Latest Gear: Best Transceivers

The French Alpine Club (CAF) has recently published the results of their annual avalanche transceiver test, with all models available to buy next season.

The CAF compared 20 models of transceiver and tested 17 of them, considering features such as ease of use, compatibility with other models, potential interference from other devices, performance when searching for multiple signals, etc.

The Mammut Pulse Barryvox scored most highly on all factors and was declared to be the best of the bunch, with Ortovox S1 not far behind although it lost points on scope.

ARVA Neo and Mammut Element were recommended for their excellent range and efficient multi-victim search mode

Their advice was to avoid cheaper models such as the BCA Tracker DTS and the Pieps Freeride as they were deemed to have too low a range, making the first detection of a signal from another beacon too slow a process in an avalanche. The CAF also voiced the opinion that prices in general are too high and restrict people from buying the best in terms of safety and reliability.

Their findings concluded that although there is a wide range of transceivers to choose from, user-capability is often the defining factor in how good your device will perform. It is vital to learn how to use your transceiver correctly and to practise often, in different conditions.

Source: Club Alpin Francais