Tips for buying an avalanche transceiver

Whether you're a beginner ski tourer or freerider buying your first avalanche transceiver, want to equip your growing kids, or are an experienced mountaineer looking to upgrade to a new device for the umpteenth time – one question always arises: "Which avalanche transceiver should I buy?" This question is absolutely justified, as there are currently several manufacturers offering many different avalanche transceiver models.

Basic requirements:

The wishes, requirements, and prerequisites for a new avalanche transceiver can vary. However, before we delve into these and examine some device details and features in more detail, a fundamental point should be made beforehand: Regardless of the model chosen – and all manufacturers, organizations, and associations agree on this – it should meet the following two minimum requirements:

• It should be a digital 3-antenna device.

• It should be equipped with a marking function.

Besides the currently available devices, most avalanche transceivers from previous generations also meet these basic requirements. When buying a used device, it's therefore important to check whether it's still within its specified lifespan. This information can be found in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Furthermore, it can happen that an avalanche transceiver malfunctions or is damaged after a fall or similar incident. In such a case, it should be sent to the manufacturer for inspection immediately if there is even the slightest doubt about its functionality.

A tip for all PIEPS brand avalanche transceivers: They offer a special service, recommended as standard three and five years after the purchase date and annually thereafter. This service includes checking and updating the device's hardware and software, cleaning the device, and returning it with a service report.

How much should an avalanche transceiver cost?

Understandably, the purchase price is a deciding factor for many. Accordingly, avalanche transceivers can be divided into three classes:

• Entry-level devices

• Mid-range devices

• Top-of-the-line equipment

Not only the price, but also the features and performance characteristics increase in this ranking, with the "mid-range" devices offering the best value for money for most ski tourers and freeriders. They generally operate reliably and are equipped with all the functions that are crucial in an emergency. As with other electronic devices, complexity increases with the range of functions. Therefore, advanced features are only beneficial to users who are properly trained and know how to use them. Otherwise, they quickly become overwhelming or simply go unused.

In recent years, the number of inexpensive "entry-level devices" has steadily declined. This is partly because they lacked important features and performance characteristics such as the "marking function," and partly because for just a few euros more, you can get the next better device class.

Size and weight:

In mountaineering and ski touring, the focus is increasingly on keeping equipment as small and light as possible – without, of course, compromising functionality. This applies particularly to clothing, but also to technical products such as harnesses,

Crampons, skis, etc. That's why there are also particularly lightweight and small avalanche transceivers, which are especially popular with weight-conscious skiers and competitive athletes. Similarly, some freeriders prefer a device that is as compact as possible, barely noticeable during jumps, and causes minimal impact on ribs and other joints in the event of a fall. Furthermore, some ski tourers, for example, are more likely to wear an avalanche transceiver if it is small and lightweight.

Because studies show that approximately one-third of ski tourers and approximately two-thirds of off-piste skiers are out in the open terrain without an avalanche transceiver or emergency equipment, one goal is very clear: to get as many skiers and snowboarders as possible to use an avalanche transceiver (as well as probe and shovel).

In summary

In summary, before making a purchase, it's essential to clarify which of the mentioned points are personally important to you, and then seek detailed advice on the manufacturer's website or, even better, from a trusted specialist retailer. Ideally, you should attend various events and actually use the devices in search and rescue situations before making your decision. Furthermore, you should be thoroughly familiar with your avalanche transceiver to be able to use it effectively in an emergency.

Images and content provided by PIEPS GmbH: https://www.pieps.com/lvs-geraete/