Ortovox "Check and Ride"

[jbsleds]

I mentioned this in a previous reply, but decided to give it it's own thread.

They are about the size of a large cigar. Their purpose is to serve as a memory device for recording the day's avalanche conditions based on the local avalanche report. Once you set it, you put it in your pocket, carry it with you and refer to it throughout the day. We got ours through a local Western Power Sports dealer. Retail is approx. $25.

For me, it's real value is that it forced me to learn how to read and understand the avalanche report in order to use it. So, it may be more appropriate for beginners like me or as a teaching tool. But, then again, having a reminder of the day's conditions in your pocket is probably helpful for everyone.

 

[newmy1]

I don't get it? So it simply serves as a reminder of the conditions if set it beofre you head out and you look at it when riding? How is that different that writing on your hand with a marker for a couple pennies?

Not being negative, I looked at it after reading your post and I don't understand it's purpose....I must be missing something.

 

[deschutes]

They are actually kind of cool. We gave them out at our last Avy 1 class. Aside from having a rough slope meter on them, it is really not much different than writing the info down on your hand. However, it is easy to set and you don't need to find a pen. Sometimes you are already in the backcountry when dialing for the forecast, or some other inconvenient place. You just turn the dials to reflect the current forecast, clip it on your pack or wherever and it is always there to reference. It is really just one more tool available to help keep you safe. If you already have a method that works for you, then definitely stick with it. I was a little skeptical at first, but after using it for a bit I really like the Check and Ride.

 

[Reeb]

between the Check and Ride and my Avaluator, I might be going overboard, but i do like that I can adjust and have the Check and Ride show me a little more than the card can. Both useful, but I'm using my Check and Ride more and more often to keep me and my group up to date and not use the Avy report as the end all to where we should be riding.

 

[jbsleds]

We gave them out at our last Avy 1 class.

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking about avy classes when I said they could be used as a teaching tool. I can see handing avy class students a check and ride and a written copy of an avalanche report. The students read the report and translate it onto the check and ride. I know that this process helped me.

As was said, it's another tool to help w/ avy awareness and avoidance. The cost does seem a bit high, but, if it helps you avoid having to pull the cord on your avy bag, it may be worth the price.