Since the advent of digital signal processing and the three-antenna transceiver design, avalanche beacon tech advances have been relatively incremental. There have been minor design updates, processing improvements and some promising features like voice direction and signal flagging. Nonetheless, for the average user, it’s hard to see the differences between most beacons. The Barryvox S2 by Mammut aims to change this with a step forward in search guidance, signal processing and new screen technology.
Barryvox is well-established as one of the top-tier avalanche beacons, and the new Barryvox S2 is the latest and most advanced avalanche beacon in the Mammut line, setting a high bar for performance. The S2 features a mix of new technology and notable user interface advances that set it apart from the competition.
There is no question the S2 is one of the most advanced avalanche beacons on the market. However, it’s also very user-friendly. The S2’s new user interface and Intelligent Fine Search Guidance, among other features, put the power of advanced processing and search features into a beacon that any skier can use and benefit from.
What’s New on the Barryvox S2
As mentioned, the S2 offers a mix of undercover tech advancements and functional user interface advances. Its new features can be grouped into three categories: physical appearance, user interface functionality and behind-the-scenes tech.
Physical Appearance Updates
Looking at the S2’s physical appearance, there are two standout updates. It’s noticeably smaller than previous generations, and it has a new easy-to-read screen.
- Compact Design: The Barryvox S2 is 22% thinner (6mm) and 14% lighter (30g) than the previous Barryvox and Barryvox S beacons. The slim profile makes it easy to handle and carry.
- Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) Display: New screen display technology, called Memory-in-Pixel (MIP), creates a high-contrast and readable display in all light conditions. From direct sunlight with polarized sunglasses to grey, overcast skies, it is bright and easy to read. The MIP display uses less power than an LCD, and the S2 is currently the only beacon featuring MIP technology.
New User Interface Functionality
Moving on to the interesting technical stuff, the Barryvox S2 features several user interface advances that directly and positively impact the search process. Three distinct features set the S2 apart from the S and effectively put advanced search methods in beginner users’ hands, helping reduce search times, no matter your experience level.
- Intelligent Fine Search Guidance: The S2 has new patented technology that offers improved visual and acoustic search guidance during the fine search phase, helping reduce search times. The new Intelligent Fine Search Guidance calculates the nearest point to the victim and guides you through the fine search process with bold, intuitive graphics and sounds rather than requiring you to watch the distance readout and decide when to adjust your fine search process. This feature alone reduces search times.
- Probe Indication: In addition to the Intelligent Fine Search Guidance, the S2 prompts you when it’s time to probe. It does this by determining the minimum burial depth. Once it determines you are as close as possible to the signal, the probe display guides you visually to the probe sequence. This feature saves essential time when determining when to begin the probing process.
- Interference Guard: Electronic interference caused by phones, radios, heated gloves, cameras, etc, is well documented. Walking the line between being a user interface feature and behind-the-scenes tech, the S2 includes what Mammut calls Interference Guard. It detects electronic interference impacting proper beacon functionality.
In search mode, Interference Guard triggers a radio tower icon on the display indicating interference and prompting you to double-check potential issues. When interference is detected in send mode, the S2 actually boosts transmission strength to overcome the interference. The ability to boost transmission helps overcome potential interference when a burial forces a body position that puts a radio or other device in close proximity to the beacon. While the signal boost is essentially undetectable by the user, it’s comforting to know that the S2 is working to create the best rescue scenario possible. - Advanced Deep Burial Detection: Three antennae design combined with software allows the S2 to determine burial depth and trigger the fine search mode at up to six meters versus the regular three-meter distance reading. Deep burial detection saves rescue time, encouraging the switch to probing and digging more quickly for deep burials.
Additional Significant Features
- Updated UI: The updated user interface features simple instructions for increased clarity under the stress of an actual rescue scenario.
- 70-Meter Search Strip Width: Despite its compact size, the Barryvox S2 maintains an impressive search strip width of 70 meters, allowing you to cover large areas quickly during the initial search phase.
- Advanced User Settings: Like the Barryvox S, the S2 includes advanced user settings, including a pro search mode with the ability to scroll through targets in a multiple burial scenario, analog tone mode and configurable data detection and burial data settings.
- Firmware Updates: Bluetooth updatable firmware extends the lifespan of the unit, ensuring the latest operational software.
- New Training App: The new Barryvox app connects to the Barryvox S2 (and 2). In addition to offering firmware updates and custom settings, it provides access to the Barryvox Training Park feature. The Training Park allows you to set up a variety of training scenarios to hone your skills and systematically work through progressively more complex burial scenarios.
Bottom Line
The Barryvox S2 is a state-of-the-art avalanche beacon with multiple features that put the power of advanced processing and search functionality into the hands of users of all levels. Its intuitive interface and Intelligent Fine Search Guidance feature make searching faster and more efficient, especially for novice users.
A long list of advanced technology and features adds professional caliber functionality that will appeal to the most advanced users. These same features also allow room for novice users to grow their search skills and capacity as appropriate.
Of course, all that state-of-the-art tech comes at a price, a monetary one. At $600, you can find a less expensive beacon from Mammut and from their competitors. However, the S2 is a beacon designed to hold its own on the technology front, thanks to easy firmware updates using the Mammut app.
If you’re in the market for a new avalanche beacon, the S2 is worth serious consideration. It stands above most avalanche transceivers on the market for ease of use and efficient searching for novices and pros alike. The Intelligent Fine Search alone speeds up the learning curve. Add the other user interface improvements and advanced processing features, and the S2 is incredibly capable with a very user-friendly design.
Barryvox S2 Avalanche Beacon: $599
Check for the latest Barryvox S2 Avalanche Beacon prices directly from Mammut or Backcountry.
Check out the S2 user manual pdf for a deep dive into all of the functionality on the Barryvox S2.
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