the way, are you tired of beacon reviews that read like some rocket scientist went wild? Read Lou's stuff, he keeps it simple and to the point.

Evaluation of the Mammut Barryvox transceiver
I purchased two transceivers, one for myself and one for my son, who frequently ventures out with me. We spend most of our time in backcountry areas hiking and snowboarding and have been testing the transceivers on a variety of slopes. The directional indicators and distance readouts make it extremely easy to use and markedly speed up the process of finding someone. My son was able to use it successfully on his first try.It's a wonderful product and far superior to the analog devices and would work well for a beginner as well as someone highly trained in avalanche rescue. Thanks for a great product. Mark Hopkins, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon Park City, Utah

Easy to use
I've used all the major transceivers and this one is the easiest to use. I cut my 10-year old soon loose with it. With no instruction, he located a beacon I hid in a wood pile. I like the ability to program it for a range of parameters.

Training Tips

As a long distance runner, a gradual increase in distance each week will allow you to build a solid areobic base. Distance increase should be no more than 10% of the previous week's distance.

When buying a new pair of running shoes, bring your old ones with you. You will get a better fit if you know if you supinate or pronate.

Heart monitors are useful for knowing when you are in the right zone for your training efforts. If you understand what your maximum heart rate is, you can set up your monitor to beep at you when you exceed the high or low range of your heart rate for the type of workout you are doing.

Cross training gives your body a chance to recover while still exercising. If yesterday has a hard run day up and down hills, then today's bicycle ride gives your aching knees a well deserved break.