 Poster: A snowHead
|
Having done a couple of off-piste courses myself and JanetS are looking at now buying our own avalanche safety kit. On the courses we used the Ortovox F1, which was pretty primitive compared to the ones used by owners. Having done some reading this package looks OK - http://www.snowsafe.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=317
Any advice? Are there better options out there? Getting two sets is not cheap, so need to ensure it is well spent!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
RobinS, have a look at http://beaconreviews.com also search here on Snowheads where there are several threads discussing the merits of various beacons.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
I am no expert but the pack you linked to has a combined probe and shovel which looks convient but the probe is fairly short. If the average depth of burial is 1m its only giving 80cm above ground so if your probing you better be bent over and thats only to find people at the mean depth and not below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
RobinS, I agree with betterinblack, I have the kit you are planning on buying, the probe fits in the handle, and is actually a bit of a faff, i now take a longer one as well, plus the shovel extension which makes a huge difference to the state of my back after shovelling! Practicing last week the snow pack was well over 2metres deep in one place we were, my bca probe would not have bottomed out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
RobinS, another +1 on the probe setup, I have used them as well, and to be fair the 180cm probe is pretty weak and also to short, the standard that most recreational skiers use is 240cm.
Also on the 180 BCA probe the depth markings are pretty poor, actually are there any???
BCA also have a 240cm probe that goes in the Aresnel shovel, you might find one in stock somewhere we sold out of them pretty early on in the season
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Thanks all, having looked at reviews etc, I was thinking of either BCA Tracker 2, or Ortovox 3+ transceivers - presumably we can't go too far wrong with those. As a result of feedback here, we need to go for 240cm probe. Also need aluminium shovels - are the cheaper ones of these worthwhile, or are there specific models with marked advantages?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RobinS, Most of the alu shovels around the 40 to 50 mark are much the same, the Tracker 2 or the 3+ are a good choice, the 3+ pips the Tracker on some tests and has an easier "mark" function for multiple burials.
I also do 10% for Snowheads 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I received good advice and helpful service from livetoski.
I bought an Ortovox 3+ package with 240 probe and metal shovel from him.
I believe kit is, in most cases, only as good as its operator and so I need to work harder on my transceiver techniques. I've a couple of instruction sessions lined up for March (one on the SOPB12 hopefully!) which should sort me out a bit better. Like you I found the 3+ widely recommended across several sources and bought on that basis..
I also read somewhere that probes that fit in shovel handles tend to be just another thing to fumble about with and complicate matters in the immediate post slide chaos.
I've not used any of this stuff in anger yet. Hopefully will never have to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
Big Paua, That package does look pretty good - just need to convince the Mrs that we need to spend that much money! A big advantage of having our own kit will be being able to practice ourselves, rather than using up too much valuable course/instructor/guide time. We did several search exercises on our last course in January - but more practice definitely needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Big Paua,
having the probe fit in the shovel handle makes it easier to pack when travelling - conventional wisdom is that when _skiing_, your bag is packed 'ready for emergencies' - so shovels/probes are setup to be quick and easy assemble.
on my last trip to St Anton, our guide (Piste to Powder) timed us assembling the kit - and then taught a few of the group some of the tips of quick assembly....
he also commented that plastic shovels were 'worthless' (at least, that's my rough translation of some colloquial austrian!)
I think he also thought that probes <2m were to be avoided - but he also pointed out that knowing how to use them was equally as important, and we were all shown some techniques which were new to us.
enjoy your practise!
h.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Well, we went ahead and bought two packages from livetoski, Snowsheperd online shop - Ortovox 3+, Beast shovel, and 240cm probes. Ordered yesterday, delivered today - excellent service 
They definitly work accurately from one side of the living room to the other! Time to do some outdoors practice, then hope for snow for our next trip in 3 weeks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
I have a Beast (in green) and found it very easy to use. The extending handle makes all the difference
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Thats cos some plastic shovels are fine, just as there are some metal shovels that are weak and flexy. Like most things there is good and bad in all types. Plastic has some advantages, they are not as cold to sit on as metal and the better ones are unbreakable, unlike some cheap ali blades that I've seem fold
Generally you get what you pay for
Me I have the old red ortovox lexan shovel. Its been used over many years including on ice and avalanche debris. Its never put a foot wrong. Its thicker than the ali shovels and lexan is far stronger than ali
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
madmole,
| Quote: |
Thats cos some plastic shovels are fine
|
No way, Metal shovels all the way plastics become brittle in the cold and I have yet to meet or speak to a UGIAM guide that has or recommends a plastic shovel.
RobinS, The average Burial is 2 Meters so a 2 Meter + Probe is recommended again by most UGIAM guides and any pro I have ever dealt with.
Beacons, BCA Tracker 2 is great for newbies but any of the equivalents Orthovox Mammut, will be around the same most is personal preference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Fattes13, My original query was from last winter - it has been resurrected by a new question!
Lift faffer, We bought two packages from livetoski, Snowsheperd online shop - Ortovox 3+, Beast shovel, and 240cm probes. Excellent service, he was happy to answer any questions, and kit seems good - did practicing last year but never had touse it for real fortunately.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| Quote: |
did practicing last year but never had touse it for real fortunately.
|
Probably the most expensive purchase I have ever made in the hope I never have to use them
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Light as a feather,clips apart nicely,about £40? Cant see it will ever need replacing,so excellent value.
