Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    New Ski Touring Maps and Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition Skis Dynafit Free 107 Skis Ortovox Diract Voice Transceiver Burton Straight Chuter Splitboard Scarpa 4-Quattro XT Boots Atomic Backland Carbon Boots Plum OAZO Bindings

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Avalanche Transceivers 101 Dalbello Quantum Boots How To Buy a Transceiver North Face FUTURELIGHT Jacket Faction La Machine Skis Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Boots Plum OAZO Bindings

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    • Home
    • »
    • REVIEWS
    • »
    • Accessories
    • »
    • Safety Gear
    • »
    • Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver

    Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver

    Backcountry Skiing Canada Gear of the Year

    Because Avalanche Transceivers could one day save your life, you'll want a good one. We love the latest advanced/S model from Mammut because of its intuitive interface, big screen, long range and its appeal to pros and recreationalists alike.

    The Backcountry Skiing Canada Team.


    Mammut has introduced two new beacons to the market, the Barryvox and the Barryvox S. Coming off the back of their industry leading Pulse & Element beacons, Mammut has decided to keep to the formula of making both a “basic” and “advanced” device. In this review, we will concentrate on the Barryvox S, the model that has all the bells and whistles.

    N.B.: If you pick up a Barryvox S this season, the firmware will be current. If this is your second season with it—as is our case—bring it to an authorized Barryvox dealer and get the 3.0 firmware update. Hit the arrow in the orange bar under the pic and see our full review.

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    Field testing the Barryvox S in the burn. 

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    Here you can find our previous review on the Mammut Barryvox Element. It won our Gear of the year 2014 stamp of approval for its simple, intelligent and clean design that was both easy to use but at the same time very sophisticated and quick. The Element was released in conjunction with the Pulse model and they acted in the same way as the Barryvox and Barryvox S, with the Pulse having a more advanced feature-set. Mammut has used the information and experience gathered over these years and focused it on their new line up…. Let's get stuck in.
     
    The Barryvox S (the S stands for Smart) has a basic and Pro Search option. We will cover the beacon in basic mode initially and then go over the Pro Search features further down the page.

    The Barryvox S fits comfortably in the palm of your hand—even with gloves. The single button on the front acts as a Mark button and “ENTER” for menu navigation.

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    The On-Off switch works identically to the Element/Pulse models, with a lock that stops you from accidently changing the mode, though this is impossible when the beacon is its harness. This and all of the buttons on the beacon are easily operated with gloves on.

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver
    Beacon is in SEND mode. Battery life indicated in the top left. When you switch your device into this mode a triple ascending BEEP will sound indicating that each individual signal pulse is working correctly. If the device gets a faulty reading from one of its pulse tests, a large alert is shown.
    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver
    Beacon is in SEARCH mode. Right now it is indicating, with a dynamic icon, that the user should zig-zag down the slide path to pick up a signal
    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver
    Beacon now has found a signal and is showing direction, approx distance in metres, and arrows indicating the flux line transmission.
    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    Beacon is now in fine search, the mark button is now enabled, giving you the ability to flag a signal and move on to the next burial. Note the nifty, and clear iconography (ex. for probing).

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    Two side buttons act as Up and Down buttons for menu navigation.

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    Here is the Barryvox S in its holster, slightly offset so you don’t look like you have a “Beacon Belly.”

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    Mammut has included very basic instructions on the rear of the beacon. This is also where you will find access to the battery compartment.

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver

    One of the differences other than the cost between the Barryvox and the Barryvox S is Pro-Search. This setting opens up many advanced features and for a lot of users may be overkill.  For experienced backcountry enthusiasts and professionals this mode offers many options and can be of help in a number of scenarios.

    To enable the Pro Search mode we need to use the advanced menu. This is done during the beacon's loading screen.

    Mammut Barryvox S Avy Transceiver
    Here are a few of the key options of the advanced menu :  
    • Enable/disable Pro Search & or switch to Analog mode
    • Change the beacon proximity required for a successful group check,
    • Enable/disable & change the time for an Auto-Revert to SEND mode,
    • Enable/disable vital data (see below)  
    Pro Search opens up the information fed to the user, it will allow you to:  
    • Increase your signal search range from 70m to an impressive 100m, though the beacon will only operate with an Analog sound until the signal it is looking for is strong enough. This option is particularly useful for tree-well burials.
    • Erase marked signals
    • The ability to selected between different signals in a multiple burial scenario
    • The option to turn on “Alternate search mode” for users who want to use different search methods often used in complex multiple burials.
    • See the vital status of a buried subject if they are also using a Barryvox S beacon or a device that can receive and interpret the W-Link Radio transmission. The Barryvox S transmits your vital data, such as heartbeat and pulse, which is information that can be used by the searcher (a.k.a. are you dead, should I go dig out the other guy?)  
    Aside from all these options, there are a handful more very important key features to mention!  
    • The Barryvox S has what's called “Auto-Guidance” which offers continued search guidance during signal overlap, something no other beacon can do.  The beacon pre-maps the flux line and the motion sensor is able to tell where along that line the user is, so in the event of signal overlap (when two or more beacons signalling can create the illusion of only a single device) the beacon is able to continue the search un-interrupted.  This background feature doesn't require the user to do anything and virtually eliminates the "stop stand still" screen prompt indicating signal overlap.
    • “Smart Fine Search” allows for an improved fine grid-search and reduces it to a minimum. A user is able to follow the arrow in the wide search, right through the shortened fine search, directly to a "probe here" icon.

    Verdict:

    Well.. That’s a lot of info. Because there are so many features and options, I didn't even get into stuff lie the "Group Check." Anyway...how is it? First off anyone who liked the Element or Pulse will find a natural transition to the Barryvox series. In this reviewer's opinion, the Barryvox S has a much easier menu to navigate than the Pulse and the improved advanced features are an obvious gain. As for the regular Joe, they might find that the basic Barryvox ticks enough boxes, especially with the lower price point ($425 CAD). The main difference between the two is that the “S” has Pro Search options, Auto Guidance and Smart Fine Search. There is a lot in there but not everybody needs it.
     
    At the end of the day, a beacon has to be intuitive for a person to use it correctly, and while this often comes down to personal preference I think that Mammut has hit the nail on the head— it is not easy to create a device that is so laden with options yet still has simple functionality. Bravo! I like the display, it is very large at 2,2” and well back-lit for nighttime use yet also entirely visible in direct sunlight. The holster is comfortable, and like any good beacon you forget you’re even wearing it. It feels very well made and is clearly very durable in a tough casing. Mammut is dedicated to keeping their beacons current and the device is firmware updatable. I'll be entrusting this transceiver with my survival for many seasons to come. 

    PROS:

    • Feature rich
    • Flexibilty depending on user needs
    • Large screen
    • Intuitive design and navigation
    • Updatable firmware 

    CONS:

    • Spendy

    SPECS:

    Price: $600CAN / $490 USD
    Antenna: 3 Antenna
    Dimensions: 6.7x2.7x11.5cm / 2.64X1X 4.53in
    Weight: 205g / 7.25oz
    Batteries: 3 x AAA (Alkaline or Lithium)
    Frequency: 457hz
    Search strip: up to 70m / 230ft

    RATING: 9.5/10

    Ease of use    2/2
    Technology    2/2
    Features        2/2
    Weight          2/2
    Price             1.5/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

    Leave a Comment:

    Back to the rest of the reviews.


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos, and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this website and value the content we create for you, then please support Backcountry Skiing Canada by donating today or by clicking on those sponsor ads and 'Buy Now' links at the bottom of the reviews. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2022-23 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.