Avalanche Beacon or Airbag?

SnowBigDeal · Nov 25, 2008

I get this question quite a bit, so I figured I'd post it up here. This is strictly my opinion, and everyone is entitled to their own.

"I can't afford both a beacon and an airbag right now, which one should I buy?"

This is a very tough choice. If you truly have to decide between the two, I would recommend going with the beacon first. While it is true that an airbag will keep you on top of the avalanche 98% of the time, an airbag will not help you locate your friend if he gets buried with a beacon and the only thing you have is an airbag. One of the worst feelings in the world would be to have someone buried with a beacon on and you not have a beacon to be able to locate them. The beacon is more of a safety device for you and your group, whereas the airbag is more of a safety device strictly for you.

Remember, practice, practice, practice with your beacon. The beacon won't do you or your group any good if you don't know how to use it.

Of course the best bet would be to have both a beacon AND an airbag. However, not everyone can buy everything at once. Take it one step at a time and be safe! Don't get caught! Education is the key

mgdjeepster · Nov 25, 2008

agreed on that one

Why Not · Nov 25, 2008

snoman8 · Nov 25, 2008

Agreed but i would highly suggest investing in both if at all possible! most the time dealers will sell safety gear at cost. Just my thought

shortman · Nov 25, 2008

x's 4

thump426er · Nov 25, 2008

There's people that actually ask that???? Natural selection should work that out in no time.

coopchute · Nov 25, 2008

The beacon without a doubt!!!

SnowBigDeal · Nov 25, 2008

thump426er said:
There's people that actually ask that???? Natural selection should work that out in no time.

Yes, we receive that question weekly.

Ex-Member · Nov 25, 2008

SnowBigDeal said:
I would recommend going with the beacon first. <snip> The beacon is more of a safety device for you and your group, whereas the airbag is more of a safety device strictly for you.

Yea; beacon #1, pack 2nd.

I kinda see packs the same as tekvests/knee protection... doesn't do anyone but you any good. If you want to wear it, terrific. Don't? Not up to me.

Beacon, however.... different story.

BroT · Nov 25, 2008

snowbigdeal said:
don't get caught! Education is the key

x 5

ericbigbore · Nov 25, 2008

Beacon, no debate!

PowderProject · Nov 25, 2008

SnowBigDeal said:
I get this question quite a bit, so I figured I'd post it up here. This is strictly my opinion, and everyone is entitled to their own.

"I can't afford both a beacon and an airbag right now, which one should I buy?"

This is a very tough choice. If you truly have to decide between the two, I would recommend going with the beacon first. While it is true that an airbag will keep you on top of the avalanche 98% of the time, an airbag will not help you locate your friend if he gets buried with a beacon and the only thing you have is an airbag. One of the worst feelings in the world would be to have someone buried with a beacon on and you not have a beacon to be able to locate them. The beacon is more of a safety device for you and your group, whereas the airbag is more of a safety device strictly for you.

Remember, practice, practice, practice with your beacon. The beacon won't do you or your group any good if you don't know how to use it.

Of course the best bet would be to have both a beacon AND an airbag. However, not everyone can buy everything at once. Take it one step at a time and be safe! Don't get caught! Education is the key

Who ever thinks they should get the pack first and wait for a beacon should be slapped.

never_to_much_powder · Nov 25, 2008

Beacon!!!!

HawkShot99 · Nov 25, 2008

PowderProject said:
Who ever thinks they should get the pack first and wait for a beacon should be slapped.

Person who rides alone alot?

blurredelevens · Nov 25, 2008

Good post OP, but no question......

Hell, you may see others you don't even know in a slide.....you could help them...with a beacon

Farmer · Nov 25, 2008

beacon all the way

WARY · Nov 26, 2008

A person really shouldn't have to make that choice. The only reason there is a question is because avalanche flotation devices are all overly expensive. The ideal avalanche flotation system should cost about the same as a good beacon, and not 2 or 3 times as much. Avalanche flotation devices are overpriced because they are made in Europe. It's expensive to manufacture in Europe, and when you add the cost of duty and the cost of shipping the devices to North America, the cost for the average Joe becomes too much.

yammi4ever · Nov 26, 2008

I am glad you put this topic up, but let me put up another viewpoint. I have for 2 years tried to convince one group I go west with to buy beacons. I have now convinced 1 other of the roughly 10 to buy one, but like he said "it doesn't really do us any good to be the only 2 in the group with beacons." Because of this we are thinking about buying the packs to take care of ourselves at least. Now if the others would come around we would buy the beacons also, but for now our best bang for the buck might be the avy pack.

What does everyone think does this make sense?

Please don't flame me to put more pressure on the others in the group, and to not ride with them, I know the arguments, but some things are just the way they are. Believe me I will keep the pressure on, but will shouldn't I at least do whatever I can to make sure I get home to my family?

Ex-Member · Nov 26, 2008

WARI Avalanche Research said:
A person really shouldn't have to make that choice. The only reason there is a question is because avalanche flotation devices are all overly expensive. The ideal avalanche flotation system should cost about the same as a good beacon, and not 2 or 3 times as much. Avalanche flotation devices are overpriced because they are made in Europe. It's expensive to manufacture in Europe, and when you add the cost of duty and the cost of shipping the devices to North America, the cost for the average Joe becomes too much.

eh, then you get into manufacturing quality.

Take it to a CM in China/Mexico, and you'll want a really good team of IQC inspectors. CM's are generally good at following directions, but they have to understand those directions first. And the directions you give them have to be right. And if they can cut corners to lower cost and still follow those directions, they will.

Personally I'd rather pay a little more for a product (especially safety equipment) to know it's going to function when I need it.

AKSNOWRIDER · Nov 26, 2008

yammi4ever said:
I am glad you put this topic up, but let me put up another viewpoint. I have for 2 years tried to convince one group I go west with to buy beacons. I have now convinced 1 other of the roughly 10 to buy one, but like he said "it doesn't really do us any good to be the only 2 in the group with beacons." Because of this we are thinking about buying the packs to take care of ourselves at least. Now if the others would come around we would buy the beacons also, but for now our best bang for the buck might be the avy pack.

What does everyone think does this make sense?

Please don't flame me to put more pressure on the others in the group, and to not ride with them, I know the arguments, but some things are just the way they are. Believe me I will keep the pressure on, but will shouldn't I at least do whatever I can to make sure I get home to my family?

well, I have two friends who have resisted for the last 8 yrs to buy beacons and probes(they have shovels because they can use them to dig out sleds), this fall I talked another friend into purchasing one, plus I needed 2 beacons for my own kids...so I ordered 5 beacons, 5 probes, and 5 shovels from snowbigdeal..(what a guy..he took care of me big time), made the kids chip in on theirs(they both work with me at nights), and the other 2 are X-mass gifts for my two knuckle headed buddies....already gave the first one his...he turned beet red but said he would wear it and carry both the shovel and probe, and will give the other buddy his next week..and of course the buddy I talked into getting one got his...and I also bought an abs pack..was all I could afford so I will share this with both my kids and friends when we ride(1 on the hill at a time and that person wears the pack)..as we can afford it I will add at least 2 more abs packs(so both of my kids have one)...I highly recommend make a gift out of a beacon, probe and shovel if your friends wont buy thier own..I doubt any friend would not wear one if it was a gift from a friend(guilt and obligation)....

Avalanche Beacon or Airbag?

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