move aside for new digitals

As the prime supplier to the avy professional market we are all to aware that the continuous carrier, when on send, signal on the F1 does make for a confused or ghost multiple reading on many of the current digital beacons( when on receive )... the M2 is always a better choice as this is not an issue on this model.. this is key looking forward with the trend going towards digital transceivers..cheers Surfnsteve

My choice is: Ortovox F1 Focus

As a former Pro Ski Patroller, I am choosing the Ortovox F1 analog avalanche beacon; it was the model supplied by the Ski Patrol to all the Pro Patrollers. I was naturally interested, as well, in the digital beacons being offered, now, specifically the Ortovox X1; but after reading several reviews by both field-testers and actual users, I made my decision to stay with the familiar reliability of the tried and true! The reported main benefits of the Ortovox F1, over others, were its ability to better distinguish between multiple transmitters (useful for more than one buried person), greater detection range, and lower price! In contrast, others seemed to have had problems which the Ortovox F1 avoids, such as digital read-outs that were hard to read in bright light. Consider what the best device is for you and those who will use the device. You may well decide that a digital beacon is right for you. Whatever you decide, WEAR it! Also, carry a portable shovel and avalanche probes whenever you are out of controlled areas.

Oldi but good

Don't forget compatibility issues when scoping out the latest and greatest transceiver. The Ortovox is probably the most used around the world, and has a PROVEN track record and excellent range when in a party with various brands of transceiver. This baby takes a little extra skill to use but for my money is the one to go for. Maybe the X1 would be better but only because of the 2 aerials. Digital schmigital!

Simple operation

The venerable F1 has lost some respect due to the hype of new beacons clamoring for attention. I have used mine for many years - it has proven to be reliable, durable and easy on batteries. Most importantly, my practice rescues are faster than most other people's. One reason is that I DO practice, the other is that, as taught in a beacon class, I trust my beacon. Even though it doesn't point me directly to the victim, it arcs me in quickly and accurately.

Ortovox F1 Focus

Have used this transceiver for over four years and it has proven simple and reliable in practice situations. It does require some practice to find victims quickly, however, as the directional signal does not usually point to the sending transceiver in a straight line (it may not be the best choice for occasional or novice users for this reason). It has been dead-on accurate at close range (inside of 2 meters); I usually hit the practice "victim" with the first probe stoke. I believe that it is still near the top in both sending and receiving range and is still the standard among old school backcountry guys in the US in the event that you need to loan or trade transceivers.