4 Pieps Freeride Review

Reviewer: Steve Robinson, Ilkeston   (5-11-2010)

The Freeride Transceiver has some definite advantages, it’s competitively priced, and if you forego the bulky harness that is supplied with it, then it is much more comfortable to carry than other transceivers.

Pieps suggest that the transceiver can be carried in a trouser pocket (with a lanyard). I presume that they recommend that a trouser pocket is used due to the risk of an avalanche victim’s jacket being ripped off in a slide.

There has been some negative press about the Freeride, particularly on the internet. One blog describes the Freeride as “not fit for purpose”, and there is a general opinion running through many reviews that the Freeride is not suitable for novice users. Elsewhere on the web a French guide is quoted as saying that his Freeride is a fine transceiver “so long as you know how to search.” I think this is closer to the truth. A novice user would be fine performing a single victim search with this transceiver, so long as…

• They know what a flux line is.
• .They know how to align the Freeride with a flux line from the victim’s transceiver.
• .They understand that the distance readout is only reliable when the transceiver is aligned with a flux line.
• They are calm enough under pressure to move the Freeride slowly rather than waving it around like a madman.
• They practice all of the above.

The Freeride copes with the issue of multiple burials by filtering out all but the strongest signal. So (unless you use an iprobe) the device’s software only really enables you to rescue one person. It is possible to get round this by using the 3 circles rescue technique, but if like me, you ski in a group of 2 to 4 people, I think you have to be realistic about your chances of having sufficient people power to successfully rescue more than one person from an avalanche, regardless of the type transceiver you are carrying.

So in conclusion, if you practice regularly, ski one at a time between “islands of safety” and are calm under pressure, then the Freeride could work well for you. But before you buy, ask yourself the question - Would I feel okay using a Freeride to search for my Mum/best mate/husband?

If you never practice, ski dodgy slopes at the same time as your mates, and are prone to panicking during rescues, then a more expensive transceiver will be your best bet (but you might want to reconsider the way you are approaching things).

2 Pieps Freeride Review

Reviewer: fiona smalley, leeds   (7-10-2010)

I purchased this transceiver for my boyfriend, as it is really good value and I have the same one and love the small size. However, after reading more about it and then subsequently practising more with my own (which I hadn't done as much as I should) I ended up returning it and getting a more expensive model.

Whilst I would prefer to have this than nothing, it's not as user friendly as other models so you do really need to practise to make sure you'd be ok in an emergency. Also when using it we found the distance shown in metres to often be a little bit out which was worrying.

If you're on a budget, then it's a worthwhile purchase (I rode with it all of last season) but I prefer someone to have a different model with them if I was the one they were looking for.

5 Pieps Freeride Review

Reviewer: Greg Caster, Newcastle   (14-1-2010)

The Pieps Freeride avalanche transceiver is basically a no frills transceiver for those looking for an entry into avalanche safety. As a keen off piste skier I was told a transceiver was essential despite having never considered it myself.
The Pieps Freeride is a relatively small unit (although the accompanying harness is quite large) that does exactly what it says on the tin. The battery lasts almost two weeks solid and the send function works perfectly.
I was a little dubious about the searching capabilities of this unit when ordering (as I've had no training with kit like this) but found the Freeride simple to use and effective when I practised with it, enough so that I'd feel confident with it in a 'real-life' situation.
All in all, this is a great little piece of kit that I'd recommend to anyone considering buying an entry level transceiver. For me it was either this or nothing (as alternative 'better' transceivers cost a lot more) and for people in this situation it could just save your/anothers life.
In my opinion, for the price the only improvement it would benefit from is a slightly slimmer harness that isn't so bulky.