The Tracker 2 Reviews Are In

Was considering either the Tracker 2 or Mammut Element as my backup/loaner beacon. Tough call, but saw the Element on sale at EMS.com for $280 this morning, so bought it.. Probably can't go wrong with any of the current 3 antenna units.

Tracker 2 is on sale for $250 at REI right now. Sale ends today.

Skip REI and get them for $250 with no sales tax (savings of $22.50) at eOMC in OR.

Just talked with BCA about getting my wife's Tracker DTS repaired/warrantied and they told me they won't do it. One of the metal pieces for the female end of the battery broke off. They said they can't even order the part anymore. VERY Frustrating, it's hardly been used. I have two old tranceivers that I use for dog and friends and family when they come and they've lasted for ever, one almost 20 years (not BCA). I was really hoping to be able to do the same with this one and keep it for my wife for the occasional tour I do with her.

Since I'm in the market for a new one myself, I'm leaning a lot more towards Mamut now. Can't understand being totally shut down like that. I'm willing to pay. They did tell me they'd sell me one for a deal...So if you want a deal, call them up and tell them you have a Tracker about 5 years old and they'll tell you the same thing and offer you a good deal.

Another view... last year I went through the process of deciding which beacon to buy... I settled on the Tracker 2 for one simple reason.  I wear contacts when skiing.  I tried other models and could not read screens and lcd displays without cheaters on.  I decided, I don't want to mess with glasses in the heat of a moment. I need something easy to read with my contacts in, simplicity and a good track record. So I went with the Tracker 2.  Been happy with it.  Not as sophisticated as some other units, but for my needs, I feel good about jumping into action with it and not fussing with trying to read a display.  Yup... old eyes... glad my ears still work too!

I have two old tranceivers that I use for dog and friends and family when they come and they've lasted for ever, one almost 20 years (not BCA).

Have you ever considered the consequences of putting a beacon on a dog? Years ago a friend of mine wanted to put a beacon on his dog, but I talked him out of it. I do not think you should ever run the risk of digging up a dog before a person, and if the dog is not buried they are not able to switch the beacon to receive which could mess up your search. I would hate to lose my dog in an avalanche, but it would be better than losing a human.