Testing the Pieps Pro BT Avalanche Beacon for This Review | Photo Mountain Weekly News
Ride like a pro? Rescue like a pro. The Pieps Pro BT beacon is built for professionals in mountain sports. The Pro series features the latest technology and best performance in any situation. The Pieps Pro BT offers a range of advanced features for professionals. If you want more than basic beacon functions then this is your answer.
Choosing your first transceiver can be overwhelming. We’ve simplified the process in our expert-vetted roundup of the Best Avalanche Beacons, highlighting the most intuitive models for new backcountry travelers.
Pieps Pro BT Beacon 60 Meter Search Range
The Pieps Pro BT has features that make any pro interested. A large 60 meter search range, and the X antenna provides a powerful search area. The x antenna actually has two antennas that can detect signal and use the strongest signal possible. This circular search system allows for more predictable and more efficient searches. A pro group check mode ensures your group is ready to hit the backcountry.
Pieps Pro BT with Bluetooth
The Pieps Pro BT has built in Bluetooth technology that allows your to link to the Pieps app on your smartphone. This allows you to check and adjust your beacon to your preferences. The Peips app can also help with setting up training exercises and create advanced avalanche scenarios. For professional teams this also means you can service your entire fleet and make sure everything is working properly. I did a quick beacon check in Bluetooth mode and it’s really comforting knowing your own equipment is functioning correctly.
The scan function on the Pieps Pro BT can be used to efficiently solve multiple burials. This feature keeps an overview of all victims buried giving you a number in a specific area. With victim selection you can display distance and direction to each individual to create an effective rescue strategy.
Pieps Pro BT Features
One feature of the Pieps Pro BT is the “ghost signal elimination” which is a sophisticated system that blocks out all other signals and only picks up the frequency of beacons. This allows guaranteed safe search’s without interference. The auto switch antenna always picks the one with the strongest signal.
Another feature that is important is the auto search to send mode. This means if you are searching for victims and a second avalanche comes and buries you, your beacon will sense the lack of movement and after a certain timeframe it will go back to send mode, allowing you to be found. Another unique and useful feature is a built in inclinometer which is useful for assessing terrain and snowpack.
Pieps Pro BT Avalanche Beacon Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 60 Meter Search Range with X Antenna
- Built-in Bluetooth for App Connectivity
- Advanced Features for Efficient Multiple Burial Solutions
Cons:
- May be considered overkill for basic users
- High price point at $479.95
Overall Impression
The Pieps Pro BT is absolutely stacked with professional grade features that puts it in a league of its own. Potentially overkill for a basic user, but it’s still a beacon that’s really easy to use, and why not give yourself room to learn and grow. This is a tool that will make you a better, safer partner weather you’re a seasoned pro or new to the backcountry.
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