Gear Review | Mammut Barryvox S2

The new Barryvox S2

The first thing you notice about the new Barryvox S2 is its compact shape. It is not tiny, but it is noticeably smaller than the previous model and of course a few grams lighter - also because instead of the 3 AAA batteries previously used, only 2 AAA batteries are now used, although these can still power the device for longer. The large display also catches the eye; thanks to the Memory in Pixel technology, it should be very easy to read even in direct sunlight. Another interesting feature is the interference guard, which issues a warning in search mode in the event of interference and recommends reducing the search strip width or increasing the transmission power in transmit mode.

Also worth mentioning is the new Barryvox app, which not only allows you to make settings on the avalanche transceiver via Bluetooth, but also to install the latest firmware or use the training functions.

The three-antenna design, the recommended search strip width of 70 metres and the guided fine search have been retained. The simple design with just the main switch at the top, the marker button and the rocker button on the side is also comparable with the Barryvox S.

In theory, the Barryvox S2 would also have the option, similar to the Diract Voice from Ortovox, to give voice instructions during the search, but this function is currently deactivated due to patent disputes in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the USA.

In addition to the new S2, there is also a "basic" device, the Barryvox 2, which offers the same hardware but has fewer additional functions and is slightly cheaper.

Testers and test conditions

I do a lot of ski touring and much less freeriding in the ski resort. In any case, I often have an avalanche transceiver with me and also practise with it (more or less) regularly. I have already tested several avalanche transceivers, for example the Barryvox S about 7 years ago.

The Barryvox S2 was tested during the current season and has been used on a few ski tours in the meantime. Fortunately not in an emergency, so the search function was only used and tested during exercises.

The picture shows the guided fine search.

Lorenzo Rieg

Kühtai

Barryvox S2

Test report

The Barryvox S2 comes with a practical carrying system that is also similar to that of the previous model. Although it is easy to carry in a trouser pocket due to its small size, I personally prefer the carrying system, which is easy to adjust, carries wonderfully and places the avalanche transceiver within easy reach on the body.

Switching on or off and switching between transmit and search mode is done using the slider at the top of the device, whereby the lock button must be pressed simultaneously to switch off and switch to search mode, which prevents accidental adjustment. When switching on, you can directly activate the useful "group check" mode, which allows you to quickly check at the start of the day or tour whether all devices in the group are switched on and working. A new feature of the Barryvox S2 is that other transmission parameters of the other devices are also checked here.

When searching, the range, which determines the search strip width, is often cited, as the earliest possible and most reliable initial reception can save a lot of time in an emergency. The Barryvox S2 is similar here to its predecessor model and achieves a range of around 60 metres in a good coupling position, which is certainly impressive. In an unfavourable coupling position, the range is quite a bit less, but at a good 30 metres it is still okay. Personally, I would set the search strip width below 70 metres, but this has to be estimated in an emergency anyway and is therefore not an exact value. Once the signal has been correctly detected, the device guides you very reliably through the coarse search before switching to the fine search.

There are now two options to choose from with the Barryvox S2. The first is the classic distance display, which allows you to determine the lowest value from which you can then start sounding. Alternatively, you can use the so-called guided fine search, which guides you to the transmitter by means of directional instructions instead of crossing in. The guided fine search is aimed more at beginners; to be honest, I prefer to use the method with crossing in, which is no slower for me. However, the guided version is probably easier for those who are not yet used to using an avalanche transceiver. In any case, both variants work well and guide you quite reliably.

In multiple burial scenarios, I really liked the new Barriyvox S2, which allows you to reliably mark an avalanche transceiver at a relatively large distance of around 5 metres and then search for others, especially as the marking function is very reliable. In fact, as advertised, the display is to be praised, which is really easy to read in any light and even with dark glasses on.

Finally, I would like to mention the successful app, which works very well and can also provide support during training.

Conclusion

Overall, the new Barryvox S2 performs excellently in the search and is, all in all, an extremely reliable avalanche transceiver with various useful additional functions. Compared to its predecessor, however, it doesn't offer much new in terms of the core search functions for experienced users.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Very compact and lightweight

+ Useful functions

+ Good guidance in coarse and fine search

Information

UVP €480,-

Digital 3-antenna device
2X AAA 1.5Volt batteries: Lifetime according to standard requirement: at least 200 hours SEND at 10°C, followed by 1 hour SEARCH at -10°C
Intelligent fine search guidance: patented technology that guides you through the fine search with fully interactive visual and acoustic support.
Sounding display: As soon as the minimum burial depth is found, the sounding display guides you visually and acoustically from the fine search to the point search.
MIP display: The high-contrast and innovative memory in pixel display is clear and easy to read even in bright sunlight.
Voice guidance: Your Barryvox® supports you with additional instructions in all search phases. This feature is temporarily not available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the USA.
Rescue SEND is a protective function for non-searching rescuers in the event of a secondary avalanche burial by automatically switching to SEND so that the rescuer can be located again
Automatic transmission switching: Protective function for rescuers searching with avalanche transceivers in the event of a secondary avalanche burial. If the rescuer does not move for four minutes, the avalanche transceiver automatically switches from SEARCH to SEND thanks to a motion sensor.
Automatic self-test: Your Barryvox® checks your transmit and search signal when you switch it on and performs regular transmit and battery tests.
Interference Guard: Your Barryvox® manages and reduces signal interference and indicates interference in transmit and search mode.
Group check: Check the transmission frequency and strength of other avalanche transceivers quickly and easily with this function to ensure correct functionality.
Acoustic user guidance: A sequence of tones guides you in the direction of the buried victim and ensures that you can keep your eyes on the avalanche field during the search.
Intuitive visual interface: Guides you intuitively through all search phases and provides an overview in the event of multiple burials.
Auto-Select: In the event of multiple burials, your Barryvox® guides you to the strongest signal first.
Marker function for multiple burials
Reverse function prevents 180-degree search errors
Deep burial mode: If a burial is detected at a great depth, the fine search automatically starts earlier for precise guidance (> 3 m).
Compatible with the Barryvox app for firmware updates, configuration settings, search training with the Barryvox®
Barryvox carrying system (included): Safe and comfortable wearing of the avalanche transceiver on the upper body.
Advanced functions for advanced users: discover all the possibilities of the Barryvox® S2 with the alternative search mode and individually configurable settings, maintaining flexibility and control in every search scenario.
Analogue search technology: The advanced analogue function for more efficient and accurate searches helps solve complex search scenarios thanks to complex algorithms and signal processing techniques.
Pro check: In this mode, the transmission frequency, pulse duration and period length of other avalanche transceivers are checked.
Pro search settings: Combines a digital direction and distance display with an analogue tone in standard search mode and provides access to the alternative search mode.
Configurable settings for acoustic guidance, visual guidance, Pro Test, vital data detection and timeout definition for rescue SEND and automatic transmission switching
Scrolling function for multiple burials: Gives a clear overview of up to 16 buried people for more efficient group searches and triage decisions.
Multiple burial selection function: In the event of multiple burials, buried victims can be selected from a list, marked and unmarked.
Marking for deep burials up to a distance of 6 m
Additional Bluetooth channel: Enables faster separation of signals in complicated rescue scenarios.
BT vital signs detection: Vital signs transmitted via Bluetooth help rescuers make triage decisions to focus on buried victims with an increased chance of survival.