Gear Review | Ortovox Diract Voice

First impression

Externally, the Diract Voice stands out little from other avalanche transceivers. The few buttons give the Diract a tidy appearance. The rounded shape is striking. In addition to the carrying case, a USB-C charging cable is also included in the scope of delivery. The Diract Voice draws its power from a rechargeable battery and is not powered by batteries.

The Diract Voice is in a similar weight and size class to other avalanche transceivers, and the carrying system is also comparable. A Recco reflector is sewn into the latter as an additional feature.

In addition to the now typical functions, such as a marking function and a group check when the avalanche transceiver is switched on, the Diract Voice has a few other advantages to offer. For example, it has an automatic switchover to search mode in the event of a secondary avalanche, as well as the patented "Smart Antenna" technology from Ortovox, which ensures that the antenna in the better coupling position is used for transmission in the event of a burial. Another special feature is the option to install software updates yourself using the Ortovox app on your smartphone. This saves a trip to the dealer or sending the device in.

Test report

As already mentioned, the Diract Voice only has a few buttons. The power button is located on the back of the housing, so the device must be removed from the holster to switch it on and off. To avoid switching it off by mistake, which is hardly possible due to the position of the button, switching off must also be confirmed by pressing the marker button. Switching between transmit and search mode is done using the distinctive orange lever on the top and is therefore quick and easy. The group check when switching on works well and is easy to activate when switching on.

The voice function of the Diract Voice also supports the search. The avalanche transceiver gives instructions adapted to the current situation, such as "Walk in a 50 metre search strip and keep a lookout" before the first search, or "Go straight ahead" during the rough search. Whilst these instructions are probably not absolutely necessary for a successful search, they do offer advantages in my opinion. Above all, they can give you confidence if you simply don't know 100% how best to proceed in an absolutely stressful situation such as an avalanche burial. They may also allow you to look less at the display and focus more on your surroundings and your own movement, which can also save a little time when searching. I don't think the voice function is or will be a "must have", but it certainly doesn't do any harm and can certainly help less experienced users in particular.

Charging the Diract Voice is easy and relatively quick. The battery lasts quite a while. I find it difficult to say how long I can really use the avalanche transceiver before I have to charge it - but that doesn't really matter, because I can normally charge it without any problems. I therefore always connected it to the power supply briefly when the display showed less than 90%. In any case, the battery easily lasts long enough for extended multi-day tours with normal use, i.e. almost only on transmit and an occasional beep check. Another positive aspect is that the battery practically never discharges when switched off. However, I have no useful tests or impressions regarding use at very low temperatures or after repeated charging and use. In general, it is of course practical if you don't need any more batteries, but you can't quickly change the batteries at the lift car park if you have forgotten to switch off the avalanche transceiver and it is discharged...

Conclusion

Successful, reliable and really intuitive avalanche transceiver. In my opinion, this makes it particularly interesting for beginners or young people for example.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Really simple operation

+ I think the voice commands can be useful, but they certainly won't do any harm.

- Smaller range of functions compared to other devices

Information on

RRP €330,-

• Clear voice navigation (DE, EN, FR, IT, ES, NOR, SV, CZ, NL)

• Number of antennas: 3

• Number of spillages: 4

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

• Dimensions (in mm): 79 x 120 x 23

• Bluetooth

• Waterproof (EN 300718)

• Weight/ carrying system: 210 g/ 80 g

• Warranty: 5 years with registration

• Marking function

• Scan strip width: Max. 50 m

• Stable display from first reception

• Full graphic display 35 mm x 45 mm

• 360° real-time display

• Visual and acoustic support in fine search

• Group-Check

• Smart antenna technology (patented)

• Automatic post-avalanche switching

• Recco Reflector Inside

• Permanent self-test and standby mode

Here is the Ortovox website with further information.

The avalanche transceiver was provided to PowderGuide by the manufacturer free of charge for the duration of the test. You can find out how we tested it in our test statement.