5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Julie Bernasconi, CARNFORTH ,LANCASHIRE   (15-1-2012)

Would definitely recommend .Well thought out piece of equipment in terms of ease of search and features for reliability. Used on one trip so far. Small enough to not be noticeable on your body during the day which from past experience some other transceivers are not. Harness loosens off a little during the day - but this is not a big issue and easily remedied with a knot!

The Pulse is easy to use but it is definitely worth reading the instructions in detail. Only basic instructions provided with the product -no CD- so need to go on-line to learn how to operate advanced functions.The battery life seems very good.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Rich L, Hampshire   (29-12-2011)

This is a really well thought out piece of equipment in terms of ease of search and features for reliability.

I purchased 2 of the Barryvox Pulse for myself and my wife for ski touring and off-piste skiing. We've used them for three seasons now and before our most recent trip I returned them to Facewest to take advantage of the free 3.2 firmware update and was pleased to get them back within two or three days.

The Pulse is easy to use but it is definitely worth reading the instructions in detail and refreshing periodically. For example: How do you search if the LCD screen should fail? That situation is taken care of, but it's buried in the advanced section (press both keys whilst turning the transceiver on). You are paying for that level of function so you might as well know how to use it.

I find the harness has a habit of loosening off during the day - but this is easily sorted with a strategic knot or similar remedy.

If you were doubly unfortunate and caught in an avalanche whilst searching for a victim then I'm not sure how well the elastic cord and plastic clip that attaches the Pulse to the harness would hold. The device itself will revert to 'send' after a period of being motionless, but you'd better hope it is still attached!

The battery life is very good.

The manual has presumably been translated into English by a native Swiss French or German speaker and some parts could be better written as it is essential reading. Mostly it is fine.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Anna,   (7-12-2011)

I've used this transceiver and also the BCA tracker (not in an emergency) and the Mammut was easier to use in understanding the screen and how to operate it, and also picked up the signal about 20m further away which is reassuring. So I'm definitely recommend it. It also is small enough to not be noticeable on your body during the day even on a small woman which some of the others aren't.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Angus Paterson, Glasgow   (15-11-2011)

I bought one of these last year. They run on two settings, a simple one and a more advanced one. For most the simple on will easily do. It’s very accurate and quite intuitive. The 'pulse' / heartbeat monitor feature only works with people the same transceiver and there are arguments for and against using it. Overall a great transceiver with great build quality and a comfortable harness.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Paul Robinson, Newcastle upon Tyne   (19-1-2011)

The decision as to which transceiver to buy was helped by the Facewest video reviews and advice over the phone. I have no regrets whatsoever in getting 2 Mammut Pulse's (little point in being all kitted up if my partner isn't!). In its 'basic' profile it is extremely simple to use and I have already used it on a winter skills course for candidates carrying out timed searches.

I had opportunity to compare it with the BCA Tracker I which was being used on an avalanche awareness course. It was slow to use (when near the victim data was lost if you moved too quickly, although to be fair it is the 2 antenna model and it is £100 cheaper). The Mammut however was easy to use and inexperienced users had no problems locating victims quickly and confidently. Very much the Rolls Royce of transceivers. You won't be disappointed.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Tom Rowley, Glasgow   (26-12-2010)

This transceiver really is in a class of its own. Very easy to use, and it locates the victim very accurately and quickly. It's nice and simple to mark off a 'found' victim and move onto the next victim in a multi-burial scenario.

It is a bit bulky under the clothing but that’s a small price to pay. The battery does hold up very well, even in very cold conditions, after a week of long days only 15% of the battery discharged. Although of course keeping it nice and warm helps.

Comes with a very nice harness, although it is designed for the larger person! Having said that it is very adjustable and I did get it to fit after a bit of fiddling.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Stephen Viney, Thornton-Cleveleys   (14-12-2010)

I bought this transceiver for ski-touring. I went on an avalanche awareness course and from the outset it was obvious the Barryvox was the easiest and fastest to use from the selection of transceivers in use by various students. It really was a matter of turning it to ‘Receive’, walking to the victim and digging him out. Others were taking two or three times longer. It was really so simple I couldn't see what all the fuss was about.

If your going off-piste make sure your partner carries a Barryvox, those saved minutes could save your life.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Joe White, Ealing   (3-11-2010)

Very instinctive to use, it has great features, to a degree that means this is going to save other peoples lives rather then yours. But unlike, I think, all other transceiver, this could save your own life.

If you are all using the Pulse, it tells the others who is and isn’t breathing, its grim I know but if that means you don’t waste time digging out someone who is already dead it could save the life of the person that is saveable, that person could be me, or you!

I have practised using (never in anger) the Pulse, a BCA tracker, and another one who’s name escapes me, personally would rather my buddies had a pulse, as its so easy to use, they would find me quicker. I met a guide who had a crappy beacon himself, but was well trained to use it, and gave everyone else these so they could find him or each other if the worst happened.

Yes, its bloody expensive, but I think its worth it.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Frazer Shand, Pontefract   (27-10-2010)

Fantastic bit of kit. Bought to replace my old Ortovox and I have no idea why I didn’t get one of these in the first place. So simple to use and the on screen visual is so much easier that watching a lot of flashing lights. Highly recommended for anyone thinking of buying or upgrading.

5 Mammut Barryvox Pulse Transceiver Review

Reviewer: Steven McDonald, Sainte Foy Tarentaise   (28-8-2010)

Recently upgraded to the Pulse from my old Barryvox. I have recently qualified as an IML and had the chance to test a wide range of transceivers during the training and assessment courses. The new technology is very, very good. More accurate during the medium-distance search phase than the older digital systems. Pinpoint search shows the strength of the 3-antenna system - searching for a deeply buried transceiver is much quicker and more accurate. We were generally striking a small pack containing the transceiver on the 1st or 2nd go with the probe even at burial depths of 1m or more. Multiple-victim search is superb - press one button to mask the original signal, then it's just like searching for a single victim. Much faster, even for experienced users.

The menu system could be clearer, but most people will simply set it up with the manual in front of them when they buy it, then never touch the menus again. The critical functions are pretty intuitive and there are on-screen prompts.