All of sudden, it seems, the backcountry is as accessible and popular as the taco joint down the street, and while sketchy tacos have their dangers (don't get the pescado especial), you're much more likely to get into a serious accident working your way down a gnarly line than sitting in a corner booth with a cerveza and a pile of carnitas. The Pieps DSP Sport Avalanche Beacon can't prevent accidents, but it will increase your chance of being rescued, or of rescuing someone else, when things go from fun to scary in the blink of an eye. As its name suggests, the DSP Sport is a trimmed-down version of the DSP Pro, with a simple one-button interface that gives you only three options--send, search, and flag. Just slide the side switch to toggle between transmitting and receiving, and mark burials using the flag button. When you've flagged a signal, the three antennas automatically switch to the nearest unflagged signal for streamlined searching. The Sport has a 50m circular search range and a smart transmitter that, during a burial, automatically switches to the antenna with the clearest broadcasting range, minimizing dead spots and signal traps that can drastically reduce a beacon's effectiveness. A simple, clear display makes the Sport easy to learn and even easier to use. It has a distance readout, a directional arrow, multiple-burial indicators, and a battery-life display, which provide all the necessary information without cluttering the screen. The Sport is also compatible with the Pieps Iprobe II to help reduce search time, particularly in a multiple-burial scenario. There are also available software updates to keep your beacon up-to-date. Please remember, a beacon is NOT a guarantee that you will survive an avalanche; get educated, learn to use your tools, travel with trusted partners, and be smart out there.
T**D
While functionally I think they all do pretty similar stuff
I used a couple different beacons as rentals before buying this one and taking it through my AIARE courses.While functionally I think they all do pretty similar stuff, I like the Pieps system over many of the others. The display is simple but feature rich with easy access to flagging, a good amount of detail in the direction system and it's all pretty fast (I have seen some pro level beacons that were faster but it wasn't worth it for my level.)The carrying case is comfortable and well adjustable though I often remove the beacon to hold in a dedicated, zippered pant pocket out of the vicinity of my radio and cellphone. The off / send / search button is easy to use and works with gloves but has never slipped modes on me though it is easy to forget to turn off with its design.Finally, the battery life is tremendous and while I often rotate out the batteries to be safe (they go to my headlamps), I've been able to get several days of use at full bars out in light conditions where I'm more just being extra active.
J**N
Just buy it, its awesome.
The standard for avalanche beacons. Used this in my avi class and it is super phenomenal... precision down to 0.1 m! I don't think you need to get the pro version, and for $270 (christmas deal), you can't beat it for the $$.
3**A
Good to have, hope he never has to use it.
Purchased for my son who is an avid skiier. Hope he never has to use it but it helps us feel better when he goes back country. He watched the video and says he is comfortable with how to use it.
B**H
The standard, by which other beacons are judged.
Works awesome. Quick acquisition of multiple beacons. Used my buddies spare a number of times before buying my own. Like old faithful, just keep fresh batteries in it.
A**R
Absolutely love the beacon
Absolutely love the beacon. It is very easy to use and makes multiple burials a breeze. Unfortunately on my very first use the plastic piece that tethers to the harness broke making it impossible to connect it to your body. I was a bit uncomfortable with the switch at first moving around accidentally but it doesn't seem to be a real problem.
D**E
Be safe. Ride hard. Winter is short.
Never ever ride without someone. Never ever ride with a beacon. You never know what will happen when your out there.
A**R
That this product could be the difference between surviving an avalanche or not surviving one.
A well made product that could save your life.
T**L
Five Stars
The best user friendly becon
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