The tried-and-tested Link Group Communications radios from BCA (Backcountry Access) have been available since last season in a version tailored to Europe, which is adapted to local regulations in terms of frequency range (PRM) and transmission power. The Link devices are specially designed for skiers.
General
The radio (base unit), the "Smart Mic" and a charging cable are supplied. The base unit is placed in the backpack and is connected to the Smart Mic via a cable. The Smart Mic is attached to the shoulder strap of the backpack. The Smart Mic has an on/off button, the essential talk button, a volume control and a rotary dial on which you can set pre-programmed channels. This means you can leave the actual radio in your backpack for the most part and only have to use the Smart Mic to transmit and receive. The radios are charged via a mini-USB port on the base unit. They are equipped with a 3.7 V lithium-ion battery. The devices are waterproof to ISO standard IP56. The European version has the usual 8 PMR446 channels for handheld radios and 38 sub-frequencies. The version for the Americas has 22 FRS and GMRS frequencies with corresponding sub-frequencies.
First impression
Anyone who has ever bought walkie-talkies in the 20-40 euro price range in a sports store will know that although they work reasonably well, they often resemble children's toys of the rather shoddy variety. The BCA Link radios do not look like toys when you look at them and hold them in your hand, but rather like serious equipment for serious outdoor sports enthusiasts who value good workmanship and functioning tools. The actual radio is relatively heavy in the hand and has a plastic clip on the back to attach it wherever you want. The connecting cable with the Smart Mic can be detached from the base unit. The corresponding cable connection looks very solid and you don't get the impression that this is a particularly critical weak point, as is sometimes the case with electronic devices that could get wet. The Smart Mic is equipped with a much more solid clip than the base unit and can therefore be easily attached to the backpack strap.
Practical test
The radios were used on several ski tours in partly wet weather and moderately cold temperatures. Handling is easy and the various buttons and controls on the Smart Mic are easy to operate even when wearing thick gloves. Attachment to the backpack is uncomplicated and the cable between the Smart Mic and the base unit is long enough, provided you don't stuff the base unit into the bottom of the backpack, which is not recommended anyway. The manufacturer points out that the cable can also be fed through the hole in the backpack provided for hydration systems, if available. Unfortunately, we didn't have a corresponding backpack, but we see no reason why this shouldn't work.
The Smart Mic was also exposed to light rain during the tours and the entire system fell into the (wet) snow a few times. It suffered no discernible damage. I'm pretty confident that the external Smart Mic can withstand all the weather conditions normally expected when skiing (the base unit is protected in the backpack).
We used the radios a maximum of about 2 kilometers away from each other. As long as there was visual contact or nothing in the way, it worked perfectly. You should at least make sure that the base unit is not stuck under a pile of other stuff in your backpack with the antenna facing down, but place it on top.
Conclusion
Flawlessly functioning, high-quality radios that are very practical to use when skiing thanks to the Smart Mic system.
Advantages & disadvantages
+Solid workmanship
+Good to use with gloves
+Smart Mic System is practical
+Waterproof
-Price
-Not reprogrammable for other frequency ranges
Notes
In this document from BCA contains general information on correct behavior in open ski terrain, as well as on the sensible and efficient use of radio equipment. Here is an interesting article on radio use based on an example in Telluride, USA.
Details
RRP: 149.95 euros (incl. battery, charging cable, bag, mounting option)
Weight: 340g
Battery life: 80 hours with normal use.
Range: Approx. 2 miles (3.2 km)
Water and dustproof to ISO IP56
Temperature range: -20°C to +70°C
Maximum transmission power: 1 watt according to the operating instructions, although this is throttled to 500mW in the version for the European market according to regulations. The "High Power" mode (1 W) available in some channels on the American version cannot be activated on the European version. For legal reasons, frequencies and transmission power cannot be tuned for use elsewhere.
Here is the link to the BCA website with further information, here is a review at bergundsteigen.
