The Tracker 2 Reviews Are In

Just read the first review of BCAs new Tracker 2 beacon and thought I would share the link ; )

coloradomountainschoolgearreview.blogspo...ccess-tracker-2.html

Good timing, the new issue of Backcountry has a good set of reviews on beacons including the tracker2.

Great reviews! Now if I could only actually get my hands on the pair that I bought as Christmas presents in early December.

Any more opinions out there?

Is it worth an upgrade from the original Tracker?

Tons of information on all sorts of beacons here: beaconreviews.com/transceivers/

The tracker 2 is one of the top rated beacons, along with 3 or 4 others. I'm considering getting one soon to upgrade from my tracker...

Any more opinions out there?

Is it worth an upgrade from the original Tracker?

Many (many) opinions out there.
But in brief, compared to the original Tracker, third antenna to eliminated nulls/spikes in final search phase, multi burial indicator, and even better user interface and controls.
In far more detail:
www.wildsnow.com/2349/backcountry-access...anche-beacon-review/
(And definitely read BeaconReviews.com also.)

Was considering either the Tracker 2 or Mammut Element as my backup/loaner beacon. Tough call, but saw the Element on sale at EMS.com for $280 this morning, so bought it.. Probably can't go wrong with any of the current 3 antenna units.

Tracker 2 is on sale for $250 at REI right now. Sale ends today.

Skip REI and get them for $250 with no sales tax (savings of $22.50) at eOMC in OR.

Just talked with BCA about getting my wife's Tracker DTS repaired/warrantied and they told me they won't do it. One of the metal pieces for the female end of the battery broke off. They said they can't even order the part anymore. VERY Frustrating, it's hardly been used. I have two old tranceivers that I use for dog and friends and family when they come and they've lasted for ever, one almost 20 years (not BCA). I was really hoping to be able to do the same with this one and keep it for my wife for the occasional tour I do with her.

Since I'm in the market for a new one myself, I'm leaning a lot more towards Mamut now. Can't understand being totally shut down like that. I'm willing to pay. They did tell me they'd sell me one for a deal...So if you want a deal, call them up and tell them you have a Tracker about 5 years old and they'll tell you the same thing and offer you a good deal.

Another view... last year I went through the process of deciding which beacon to buy... I settled on the Tracker 2 for one simple reason.  I wear contacts when skiing.  I tried other models and could not read screens and lcd displays without cheaters on.  I decided, I don't want to mess with glasses in the heat of a moment. I need something easy to read with my contacts in, simplicity and a good track record. So I went with the Tracker 2.  Been happy with it.  Not as sophisticated as some other units, but for my needs, I feel good about jumping into action with it and not fussing with trying to read a display.  Yup... old eyes... glad my ears still work too!

I have two old tranceivers that I use for dog and friends and family when they come and they've lasted for ever, one almost 20 years (not BCA).

Have you ever considered the consequences of putting a beacon on a dog? Years ago a friend of mine wanted to put a beacon on his dog, but I talked him out of it. I do not think you should ever run the risk of digging up a dog before a person, and if the dog is not buried they are not able to switch the beacon to receive which could mess up your search. I would hate to lose my dog in an avalanche, but it would be better than losing a human.

I have two old tranceivers that I use for dog and friends and family

I haven't seen a discussion about dogs and beacons on here in a long time. I don't want a canine rescued before me but if a separate system were available for dogs they wouldn't be left out either. I did a search for dog beacons but it appears no one makes one that doesn't transmit on the same frequency as the transceivers. Be a good niche market for the NW if someone were so inclined.

I did a search for dog beacons but it appears no one makes one that doesn't transmit on the same frequency as the transceivers.

New for this season:
www.libertymountain.com/shop/product.asp?p=11045&c=2186

New for this season:
www.libertymountain.com/shop/product.asp?p=11045&c=2186

Your google fu is strong - nice find