Pieps Opti 4 Beacon

1

1M800

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Nov 24, 2006

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #1

I'm looking at buying a 3 year old Pieps Opti 4 Beacon from a guy on the forum. It is supposedly new. Anyone have any experience with these? Just not sure if I should buy it. I could save atleast $75 from a new one.

 

C

Crazed Cat

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Dec 12, 2001

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #2

Look at the reviews, then decide if that 75 bucks is going to cover the flowers for the funeral.

 

1

1M800

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #3

Where do I find the reviews? That is why I am asking on here. I can buy the same one new for $ 75 more. Should I be looking for a different one?

 

1

1M800

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #4

I just found some reviews and it scored a 3 out of 5. That doesn't sound too bad to me. I see that it is analog though and most now seem to be digital. Is that bad?

 

Norona

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #5

Buy the new digital or a BCA Tracker. Unless you have a ton of experience with the analogue models, get a digital...

 

1

1M800

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #6

O.K. sounds like good advice. Thats the kind of info I am looking for.

 

J

Jaynelson

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Nov 26, 2007

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #7

If you've never had a beacon before....I would buck up for a new Pieps DSP. The ease of use is really nice.

 

1

1M800

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #8

It looks like the BCA Tracker is real simple too. I might go that direction.

 

W

w8ing4snow

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #9

http://www.beaconreviews.com/transceivers/Specifications.htm#Tracker_DTS

I woule go with the PIEPS DSP but the BCa Tracker is good to.

 

1

1M800

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #10

For one trip a year I don't want to pony up the cash for the DSP. I read that review earlier. I think I will order the Tracker tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

 

B

Benchwarmer

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Dec 31, 2007

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #11

Tracker is good bang for your buck easy to use and reliable. Make sure you practice using it though cause it can be a bit confusing when you have multiple signals to look for. If your searching for me I'd want you to have a DSP, or a Baryvox Pulse. When I did my Avy course one person had a Pulse, and in a multiple burial test it was like they where cheating.

 

E

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #12

1M800 said:

It looks like the BCA Tracker is real simple too. I might go that direction.

Click to expand...

+1 for Tracker DTS... super-easy to use, fast, cheaper than pieps/barryvox.

 

AndrettiDog

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #13

1M800 said:

For one trip a year I don't want to pony up the cash for the DSP. I read that review earlier. I think I will order the Tracker tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

Click to expand...

It could be that one trip that you need a good beacon. Buy a new one after following up on reviews.

 

E

Ex-Member

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #14

May look into renting a beacon for a week, if you only need it for a week.

 

N

number9t

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Dec 7, 2007

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• Feb 6, 2008

• #15

if you can you should go to a beacon clinic first. it will really show you whats out there and what is easy, what is better, what will work better for you. i bought 2 bca's and they are really easy to use, fairly quick, but the newer analogs will narrow down the probe area. the orthovox pulse, i believe the name is, is the best out there right now. it has so many options on it, and they all work very well, if i buy another one, it will be the pulse.

 

P

puckered

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• Feb 7, 2008

• #16

Go digital - DSP is great. Or if you're worried about the $, save some for the casket. You'll only need it when you need it - some stuff you just don't skimp on. Take a class so you learn how to use it.

 

1

1M800

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Nov 24, 2006

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• Feb 7, 2008

• #17

I bought a digital BCA Tracker. I won't have time to take a class before I go in 2 weeks, but I will practice with it before I go. Hopefully I can find a class nearby before next year. Thanks.

 

C

cmantle1

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Nov 28, 2007

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• Feb 7, 2008

• #18

1M800 said:

I bought a digital BCA Tracker. I won't have time to take a class before I go in 2 weeks, but I will practice with it before I go. Hopefully I can find a class nearby before next year. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Good call man, thats what i ordered a bit ago. i used to use an older analogue model, and doesnt even compare to what these new ones can do, not to mention how easy they are. And like others said, 75 isnt much of a difference, i think you made a good choice. Also, the tracker was recommended to me from a very experienced avalanche researcher. Good luck and have fun riding.