BCA

BCA is carrying out a voluntary recall of the Tracker 4 avalanche transceiver for certain serial numbers. In Europe, only a small number of devices are likely to be affected. The reason for the recall is a possible problem with the plastic production of the rotary knob for switching the device on and off.

BCA and ARVA will each be launching a new avalanche transceiver next season, although these are more likely to be overhauled versions of familiar models than fundamentally new inventions. The various airbag systems remain unchanged and are merely packaged in new colors. The only completely new feature appears to be a microwave scanner that records "snow profiles".

With the Shaxe, BCA implements the "2 in 1" principle for avalanche shovel and ice axe. We tested how practical this combination is and whether BCA's implementation meets the quality requirements for this safety equipment.

BCA and Alpride now have similarly lightweight and small airbag systems as the other manufacturers. Some companies that previously bought in airbag systems for their own backpacks are taking them out of the range completely after winters with low sales. Mammut has completely redesigned Barryvox avalanche transceivers - one in the mid-price segment and one high-end device.

The Tracker series from the US company Backcountry Access, part of the K2 Group, has been a firm fixture on the avalanche transceiver market for years. Although the trackers are not as widespread in Europe as they are in the USA, their owners in the old world still appreciate them for their ease of use and speed. With the Tracker 3, BCA has had a current 3 antenna avalanche transceiver on the market since last season, which should once again shine with the proven features and some enhancements. We got an impression of the Tracker 3 in an extensive practical test and learned to appreciate its strengths, but also found some weak points.

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.

The program of the second Splitboard Festival in Lenggries was impressive. In addition to numerous splitboarders, the who's who of splitboard manufacturers were represented with test material: Burton, Jones, K2, Arbor, Karakoram, Dupraz, Amplid, Spark, Rome, Goodboards. From the manufacturers of emergency equipment, Ortovox and BCA presented themselves on the large test area. All 80 splitboarders who had traveled to the event got their hands on a splitboard or two from the over 100-strong splitboard test range.

Freeriding and ski touring is 'en vogue' and one of the few areas that is still growing in the winter sports industry. As a result, the range of avalanche airbag backpacks has multiplied in the last five years and there are now several dozen backpack models with avalanche airbag technology available for freeriders and ski tourers. But a lot has also happened with the various airbag technologies: a decade ago there was only the ABS airbag system, but now there are five different systems competing on the European market, which tends to lead to falling prices, but also makes it difficult to keep track of this dynamically growing market.

Relatively unknown in Europe, the American company BCA has been producing avalanche airbag backpacks for several years. We tested the Float 32 freeride backpack for you.

Avalanche airbags are now regarded as useful additional safety equipment. The 2012/13 market overview will help you decide.