Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon – Review
Mammut Barryvox S.
The avalanche beacon has come a long ways since inception. I have only witnessed this process for a little over a decade, and even during that short span I’ve seen huge progress. Along those lines, when the Barryvox S Beacon hit the market last year it was apparent Mammut had achieved ever more leaps in technology and features — a slew of items addressing the needs of both recreational and professional users. Check out our first look post here.
Although age-old saying “the best beacon out there is the one you know how to use,” still rings true, considering the latest tech it may be time to learn how to use something new. To that end, I upgraded to the “S,” with resulting review.
The small beacon housing is sleek and fits well under layers or in an approved beacon pocket.
In general, there are a few key features that are unique to the Barryvox S, that I’ll focus on in this review:
There are two main operating modes on the Barryvox S: Standard Mode and Pro Mode, and each have a subset of features that can be customized for preference and performance.
Standard Mode is the “out of the box” default setting and resembles your standard current digital beacon (with the addition of the Smart-Search function).
As many of us know, digital beacons have done a lot for avalanche beacons in terms of ease of use, but as was the case with analog technology, they have inherent deficiencies that require advanced training and practice to solve complex burial scenarios (i.e., multiple burials; close-proximity burials). In compensation, the digital search mode of most current beacons has the benefit of your being able to hand the device to someone who is untrained and simply say, “Keep the arrow in the middle and make the numbers get smaller.” This will allow a novice to locate a buried beacon, in a “non complex” situation.
In complex incidents such as multiple burial scenarios, a digital processor is easily overwhelmed and more challenging to interpret what the screen is indicating. This is where a flagging or marking function becomes important.
I am a strong proponent of a flagging function over a “special mode” or signal suppression function as it is more reliable, effective, and reduces user error. Many people use the argument; “I shouldn’t need a flagging function because I will only expose one person to the hazard at a time.” This is an excellent argument — until it’s not. For example, through no fault of your own, you might happen upon an extremely complex situation in perhaps a heavily used sidecountry area.
More later on how Barryvox does with flagging and such, for now let’s continue with single victim searching.
In general, the updated processor of the Barryvox S is significantly more efficient and higher functioning than previous Barryvox beacons and other models on the market.
Out of the box, the Barryvox S comes with its Smart Search Mode as a default function. In theory (and in practice, with training) Smart Search is a technological approach to shortening search times. It eliminates the need to do the pinpoint or bracketing step of the search, allowing you to approach the lowest number and do one pass until the number jumps, then return and mark your low point with a pole and begin probing. Basic directional arrows bring you in to the lowest number. When you combine Smart Search with a technique approach, such as pinpointing on a line, then you have a method that may greatly reduces search time and complication.
The Smart Search Mode icon that shows up when the beacon is within 3 meters of the transmitting signal. Utilizing this takes practice, especially if the user is accustomed to bracketing during the pinpoint search.
At first use, Smart Search is challenging if you’re accustomed to bracketing during the pinpoint, but with time the procedure becomes natural. (You can return to a classic search mode if desired; I have found this to be useful when I’m teaching students in AIARE Level 1 courses who are using other brands of beacons.)
Overall, the Standard Mode with the Smart Search Function is for motivated recreational users who want a high functioning and faster processing beacon with an increased range.
The image on the screen is a reminder of a signal search pattern before the beacon has picked up a signal. In Pro-Mode, the analog “hum” is present during this, and the trained user can often times pick up a sign of signal before the digital reading presents that information.
The Pro-Mode is another feature that truly makes the Barryvox S stand out. It is a mode with a list of separate functions, and is marketed for professional users such ski guides, patrollers, avalanche educators and other folks managing people in avalanche terrain. Pro-Mode is in my opinion a leap in beacon technology that combines classic analog with current digital technology — to reap the benefits of both. Mainly, the combination of analog and digital allows for the user to more easily and efficiently solve multiple burial problems using tricky but proven techniques such as “micro-strips and “3-circle.” Yes, that’s getting into the “professional” realm and as far as I’ll go here. Main thing: Pro-Mode is optional.
(It’s here I should talk a moment about why you would prefer the “S” model over the regular Barryvox. Not only does the “S” have Pro-Mode, but it’s got a larger screen, will take lithium batteries, and most importantly it has Smart Search while the regular Barryvox does not. Mammut has a good comparison sheet here.)
When you turn the Barryvox on to transmit mode, you have a few seconds to click the “Group Check” function which aids in an accurate and efficient trailhead beacon check.
Another useful feature is the Group Check function. The standard practice for backcountry users is to perform a trailhead multi-function beacon check that ensures all beacons have adequate function, battery life, can send and receive a signal. The Group Check function temporarily reduces the receiving signal strength to 1 meter, which reduces interference and accurately assesses the range of each beacon. This is a perfect feature for group checks at crowded trailheads or ski resorts.
Range
I have the benefit of teaching avalanche courses in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado for the Silverton Avalanche School, and other guide services in the area. As part of our curriculum we teach and perform range checks with students and their wide variety of beacons. This gives students an understanding of flux lines, ideal coupling, and spatial recognition of signal readings and actual distance over ground.
When I test a transmitting Barryvox S against other beacons, I consistently pick up its signal first no matter what brand it’s paired with. When searching, it regularly wins with the most accurate distance reading compared to competitors. If this is not a testament to Mammut technology in terms of range and the processor, than I don’t know what is.
(Mammut markets a 70-meter range. As with other brands, this range is when two beacons are in ideal positions relative to each other, and does not account for beacons oriented in any other way, which is likely in an avalanche incident. Also note that beacon range may be dependent on battery power levels and degradation of the internal antennas. Main thing: test range at least once a year and make sure it’s reasonable.)
The bright orange switch with the lock mechanism is highly effective at remaining in the mode you’re intending.
A quick reference guide on the backside of the beacon. I’m a big fan of these simple check list style graphics, as they can help to ensure you don’t miss anything in a highly stressful situation.
Conclusions
In my opinion, the new Barryvox S is currently the highest quality, most efficient, and has the highest level of functionality of all the beacons on the market. The drawbacks of this beacon would be the fact that it requires practice to get full benefits, and time to familiarize yourself with all of the features and functions. However, I hardly see this as a deterrent, as we can all stand to practice with our beacons more.
As the winter winds down, consider finding one of these beacons on sale and gear up for next season. Additionally, find an opportunity to participate in a Mammut beacon training, and take a 1-day AIARE Avalanche Rescue course next season to refresh your rescue skills and beacon use. Mammut has set the precedent for beacon technology, but every beacon needs an operator, so get trained!
Shop for Mammut Barryvox beacons here.
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Comments
15 Responses to “Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon – Review”
I upgraded to this beacon early this season, and did a level 3 course with it and some other practice sessions. It’s such a step up, but gets very little attention.
We also tested metal and cellphone interference with about six different beacons, most beacons changed direction and distance by up to 30 meters(100 feet). The Barryvox S was the only one that didn’t, the highest I could trick it into being of with a phone calling was 0.3 meters (1 foot).
The smart search mode should be more explained in the manual as it’s different from what you’re used to. Other than that it’s the perfect beacon for a more advanced user, but also for a beginner it will be easier and faster. The price is a bit steep though, for a beginner more so.
Jonathan thank you for confirming my decision to go with the Barryvox as it meets my criteria to replace our family’s various Ortovox beacons that performed very well over the last 10 years
Thanks for the excellent review. Small quibble— maybe “arrows bring you in to the lowest signal” should be “arrows bring you in to the lowest number/strongest signal.” Or perhaps I’m not understanding something.
Thanks See, I didn’t catch that during the edit. It appears to be a redundant sentence, I think it can just be eliminated for clarity. Let’s see what Coop says. Lou
What I find slightly confusing is the use of the term “lowest signal” to refer to the point at which the receiving beacon is closest to the transmitter. I have always assumed that the beacon figures distance based on signal strength, so the lowest distance would be the where the signal is strongest.
Yeah, agree, something got messed up in the writing or edit. Thanks, Lou
Hi, I am moving to Europe and I read that the W-Link is different from the one in the US. Apologies if I am asking a stupid question, but is it possible to change the W-Link region of the beacon? The rest of the features are still working, right?
Thanks!
See, it was supposed to read “lowest *number*” I fixed, thanks for the excellent catch! Lou
Enrique|: from the manual:
“Frequency regulations do not allow that the user modifies the frequency setting. To enable the user to take his Barryvox® with him when travelling into another region, it is possible to switch the W-Link off and on again when returning home.”
Europe is region A. The US, Canadian, New Zealand and Australia are region B.
Thanks Joseph! Really useful info. I know it will be difficult to answer, but how important do you think is the W-Link? Does it give you an edge/extra speed in the search? I have read about the ethical issues, but I am not completely sure how this speeds things up.
I don’t use W-link myself in most situations. It just complicates making decisions for me. I think this is one of the fastest beacons out there, if not the fastest. If you do a bit of practice with it that should give you more of an edge than the W-link in my opinion.
I have the Barryvox Pulse and I bought it partly for the “pulse measuring” feature.
it seems like Mammut has dropped this feature in their latest models? anyone know why?
Hi,
I am a novice user, considering the Barryvox S. Is there anything special I should do as far as practice before or during my AAIRE I course to accommodate the mart search function?
I’m late to the party, but will answer a couple questions here.
1) the wlink can help the transceiver to build up a burial list in a multiple burial faster, and it can help with signal overlap and firswt-signal aquisition at max range. In that sense it is helpful and useful and one does not need to “do” anything to use it, it’s just there in the background. However, if you dont miss this feature in other beacons then you wont miss it here if you travel and elect to turn it off. There is zero reason to turn it off unless you are trying to follow the government regs in another country.
2) If you do turn the wlink off then you will not have the benefit of the “pulse” or “heartbeat” feature–this communicates MOTION (breathing, etc) via the wlink so in a rescue involving multiple burials and limited rescue resources the rescuer has info to increase the probability of spending rescue resources on a live victim (one exhibiting motion–yes, calibrated so it works on a buried subject) rather than one that is less likely to be alive due to trauma (no motion). Outside of this situation, most everyone ignores this feature. Regardless of who has an enabled transceiver in a group the statistics support its use, although some find the concept ethically challenging. It can be deactivated separately from the wlink if you don’t wish to send or receive this information, or you can simply ignore it, it’s not obtrusive.
2) The Barryvox S DOES have this feature, same as the Pulse.
As far as practicing smart search–no, all smart search does is add some background functions so you get an arrow to follow all the way through a search, it helps to eliminate the “stop stand still” message that the Pulse would use to indicate signal overlap, etc. There is nothing to practice, it’s all background features. If you are taking a course and want to familiarize yourself with the user manual and using the beacon, that’s great. If you have the opportunity to do a few practice searches so you know what to expect from the beacon, that’s even better but not required before a course. Practice after the course by all means! I’d give the same advice for any beacon.
Advanced rescuers who are new to the Barryvox S will want to practice with it same as anything. Some advanced rescuers prefer pinpointing using their own bracketing, rather than following the “smart fine search” arrow–in that case, advanced users can switch from standard visual guidance to “classic” and get the same cross as in the Pulse.