unfortunately is all online so I can't see any of them first hand. My problem is i have zero experience with beacons and there are so many to choose from I don't know where to start. I read that the tracker is tired and trued but range is less and has a hard time with multiplies. Can't find to many reviews on the others so maybe they are less popular.
If you have no experience with beacons, i an guessing you have little experience with being avy savy. Not being a dick, maybe I am wrong. Ultimately, I am happy you are being responsible in getting prepared.
Start with classes. Read some snow science books, practice with your equipment (not just beacon-probe, shovel, extraction and stabilization/extraction), practice with friends.
Also, I use to be concerned about range. In my opinion, range is more important if you happen upon an incident. If someone in your party gets buried, you will make visual markers and easily pick up a signal.
Less important thant the beacon itself is your ability to use it. Also, go out and shovel some avy desbris just for kicks. Really to get your nuts kicked in. It is all about practical experiences. Having a beacon with the best range ain't gonna do **** if you are not practiced.Know your probe also. How it deploys, etc.
if I am involved in an incident, I am prepared for it well before it happens. I know who I am with and their skill set and what they will offer to an incident.
Maybe in a group on dude acts as an incident commander and does not search at all. He/she directs the group and commands the rescue mission, tries to contact outside resources, looks for secondary avy's, etc.
I like to mark the last place I saw the victim and the first place I pick up a signal either with a hat or some othe recognizable marker. If you lose the signal, you can always go back to where you first picked up the signal.
My ought is that the range is of less importance due to methodical searching practices.
I hope this all makes sense, I am a few deep on the good ol' Pendies after a long week