Gear reviews | Mammut Barryvox S

First impression & features

First of all, the Barryvox S is very compact, looks very robust and comes with a practical carrying system. The intuitive operation is already evident from the large and clearly labeled buttons: switching on, off and over is quick and reliable, and it is almost impossible to make mistakes.

However, the inner values of the Barryvox S are also impressive. Not only is the search strip width specified by Mammut at an astonishing 70 m, but the configurable and adjustable additional functions are also well thought-out and practical. For example, in "Profi"mode, you can not only mark transmitters found, but also unmark them. I also find the function "Rescue Send" useful, which suppresses the transmission of your own avalanche transceiver, but in the event of a burial by a secondary avalanche recognizes the motionlessness of the wearer and reactivates the transmission function. It is therefore no longer necessary to switch off the avalanche transceiver so as not to disturb the searchers. Of course, the Barryvox S also has a self-test and a group check function.

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Test report

First of all, I have been using the new Barryvox S for quite a while now, but fortunately not in an emergency. The test impression therefore comes from the usual use on ski tours or freeriding as well as practising avalanche searches.

What is most noticeable in everyday use are the compact dimensions of the Barryvox S. Especially in combination with the good carrying system, it is very easy to carry and still always ready to hand. It can also be used very well in the pockets of various pants. The rather large and very easy-to-read display is also quickly noticed in a positive way.

Thanks to the large and easy-to-use buttons, I can also operate the Barryvox S well with gloves, which is particularly nice when doing a group check or similar, which incidentally works well.

What is important with the Barryvox S, as with all other avalanche transceivers, is that you familiarize yourself with the device a little before use. For example, the two modes for the display in search mode are slightly different. Personally, I find the "Standard"setting a little distracting here and have therefore set the device to "Classic". I find the use of the "Pro"search and the "rescue send" very useful and have therefore activated both. Here, however, you can simply consider or try out which functions you want to use and which settings you are more comfortable with.

If you then switch to "Search", the Barryvox S reliably guides you to the transmitter with a clear display (supported by sound signals). The search works perfectly, as you would expect from the new top device, without jumping around and with a fast response time, the device guides you along the field lines. The range of over 30 m in the less favorable coupling position also allows for wide search strips, although I personally wouldn't go as far as the specified 70 m. The Barryvox S also impresses with its high accuracy and fast response times in fine searches. The marking function also works very well. Undoing a mark is a little more complex, although this is of course less relevant in practice.

The service life of the three AAA batteries required for operation seems very long to me so far.

Conclusion

Very good avalanche transceiver, with which you are well equipped for the hopefully never occurring eventuality. In addition to the high level of configurability and the well-functioning marking function, the intuitive operation, the very easy-to-read display and the compact shape are very appealing.

Advantages & disadvantages

+Extremely configurable
+Intuitive operation
+Compact

Details

RRP: €379.95

Effective search strip width digital: 70 meters
Reception range digital: up to 70 meters
Extended search range: Extended reception range (analogue): up to 95 m, extended search strip width (analogue): 100 m
Circular reception field: almost equal reception range of the X and Y antennas
Lithium-capable: Also works with lithium batteries: Lower risk of leakage. More stable at low temperatures. Longer runtime (350 hours SEND)
Display: Very easy to read display with backlighting, even with polarized glasses
Acoustic user guidance: Allows the rescuer to search the avalanche field visually
Reverse function to avoid 180-degree search errors
Group test with clear instructions
Visual interface: Shows distance, direction and number of buried victims
Design: ergonomic design, impact and break-resistant, can be operated with gloves
Device tests: automatic self-test and function test
Smart search interacts with the rescuer's actions during the search. This makes the search easier and more reliable
Multiple burials: Signal analysis and signal separation for multiple buried victims
Buried victims can be selected, marked (MARK) and unmarked (UNMARK) in the list of buried victims
Automatic transmission switching (Auto Revert): If a rescuer does not move for 4 minutes, we assume a secondary avalanche and the device switches to SEND mode (motion sensor-controlled)
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
Auto guidance: Device continues to guide the rescuer to the buried victim in the event of signal failure or overlay
Vital data: 3D sensor helps the rescuer to focus their resources on the buried victim with the highest chance of survival
Advanced search settings: Individually configurable search settings: Pro search; the acoustic guide and visual guide; automatic transmission switching (Auto-Revert)
Alternative search mode (analog mode) helps solve challenging search scenarios
Personalization: start image and user texts (for example owner information) can be personalized
Mount: Highly functional Barryvox carrying system included
W-Link: Additional communication channel for better search performance
Manage device fleet via W-Link
Update-capable software
Operating temperature: -25° to +45° Celsius (-13° to +113° Fahrenheit