need info: used avalanche beacons

[diffracted]

I am looking to find out information on whether or not it would be a good idea to purchase a used avalanche beacon vs. a new one. Any information is appreciated.

[marshalolson]

as long as it is modern, works, and you practice a bunch with it, yer good.

[PlayHarder]

You can always send it back in for testing and calibration, as well.

[TomK]

Its your call. Assess the risks and lack of warranty vs cost. It's LIFEsaving equipment though so take that into account. Age and technology is a very importnat factor to take into account also.

I got mine used, but knew the history of them before buying so I felt comfortable with the deal.

Try to inspect a used one very very closely. A unit that's only seen light scufffing and has no batteries in it when they take it out to show it to you is more likely to be a good one. Look at the battery terminals and if you spot any corrosion, pass it up as it's likely that the previous owner left batteries in to die in the off season, indicating a general lack of care and attention to detail.

Happy hunting, and whatever you get, practice practice practice.

[Shredhead]

I would get a new one. That way you know what has happened to it. I've had two crap out on me, both were at least 7 years old.

I would only get a used one for a practice beacon.

[bad_roo]

I got mine from Cletus and I know that guy is bona fide.

[LeeLau]

The biggest concern is if the beacon's been dropped on rocks or hard ground. They are pretty rugged but the electronics can be messed up if they've been dropped. I won't know how to tell you how to check such a thing

[Greydon Clark]

I wouldn’t buy a used beacon.

[diffracted]

Thanks for the info! Sounds like it is OK to buy used as long as you either know the long history of it or you have the the opportunity to work with it and check it out completely before buying. So, unless you have one or the other going for you then just buy new and be safe.

Thanks!

[mtbakerskier]

You wont ski with me if you are using a used beacon that you dont know the history of it. I'm sure a lot of people feal the same way.

SERIOUSLY is $350.00 that much to pay for device that can save you or your friends lives?

[Squatch]

what about a used studfinder? are those alright?

[powderface]

You wont ski with me if you are using a used beacon that you dont know the history of it. I'm sure a lot of people feal the same way.

SERIOUSLY is $350.00 that much to pay for device that can save you or your friends lives?

Who cares, the guy who sold it to you lived and it worked. Fuk it.

[skifree]

If you do buy a used beacon, make sure that its been sent back to the factory first and approved to be in full working order.

[mtbakerskier]

Who cares, the guy who sold it to you lived and it worked. Fuk it.

I CARE!!!!!

I dont want to have to rely on my partner looking for me with an old sketchy beacon that he bought used and doesnt know what its been threw. Think about it. most people only unload there beacons when they feal like they can no longer trust it.

$350 is cheap life inssurance!

[Cirquerider]

I have never asked a partner if his beacon is used, but I have done checks before starting out to be sure I can receive his signal, and vice versa. Really, the bottom line is function and knowlege. I have actually met guys that didn't know how to put their beacons into search mode. Partnerships that never happened. I don't give a shit if you you are using an old Ortivox F1, as long as you know how to use it (I might check twice if you are not on tele and have a long beard).

[BakerBoy]

I rarely ski in avalanche terrain with people that I don't know, and if I do, I really, really prefer them to have a Tracker. I used to trade people in college for their analogs if I didn't feel secure, but that was back in 98 when they weren't so prevalent.

That being said, I've bought 2 transceiver's in my life, a Tracker DTS brand new in 98, and a brand new Tracker DTS in 04 . I haven't and wouldn't buy a used transceiver because of priority issues, (It's like buying used car tires, which is rarely a good idea) and know that the people I regularly ski with in avalanche terrain feel the same way. mbs is already a step ahead of me because he's got a 300mm probe, and mines only 240. Maybe it's personal inadequacy, maybe it's that I know what he's equipped with to search for me, and it's really a matter of respect that I carry the proper equipment if he ends up in a hard place, because I know he's never more than a radio call away from sending the patrol to dig me out while he reloads his film.

Bottom line: If your beacon stiil transmits within the established frequency's, and receives the same way, you'll probably be alright. I'm willing to pay the extra premium for new things in certain situations, and beacons are one of them. I replace mine after 5 years or so, and enjoy spending the money on a new one. So yes, I'd sell a used beacon but I wouldn't buy one.

[Treepinner]

The problem is, beacons are NOT as durable as many people think. They only have to pass a minimal drop test for certification...it's really a joke. When a beacon receives a serious impact, it's quite possible for internal damage to the antenna or other components that will give intermitent results. That means it might test fine when you buy that used beacon, it might test fine at the trailhead, and it may not work at all when the shit hits the fan. You are gambling with lives when you purchase a beacon with unknown history. If you only kill yourself for being a tightwad, that's one thing. If you kill your friend due to your own stinginess, that's borderline murder. Buy used if you wish, but do the right thing and send it in for a complete check up.

[rippah]

mbs is already a step ahead of me because he's got a 300mm probe, and mines only 240.

Wow. Touring around Baker (even skiing in-bounds) with a 2.4m probe? Seems like it might be time to upgrade to an adult size.

I've had a probe fail (right in front of the manufacturer). I've had shovels fail (and replaced under warranty--but got a different brand instead). Years ago I had the flimsy ear-piece cable of a beacon fail (which was just another nail in the coffin of that particular design). Anything can fail if there are problems in design, execution, improper use or maintenance.

Buying used "safety gear" is potentially a dicey thing. But it's not necessarily so. Be smart. Look carefully. Test it thoroughly. (Or, in the case of a transceiver, follow the excellent suggestions above and get the manufacturer to test it.)

r.

[G]

I was starting to get very depressed
So I went to the Kiev and ate breakfast.
Then as I walked down Second Avenue toward St. Mark's Place
Where all those people sell used books and other junk on the street
I saw nice looking carabiners lying on a blanket next to a broken toaster oven
Some guy was selling them
He wanted 22 bucks but I talked him down to 17
I took them home
Washed 'em off
And put them on my rack
I was happy again
Complete

Who wants to go climbing with me? I take safety very seriously!

[mntlion]

test the send, and recieve, and the range, with a few other beacons, and ideally a new version of what the used one is.

or send it back for testing to the company..

[BakerBoy]

Wow. Touring around Baker (even skiing in-bounds) with a 2.4m probe? Seems like it might be time to upgrade to an adult size.

Yeah, well... Uh... I've got nothing. Nothing more than a short probe. Sorry. That's the truth.

[climb2ski]

test the send, and recieve, and the range, with a few other beacons, and ideally a new version of what the used one is.

or send it back for testing to the company..

This sounds about right...