Ortovox 3+

bretton_s said:

I would post this in the avalanche section, but no one goes there... :face-icon-small-ton

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Yep all the cool kids hang out here:face-icon-small-coo

Just to let you know that review on tetonat.com was on a preproduction model. The final version is slightly smaller than a Tracker 2 and bigger than a Barryvox Pulse. It differs from the one in the tetonat.com photo, it is larger.

Looks interesting... i have a s1 i wonder how it compares?

I use numerous beacons in my avalanche school including the S1 and D3. At this time I would stick with the S1 over the 3+.
I reviewed the 3+ on www.avalanche1tv.com. Mike Duffy

Good review. Sounds like orty has a big MISS on this product. Soulds like a POS. Cant tolerate that in beacon

I'm hoping to get another 3+ from a local retailer to try. Just want to see if they both perform the same.

Sorry to add to any confusion, but I have heard awesome initial reports on the 3+. The S1 may still be the granddaddy, but it is expensive and can be confusing for someone with limited experience. Ortovox is also reporting that the 3+ sales have been nothing short of amazing. I believe this is their new best seller.

Did you test a production model? The pre-production models had some limited functionality, by design. They were mostly made to get them out in the field for some initial feedback and thoughts, as well as to get people working with them. The production product is superior.

Beaconreviews.com is working on their review of the 3+, but their initial thoughts are:

"The 3+ underwent four hours of testing on October 15. The results were very solid. A preliminary review should appear within a month and a full review shortly there after."

I have always been impressed with the quality, and quantity, of information available at that site. I am looking forward to their full review.

As for personal experience with the 3+, I don't have any yet (mine are coming). However, the Ortovox 3+ beacon was the unanimous choice of professionals I have talked to that were able to work with all the gear at the recent International Symposium of Snow Science and Avalanche Practice in Squaw Valley. They felt that the range was excellent, it had superior multiple burial properties over the BCA's and such, was easy to use, had a great price point and just operated more "smoothly" than some of the others. It also has some cool new antenna technology that is not available in other beacons. One of my acquaintances is upgrading his entire fleet to the new 3+.

Take all this with a grain of salt. You need to figure out what works best for you. I am sure we will see glowing reviews and not-so-glowing reviews, I am just sharing some initial feedback I have heard. It is a new product, so who knows how popular opinion will eventually sway.

It is crucial that you are prepared by carrying some type of beacon. If you are looking for a new one, you should do your research and compare the various offerings from the different vendors and pick the one that you think fits you best. I would definitely include the Ortovox 3+ in the mix.

All this being said, you MUST practice with whatever beacon you choose. Statistics show that those that carry beacons (but have limited practice, knowledge and and experience) only fare slightly better than those that don't carry one at all. However, those that do (professionals) have recovery rates as high as 75%.

http://www.ortovox.com/avalanche-transceivers/three-plus

It was a production model that was purchased online from a retailer. I to have agreed with www.beaconreviews.com. I always test beacons, get an impression and then check what beacon reviews has to say (in case I missed something). Why is it taking him a month to post the 3+ review?
I agree that practicing with whatever beacon you own is most important. Most people only practice one hour a year.
I'm just reporting how the 3+ worked for me. The range was 35 meters at best. I measured it.

bretton_s said:

Someone should keep an eye on that site and post back when they update regardless.

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Will do...

Beaconreviews.com has their 3+ review up. Looks good, 5 out of 5 stars.

http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/Specs_Ortovox3Plus.asp

bretton_s said:

Thanks for letting us know. Interesting to get another view point. What I am bummed out about is the size. I was really looking forward to beacons moving to the next level as far as physical size goes. Too bad they didn't stick with the pre-production size which looks way smaller. Almost modern. Something they are way behind on IMO. It's 2010 people!

Anyone see any reason why it couldn't REALISTICALLY be put in a pack. I know the pack could be ripped off in theory -- any other reasons?

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really? "I know the pack could be ripped off in theory" how about in real life yes i know its a "theory" how about NO! not in the pack glad i dont shred with you!

I ordered a 3+ for myself this year....still waiting to get it, they seem to be in short supply..??

HArsh but real.

Packs get ripped off. An avy pack, with metal buckles like a climbing harness & leg straps, sure... I could see it. You don't want to trust your life to a $.17 plastic buckle though.


There's a reason we put them under a layer, so that they're protected from being ripped off.

I sent an email to Steve at www.beaconreviews.com. He is not seeing the same thing that I observed with the 3+. It appears that the 3+ that I used is acting differently than the majority of the other 3+ beacons that have been tested. I will try to find another 3+ to compare to. Steve tested numerous 3+ beacons, I only tested one. Anyone have any feedback from the ones they have purchased?