Best Avalanche Beacons of 2025
Avalanche transceiver is essential rescue gear for backcountry skiing
Published January 14, 2025
Home > Gear Reviews > Ski & Snow
Skis, snowboards, sleds—these are the fun pieces of gear when it comes to backcountry adventures. But some of the most important gear you carry into avalanche terrain is your rescue gear, and an avalanche transceiver is an essential piece of gear. Finding the right beacon for your needs and being well-practiced with it will make you more prepared for winter adventures. We thoroughly researched and tested the top avalanche beacons on the market for beginners and pros alike so that you can get out into the backcountry with the right gear.
I have been a backcountry skier for a decade. Most of my backcountry ski experience comes from time spent in my home mountains in Colorado—a place with a notoriously touchy and dangerous snowpack that helps to keep my skills for traveling in avalanche terrain sharp.
I have my AIARE Level 1, AIARE Level 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications, and am working on my Pro level certifications to teach avalanche education. I tested beacons for this story using skills I've learned in avalanche courses and training.
Remember that backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous risk. Even more important than the gear, it’s crucial to have training and education before you venture into avalanche terrain in order to help you stay safe. If you’re new to the backcountry, look into courses, like intro to backcountry classes, to familiarize you with the gear and how things differ from skiing in bounds at a resort. Then take a level 1 avalanche safety course from a reputable guide service or provider to begin understanding the risk associated with backcountry skiing and avalanches.
If you’re new to skiing, start first at the resort to hone the basic skills. Skiing in the backcountry is much more unpredictable and difficult than at a resort and you should only venture into the backcountry once you’re an expert level skier in bounds. (This is not meant to be exclusionary in any way; it’s simply for your own safety and the safety of others.)
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Comparison table
| AVALANCHE BEACON | TREELINE AWARD | MAX RANGE | WEIGHT | BATTERIES | BATTERY LIFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arva Evo BT | Best overall Read why |
60 meters | 7 oz | 3 AAA | Not stated |
| BCA Tracker S | Best affordable Read why |
55 meters | 7.2 oz | 2 AAA | 250 hours in transmit mode |
| Ortovox Diract Voice | Best for beginners Read why |
50 meters | 7.4 oz | USB-rechargeable lithium-ion | 200 hours in transmit mode |
| Mammut Barryvox S2 | Best for advanced users Read why |
70 meters (up to 100 with extended search range) | 6.5 oz | 3 AAA | 550 hours in transmit mode |
| Black Diamond Guide BT | 60 meters | 9.7 oz | 3 AAA | 400 hours in transmit mode |
The winners
Best overall avalanche beacon: Arva Evo BT
Max range: 60 meters
Weight: 7 oz.
Batteries: 3 AAA
Battery life: Not stated
Bluetooth: Yes
Features: Flagging for multiple burials, Bluetooth connectivity for software updates, group check, electronic interference alert
Antenna: 3
What we liked: Good range, fast and efficient search mode, simple to use, light, ideal feature set for recreational users
What we didn’t like: Revert to send switch is better than some but not as good as Barryvox S2
For avid backcountry adventurers, from novice to expert, the Arva Evo BT is an excellent choice for an avalanche transceiver. With a simple interface and ample feature set, it strikes an ideal balance between performance and user-friendliness.
In our testing, this beacon performed very well in the long range search—nearly as well as top end models and better than many in our test. It is also fast and efficient in the fine search. But the ease of use with this unit is a large part of what makes it so great. There is an efficient and helpful beacon check mode when the unit is powered on, the toggle for switching between modes is easy to use even with gloves on, and performing a search is straightforward.
Arva Evo BT
The Arva Evo BT is a compact and easy to use beacon with ample features at a reasonable price, making it our top choice for most users. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Other standout features include an alert for electronic interference and Bluetooth connectivity for updates. For most recreational backcountry skiers, we think this is the best avalanche transceiver for overall performance.
Ski touring with the compact and easy to use Arva Evo BT. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The Arva Evo BT has a stated range of 60 meters. There is a flagging or signal suppression function for use in multiple burial scenarios—the screen shows up to four individual victims and includes a plus sign if there are more than that. This transceiver has Bluetooth connectivity that allows for software updates to keep it functioning in top form. There is a group check mode that can be initiated when the beacon is first powered on. Additionally, the beacon will beep if it has been left on and unmoved for more than 12 hours.
The Evo BT also has a useful electronic interference warning: if another electronic, like a phone or radio, gets too close, it will beep very loudly and display a phone icon on the screen to alert the user. Once the interfering item has been moved far enough away, the alert will stop. The toggle has a revert to send mode when the beacon is in search.
In our testing, we found the Evo BT to pick up a signal very quickly and at a good range. On average over multiple tests, this unit acquired and held a signal consistently around 62 meters, and often picked up a signal around 65 meters away. The only other beacon in our test to acquire a signal as quickly or quicker is the Mammut Barryvox S2, and it’s worth noting that these two units consistently picked up a signal at nearly the exact same range in our testing.
In the fine search, the Arva is fast and efficient. It alerts the user to begin bracketing when the victim is 3 meters away. When testing the transceiver in multiple burial scenarios, it was quick to flag and suppress signals, and then pick up the new signal. Occasionally, it took a moment for the beacon to orient once picking up the new signal, but this was not cause for concern as it quickly adjusted and guided in the right direction.
We like the ease of use of the toggle on the Arva Evo BT. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The Evo BT is set up to be worn in the included harness or stored attached and inside a beacon pocket in your outerwear. It is a fairly small and compact unit and weighs 198 grams with batteries inside. Compared to the Arva Neo BT Pro, this beacon does not have features like analog mode, making it a little less suited for avalanche rescue professionals. But that also makes it simpler and easier to use for everyday backcountry skiers and riders. The Evo BT is also more affordable.
This beacon also offers excellent value. For the price, it is a very high performing transceiver with all the essential features but without the added complexity of professional-level units like the Mammut Barryvox S2, which is a bit less user friendly than this one. It is also worth noting that Arva has issued very few recalls on their transceivers over the years. (That’s not to say any brand or model with a previous recall is bad, but it is a valid consideration when it comes to life-saving gear.)
Ultimately, we think Arva has dialed in an excellent unit with the Evo BT. It’s fast, efficient, and easy to use—all essential factors for an essential piece of gear.
Best affordable avalanche beacon: BCA Tracker S
Max range: 55 meters
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Batteries: 2 AAA
Battery life: 250 hours in transmit mode
Bluetooth: No
Features: Signal suppression for multiple burials
Antenna: 3
What we liked: Affordable and compact while still offering good range and search functions
What we didn’t like: Not as many features as higher-end models, multiple burial search function not as good
Simplicity is often a good thing for avalanche transceivers, and that’s true with BCA’s Tracker S. This beacon is a paired down and more affordable version of their higher-end Tracker beacons. It has the same stated range as those higher-end beacons and still performs well in both long-range and fine search. While it doesn’t have as many features as other high-end beacons, it’s easy to use and an excellent choice for beginners who don’t want to spend too much on their gear but don’t want to skimp on safety. If you’re looking for a quality beacon at a good price, this is the one to go with.
BCA Tracker S
The Tracker S has a stated range of 55 meters—the same as their higher-end Tracker 4 beacon. That’s not quite as high as others in our test, but it’s still more than sufficient for performing strip searches in the long-range search.
Regarding the fine search, this beacon was very accurate with bracketing during our tests, which made overall search times quicker than other beacons. This beacon’s flagging function for multiple burials is not as good as others in our test, but it is still an essential and effective feature. Specifically, the Tracker S (and other BCA beacons) doesn’t suppress a signal for as long as other beacons when flagging, making a search for multiple burials less of a smooth process.
One of the other things we like about the Tracker S is how light and compact it is. It’s one of the lightest and smallest in our test, making it more comfortable to carry in the harness or in a pocket.
When testing in search scenarios, we found that the Tracker S almost immediately picked up a signal at 55 meters. However, it didn’t hold consistently until we reached closer to 45 or 50 meters, then it maintained and guided us smoothly.
It does well and is accurate in the fine search, though processing time is not quite as fast as higher-end models. Like the Tracker 4, this transceiver's flagging and multiple burial functions work well but are not as smooth and seamless as others we tested. After only one minute, the signal returns on a flagged victim, and the beacon takes a few seconds to recalibrate and begin searching accurately again after flagging. Nonetheless, we were surprised by how well the Tracker S performed against other, much more expensive models.
The display screen on the Tracker S is easy to read and understand, though it does not show as much information on the screen at all times as higher end units, like the Mammut or Arva ones. While distance and arrows always appear, the number of victims and flags are not shown on the screen at all times.
While the Tracker S is both efficient and sufficient for many users, it does not have as many features as others in our test. While it does have a flagging function for multiple burials, it’s not as good as others in our test. After flagging a victim, it only takes a minute or so for the transceiver to begin picking up that signal again, which can result in confusion. This is not a huge deal for many recreational users since multiple burial scenarios are less likely. However, if you’re an expert user or professional, you may want a beacon with more advanced features. But if you’re looking for something that is simple, safe, and affordable, this is a great option.
If you want to get your avalanche rescue kit dialed on a budget, this beacon should be at the top of your list.
Best avalanche beacon for beginners: Ortovox Diract Voice
Max range: 50 meters
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Batteries: USB-rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life: 200 hours in transmit mode
Bluetooth: Yes
Features: Signal suppression for multiple burials, group check, voice commands, rechargeable battery
Antenna: 3
What we liked: Intuitive to use, good search functions, light and compact
What we didn’t like: Lower range, rechargeable battery may not be for everyone
If you’re new to traveling in avalanche terrain and want a beacon that will help you hone your rescue skills, look to the Diract Voice. This transceiver uses voice commands, along with the usual keys on the display screen, that help guide you in both the long-range and fine search. It has features that are an upgrade from simpler beacons, like the Tracker S, making it an excellent option to keep in your pocket as you progress.
Ortovox Diract Voice
The Ortovox Diract Voice shows battery percentage and prompts a group check when you turn it on. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
This beacon has a stated range of 50 meters, which is on the low end. However, we found that the Diract Voice makes up for that for the most part in its overall accuracy and efficiency. Search mode is intuitive and fast, and we found it has great accuracy when bracketing in the fine search.
The flagging mode for multiple burials is quite good—more intuitive and easier to use than the BCA models, but not quite on par with higher-end transceivers like the Arva and Mammut beacons we tested.
The voice commands (which have multiple language options that you select when setting up the transceiver) with the Diract Voice are helpful reminders, especially for beginners. After giving initial directions for the long-range search, it instructs the user to “go down to the snow surface” to begin bracketing. Even as more experienced users, we appreciated the reminder in testing.
In addition to the voice commands, the screen is also easy to read, clearly displaying info like distance, arrows, flags and victims, as well as helpful graphics that initially show things like searching in 40 meter strips. When it comes to functionality with gloves on, this transceiver is one of the easiest to use; we specifically like the flip switch at the top of the unit that transitions from transmit to search mode.
Doing a search test with the Ortovox Diract Voice. While this beacon has a slightly shorter range than some in our test, it’s very user friendly and fast and efficient in the fine search. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
In our tests, the Diract Voice picked up a signal around 40 meters, which is on the lower end compared to others. But once it got the signal, it held it and maintained good accuracy in both the long-range and fine searches.
Overall, this is a great transceiver with good speed and functionality in the search.
When it comes to downsides, there aren’t many. First, the max range is a little lower than others in our test, but we think that this is not a concern for most recreational users, especially considering how well it performs in the search overall.
Second, the battery for this beacon is a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (not replaceable like all the others in our test). Overall, this is not necessarily a deal-breaker or even a downside—the battery is designed to perform well in cold conditions, it charges remarkably fast, and has a battery life that’s comparable to others in our test. But, if you prefer having the option to replace batteries rather than recharging, this may be a turn-off.
Overall, we still think this is an excellent beacon, with features that are especially helpful for beginners, but with enough functionality for more advanced users, too. If you want an intuitive transceiver that offers a bit of extra help with direction in the search, this should be your top choice.
Best avalanche beacon for advanced users: Mammut Barryvox S2
Max range: 70 meters (up to 100 with extended search range in analog mode)
Weight: 6.5 oz.
Batteries: 3 AAA
Battery life: 550 hours in transmit mode
Bluetooth: Yes
Features: Analog functionality with extended search range, signal suppression for multiple burials, scroll and select function for up to 16 burials, electronic interference alert, group check, pro search settings
Antenna: 3
What we liked: Long range, excellent features, and search function for experts, great switch and revert to send mechanism, superior battery life
What we didn’t like: Expensive, complex, more than most recreational users need
For search and rescue or avalanche professionals, or very high level backcountry skiers and folks who want the maximum feature set and have the ability to efficiently use it, the Mammut Barryvox S2 is a top of the line transceiver with an excellent feature set. No beacon we tested matches the performance and feature set of this unit. With a long max range, smart search functions, analog functionality, and excellent signal suppression functionality, this is the best beacon for backcountry experts.
Mammut Barryvox S2
The Mammut Barryvox S2 shows an alert on the screen when there is interference from other electronics. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Let’s start with the search range: the effective digital search range (what you’d use in normal search mode) of this transceiver is 70 meters, higher than most others in our test. But for pro users, switching to search in analog mode ups that range to about 100 meters—more than any transceiver we considered. This means that the range is excellent for average recreational users, but the added range in analog is especially useful for professional rescuers who know how to use it.
It works very fast and excels in situations with multiple burials. The display screen on this beacon is clear and easy to read while displaying a great deal of information to the rescuer. This unit has Bluetooth connectivity for software updates. This beacon is also the lightest and most compact in our test. And to top it off, the Barryvox S2 has the best stated battery life of any unit in our test.
The Mammut Barryvox S2 is very fast and efficient in the long range and fine search. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
In our testing in regular search mode, the Barryvox S2 consistently picked up a signal between 60–65 meters and guided the user to the buried victim quicker than any other in our test. It was equally fast and accurate in the fine search. In burial scenarios, testers using this beacon consistently performed the fastest and most accurate searches, with the Arva Evo BT not far behind. The arrows and visual guidance with this unit are especially helpful in the fine search, including visual and audio cues that alert the rescuer to start probing at close range.
The Barryvox S2 has an updated switch that is easy to use with gloves on. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The Barryvox S2 has a group check mode and a signal interference alert that displays on the screen, though this alert is not quite as obvious and loud as the one on the Arva Evo BT. Compared to the original Barryvox S, one of the most notable changes is to the switch. It’s now easier to use with gloves on and it slides into place and locks easily. There is a revert to send mode, and we think the way Mammut has designed this is the best of any beacon in our test. With the end of the switch toggle sticking out of the side of the unit, it is very easy for the beacon to snap back into transmit mode, but out of the way enough that it isn’t likely to do so while the rescuer is still searching.
The Arva Evo BT and Mammut Barryvox S2 are similar in size, but the Barryvox S2 is a couple ounces lighter. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
While the Barryvox S is highly functional, it is also the most expensive in our test, though we think you get what you pay for if you know how to use it. Aside from the cost, this is not the best beacon for beginner users. All the added features make this beacon slightly more complicated to use than others, so if you’re new to avalanche rescue, opt for a different transceiver that’s simpler and more intuitive, like the Diract Voice. If you’re an expert but maybe not a professional and don’t want to drop the extra cash, consider the fast, accurate, and still feature-rich Arva Evo BT. The Barrtvox S2 is the most expensive in our test, and that expense is not necessary for most users.
With the speed, accuracy, and complex feature set of this beacon, and especially given its extra long range in analog mode, this is a clear excellent choice for backcountry professionals and users who want a top of the line beacon for their backcountry adventures.
Other avalanche beacons we tested and considered
Black Diamond Guide BT
Max range: 60 meters
Weight: 9.7 oz.
Battery: 3 AAA
Battery life: 400 hours in transmit mode
Bluetooth: Yes
Features: Signal suppression for multiple burials
Antenna: 3
This transceiver was previously awarded as our best overall choice, and we still think this is an excellent unit, especially for advanced users. There are a couple primary reasons the Arva Evo BT has taken our best overall seat. First, it has a simpler interface overall. Second, we like the toggle switch much better as the one on the Guide BT and other Black Diamond units can be sticky (and has been a reason for multiple recalls in recent years). Third, the Arva is more affordable, making it a better choice for most recreational users.
Black Diamond Guide BT
The Black Diamond Guide BT clearly shows multiple burials. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
However, the Black Diamond Guide BT is still an excellent transceiver with a large feature set and notably long battery life. It is also very fast and efficient in the long range and fine searches.
The Guide BT has a stated range of 60 meters and is equipped with multiple features for searching for buried victims. In our testing, it consistently picked up a signal at around 55 meters, a bit less than the Arva and Mammut winners. The on/off toggle is intuitive and easy to use with gloves on, though we found it sometimes takes a good bit of pressure and effort to get it to slide quickly. When transitioning from transmit to search, the beacon uses vibrations to alert the user that you’re no longer in transmit mode.
The Black Diamond Guide BT performed near the top of the pack in our search tests, but it is a fairly expensive beacon for recreational users. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
While testing alongside other beacons, we noticed that the Guide does well in both the long range and the fine search, and makes recovery quick and efficient. On top of that, the display screen shows important info on the screen, including the number of victims, which have been flagged, as well as distance and arrows that are easy to read and intuitive to understand. We also appreciate smaller features, like the built-in inclinometer for gauging slope angles in the field.
Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity allows users to connect to an app for any software updates and training. The Guide BT uses three AAA batteries for its power supply, and Black Diamond states an estimated battery life of 400 hours in send mode.
Max range: 55 meters
Weight: 7.6 oz.
Battery: 3 AAA
Battery life: 250 hours in transmit mode
If you’re looking for a great all-around transceiver at a reasonable price that’s an upgrade from BCA’s more minimal Tracker S, the Tracker 4 is a great option.
This is a well-rounded beacon that has all the features we expect a mid-range model to have while being straightforward and fast in the search, all at a reasonable price. The Tracker 4 was a contender for our best overall beacon, but the Arva Evo BT took the cake for its added features, range, and ease of use in multiple burials. We thought that was all worth the higher price tag. But if you are not as keen on having Bluetooth compatibility and want a great transceiver without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.
BCA Tracker 4
The Tracker 4 performed in the middle of the pack with range, picking up a signal just below the stated range at around 50 meters in our tests. It’s fast and accurate in the long range search and while bracketing. Where it lacks compared to the Arva Evo BT and other high-end beacons like the Barryvox S2 is in flagging multiple burials. It takes a minute to recalibrate after flagging, and each signal remains flagged for only one minute, like the Tracker S. However, this is an efficient and intuitive transceiver that is one of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. It’s a solid option at a solid price and we have no hesitation recommending this for recreational users.
Max range: 80 (up to 90 with extended range)
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Batteries: 3 AAA
Battery life: Up to 450 hours in transmit mode (with lithium batteries)
The Arva Neo BT Pro is another transceiver that leans on the high-end side when it comes to features and functionality, and it excels particularly well with multiple burial scenarios. If that’s a priority for you, or if you want a fully-featured transceiver that comes at a lower cost than the Mammut Barryvox S2, worth considering. However, the Mammut Barryvox S2 is the highest performing and most feature rich in our test, which is why we recommend it as the best beacon for advanced users.
Arva Neo BT Pro
The range of the Neo BT Pro lingers at the top of the charts, right with the high-performing Barryvox S2. The max range in digital mode is even higher than the Barryvox S, at 80 meters; switch to the analog search mode for a 90 meter search range. With multiple burials, the display screen shows up to 4 victims at a time for flagging, but can flag more than that with the scroll mode. All of this information is displayed on the screen and easy to read. The Neo BT Pro has a host of other useful features, including a group check mode and Bluetooth compatibility that allows you to connect to the Arva app for software updates and training modes.
Max range: 70 meters
Weight: 7.4 oz.
Battery: 3 AAA
Battery life: 300 hours
The Barryvox is a step down in features and price from Mammut’s top-end Barryvox S. This is a paired down model that’s much more affordable than the S while still maintaining great functionality. With a range of 70 meters, this version still beats out many other models on the market. Like the S, the Barryvox is still not quite as intuitive as other models, but it is still a very high-performing model that offers more range and capability than others in its price range.
Mammut Barryvox
Max range: 60 meters
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Battery: 3 AAA
Battery life: 400 hours in transmit mode
The Black Diamond Recon X is similar in design and functionality to the higher-end Guide BT. It is equally fast and accurate in single burial searches and straightforward to use.
The Guide BT has some added features and is a bit better in searching for multiple burials, but if you’re looking for something similar at a lower price point for recreational use, this beacon is a good choice.
Black Diamond Recon X
We think this unit is very fast and efficient while remaining quite user friendly. The primary reason it’s not an award winner is the same reason as the Guide BT: the slider is sometimes sticky and not as easy to use as other models, like the Arva Evo BT. Arva units have also had fewer recalls in recent years than Black Diamond, which we also consider a plus. This beacon is also a little heavier and larger than others in our test, like the Arva Evo BT and Mammut Barryvox S2.
Like the Guide BT, the Recon X also has an excellent battery life and Bluetooth connectivity for software updates and training.
But, with a good range and great speed and accuracy, especially in the fine search, this beacon is still a solid choice for recreational backcountry skiers and riders.
Understanding avalanche beacons
Doing a group check with the Arva Evo BT and Black Diamond Recon X. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
How does an avalanche beacon work?
An avalanche transceiver works by using multiple antennas to locate the signal of a buried victim’s transceiver. A backcountry user wears a beacon on their body anytime they’re in avalanche terrain with the beacon set to “send” or “transmit” mode. This way, if they’re caught and buried in an avalanche, any unburied partners in their party can use their transceivers in “search” mode to locate the victim's body.
Different types of avalanche beacons: analog, digital, and hybrid
Originally, the first avalanche beacons on the market had only one antenna and those are referred to as analog. Now, modern beacons use three antennas that are processed through the beacon’s computer to provide a more accurate signal for searching. Some high-end beacons can be used in both modes, which can be helpful to increase the range in the long range search, but this is a feature used mostly by well-trained experts and professionals.
While there are still some beacons out there with two antennas, all modern models are made with three antennas and that should be a top priority (if you’re still using a Tracker 2, it’s time to upgrade). All of the beacons we considered and tested for this review are three-antenna digital transceivers.
Signal range and search capabilities
All transceivers have a stated functional range—that means the longest distance at which the beacon should be able to pick up the signal of a buried victim. Most professionals recommend beginning your initial search in 40-meter strips, which means that a range of 40 meters and up is considered good. However, some models can go up to 80 meters or more in their range.
Transceivers can also have different functions and features in the search mode that aid in a rescue. This includes arrows to direct you in the initial search and signals that indicate it’s time to begin bracketing close to the snow surface once you’ve reached 2-3 meters in distance from the victim. Most modern beacons also have a flagging function that allows you to search for multiple signals in the event more than one person is buried.
How to choose an avalanche beacon
We tested several beacons side by side for this review. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing an avalanche beacon:
Range and Accuracy
Range is important to consider in an avalanche beacon, though that’s not the only factor for a swift rescue. A good beacon should have at least a 40-meter-max range, though we recommend ones with around 50–60 meters at least, and all of the transceivers in this test have a stated range of at least 50 meters.
Modern beacons have three antennas—the antenna that sends and receives the signal is the same, while the other two help with direction and depth measurements. The range at which a transceiver will pick up the signal of another depends on many factors, including the orientation and depth of the buried victim’s transceiver. So, even if a beacon has a particular stated range, that can vary greatly in the field.
Accuracy is just as important as the stated range, since that makes the search faster and more efficient when seconds really matter. Look for a transceiver that’s as accurate as possible in both the long range and the fine search.
Multiple burial capability
Multiple burial scenarios are less common than single burials overall in avalanche accidents, but they do happen. We think no matter what it’s still good to have a transceiver with a flagging function to track multiple burials. This means that you can flag and thus suppress the signal of a beacon once you’ve located the victim and other members of the search party have begun to dig them out, while you continue searching for other signals of other buried victims. Some transceivers have better functionality with this feature than others.
Display and user interface
We like the revert to send switch design on the Mammut Barryvox S2 and Ortovox Diract Voice best. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
The screen display on your beacon should be clear and easy to read, even when wearing sunglasses or goggles. All of the ones in our test have a clear and readable screen, but they vary in what is actually shown on the display. Some show how many victims are buried and/or flagged at all times, while others show this only at certain times. Some have one arrow while others have a couple. Overall, the most important thing is that the user interface is intuitive and easy to use and understand in high-stress situations.
Durability
Beacons are made to be brought out into the elements and are often made with similar materials and therefore have similar durability. However, it’s important to take good care of your transceiver no matter how durable it may be. Always wear it with the screen facing in towards your body, whether it’s in a case or a beacon pocket.
Battery life
Battery life is another consideration with beacons, though many have similar ranges for this. It can vary from 200–400 hours of time in transmit mode, but more important than the battery life itself is that you’re always heading out into the field with enough juice. Each beacon displays the battery life when turned on, and most manufacturers will have a stated percentage or point when you should change them before use again.
Bluetooth connectivity
Many newer beacons now have Bluetooth connectivity. This feature is not for use in an actual burial scenario, but it is helpful for updating the software of your beacon. Most Bluetooth beacons can connect to an app that has training modes to help you brush up on your skills.
Additional Features
Some transceivers have additional bells and whistles that can be useful in the field, including reminders to do a group check—this usually gives an alert when you first turn the beacon on. Some also have built-in inclinometers that can be useful in helping to determine the steepness of a slope.
Tips for avalanche beacon use and maintenance
Proper training and practice
While it’s essential to carry a beacon (and other rescue gear) with you anytime you head into avalanche terrain, it’s only useful if you are trained and know how to use it. Take avalanche education courses and rescue courses and use your personal beacon in them. Refresh your skills and practice with friends and ski partners at the beginning of each season to stay sharp.
Regular maintenance and testing
You should always inspect your beacon thoroughly at the beginning of each season. Check the battery compartment for any corrosion and ensure the screen has not been damaged. Turn your beacon on, check that all functions work and that the signal is still strong at 40 meters or more. If you know you won't be using it for a while (like in the summer), remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.
Staying updated with beacon technology
Any winter backcountry enthusiast should be staying up to date and always be learning about the latest beacon technology as well as the latest developments in rescue methods. Keep your skills sharp and upgrade your gear when it’s time. Having up-to-date safety gear is a lot more important than having a new pair of skis with flashy topsheets.
Avalanche beacon interference
Because avalanche beacons work off of a radio signal, there can be interference from other electronics. For this reason, you should keep other devices, like cellphones, GoPros, and radios as far as you can from your beacon—BCA recommends at least 8 inches between your beacon and any other device. Some users have even reported Oura rings to interfere with transceiver signals.
FAQ
We tested several beacons side by side for this review. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Are different avalanche beacons compatible with each other?
All avalanche transceivers operate with the same radio signal, so no matter what brand or model you have, it can pick up other avalanche transceivers and vice versa.
Do avalanche beacons make noise?
Most beacons make beeping noises that help you in your search—the beep may get faster or have a different tone as you get closer to a buried victim. They also often make noise to alert you when you’ve switched from different modes, like sending and receiving. Beacons like the Ortovox Diract Voice even speak to users to help clarify search instructions. The level of noise made by the beacons we tested is pretty similar between models. All of them are loud enough to hear with a hat/helmet on.
Are avalanche beacons waterproof?
Avalanche beacons are generally water resistant, but they are meant to be stored on your body in their harness or in a secure beacon pocket and are not fully waterproof. Your beacon is an electronic device, so keeping it dry and out of the elements is always a good idea. While your beacon may see some snow contact during training and practice, or in the unfortunate event of a real rescue, it should otherwise be stored in a safe and dry place.
What is the difference between an avalanche beacon and transceiver?
These two terms are used interchangeably within the snowsports industry. So if it’s an “avalanche beacon” or an “avalanche transceiver” it's the same thing with slightly different names.
How we researched and tested
We tested avalanche transceivers during drills that are similar to what you would do in an avalanche rescue course. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
We began by researching the top avalanche beacons on the market. We considered the vital features like range, speed, and ease-of-use and selected the top performers based on expert advice from professional guides, pro skiers, along with other trusted media reviews.
From there, we tested the top models ourselves to compare performance. We performed multiple different tests with the transceivers, checking the range, speed, and accuracy, along with testing other functions like flagging. We compared speed, accuracy, and user-friendliness side-by-side with the beacons in both single and multiple burial scenarios to determine the best performers.
About the Author / Why you should trust us
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy street. She’s a lifelong skier and has been touring in the backcountry for over a decade, making turns in places from Southeast Alaska to Japan. Most of her backcountry ski experience comes from time spent in her home mountains in Colorado—a place with a notoriously touchy and dangerous snowpack that helps to keep her skills for traveling in avalanche terrain sharp. She has her AIARE Level 1, Level 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications, and is working towards her Pro level certifications so that she can teach avalanche education herself.
After spending a few seasons as a guide in Southeast Alaska, Stasia transitioned to freelance writing within the outdoor industry. She has a decade’s worth of outdoor gear testing under her belt, including tons of time testing ski gear in the backcountry.
You can see all of Stasia's Treeline Review stories on her author page and her other work on her website.
