Mammut Barryvox 2 Review

Some beacons I tested are packed full of features, and their price tag reflects it. Others, like the Mammut Barryvox 2, offer just the necessities. Although it doesn't have the same robust feature set as some of the pro-level beacons I tested, the Barryvox 2 does include some modern amenities to support its powerful processor. Features include an automatic self-test of its normal functions at startup, an indication of electromagnetic interference (EMI), an auto-select function for the strongest signal, and Bluetooth connectivity for firmware updates. The Barryvox 2 strikes a good balance for recreational backcountry users looking for an affordable beacon without sacrificing performance.

Speed

The Barryvox 2 wasn't the fastest beacon I tested, but instead epitomizes the saying “slow is smooth; smooth is fast.” The arrows on this beacon were steady and especially easy to follow, and its smooth processor helped me maintain a quick tempo throughout a search. I've spoken highly of Mammut's smooth and speedy processor, especially for single-burial rescues. As far as I can tell, both Barryvox models use the same processor – the Barryvox 2 matched the speed of its more expensive sibling during coarse and fine search tests.

Without additional special features loading the processor, the Barryvox 2 even tended to be smoother than the S2 during the coarse search phase. And compared to the previous model I tested, the Barryvox 2 is even faster during the fine search phase. I could move at an average pace with this beacon, at least relative to the fastest beacons I tested, whereas the previous model forced me to conduct a slower, more careful fine search.

Interface

The interface on the Barryvox 2 is simple and easy to use. The large flag button serves as the only navigation button, and only becomes active when you're prompted on the screen to switch modes or flag a target. While this may seem too simplistic at first, it's easy to recognize all of the on-screen prompts, and this straightforward interface is practical for newer users just learning the process of avalanche rescue.

The Barryvox 2 connects via Bluetooth to the new Mammut app, which is a new addition to the Barryvox line. This makes it super easy to update firmware, and, in the case of the Barryvox 2, to make some light changes to device settings. As opposed to older versions, this beacon now runs on only two batteries, which offers a bit of cost savings. It's another small detail, but I'm very happy with the updated slider switch, which is so much easier to use while wearing gloves.

Notable Features

The Barryvox 2 has a very basic feature set compared to its pro-level sibling, but I see this as an advantage rather than a problem. Like other entry-level options I've tested, this beacon is designed to solve single-burial scenarios, which make up the bulk of avalanche accidents involving a burial. Yet it doesn't skimp on extras that make life easier. The Barryvox 2 includes a flagging function for more complex scenarios involving multiple burials, and an auto-select function will bring you to the strongest signal first. The updated Group Check function now also performs a test for signal strength to ensure that the beacon you're checking emits a strong enough signal.

When you switch from Search back to Send, you also have the option to enter a Rescue Send mode. If you opt to turn it on, your beacon will not emit a signal like it does in Send, but it also won't beep like it does in Search. This is useful for a group rescue where you've been given a job like digging – now you don't have the distraction of a beeping beacon, but also, and more importantly, you're not emitting a signal that will mess up the people performing a beacon search. As a backup in the case of a secondary avalanche, the Barryvox 2 will automatically revert to Send if it's immobile for a short period.

Accuracy

I want a beacon that accurately directs me through the coarse search, so that there's less work to do once I hit the fine search phase. My assessment of accuracy begins the minute I acquire a signal, and during the coarse search, I'm primarily concerned with the accuracy of the directional arrows. The more the arrows jump around in this phase, the less accurately a beacon carries us into the fine search phase.

The Barryvox S2 was highly accurate through both search phases. The arrows are large and easy to follow, and don't jump around like other beacons I've tested at this price point. Once I entered the fine search phase — within three meters of a target buried up to one meter deep — the S2 consistently directed me to within 25 cm of a positive probe strike. While some of it has to do with a properly bracketed fine search, most of the beacons I tested are this accurate (and it's notable if they are not).

Multiple Burials

The Barryvox 2 offers key features to easily solve multiple burial scenarios, without overwhelming you with options. The simple flagging function allowed you to flag multiple targets, and the auto-select function continuously brought me to the next strongest signal. But unlike other pro-level beacons I tested, I couldn't scroll through the targets once they were flagged.

As the processor tries to work through multiple signals, many beacons become nervous with their directions during the coarse search phase – but not the Mammut processor. The Barryvox 2 always carried me quickly and smoothly through a coarse search, even when I overloaded it with signals. While the Barryvox 2 slowed down during a fine search, it was never jumpy. I greatly appreciate this about the Barryvox beacons, because I'd rather slow down during a complex search than deal with jumpy directional arrows or inconsistent distance readings.

Range

The range that manufacturers list on the box is measured with two beacons in ideal coupling, which only occurs when their antennas are perfectly aligned with one another. Whether it's a practice scenario or a real rescue, this rarely happens, so these numbers are a bit inflated. To accurately assess range, I averaged the distances across multiple tests where I first acquired a consistent signal.

Mammut states the Barryvox 2 has a range of 70 meters, which is the same as the previous model. However, my tests show that the updated version offers a longer range, on average. I regularly picked a strong, consistent signal at 65 meters with the Barryvox 2, compared to 55 m with the previous Barryvox. That increased range does come at a bit of a cost. I noticed that with multiple signals, the distance readings on the Barryvox 2 jump up and down inconsistently until I got to within 50 meters of the first target. However, this issue was almost non-existent during single-burial scenarios.

Near the maximum extent of their range, it seems like many modern beacons with extended ranges have difficulty sorting between strong and weak signals. This issue seems even more pronounced if the target beacon is an older model and if the searching beacon has a special function, like an analog mode, turned on. To the advantage of the Barryvox 2, you don't even have the option to turn on an analog mode, and in most tests, I was able to home in on the strongest signal once I was within 50 meters.

Should You Buy the Mammut Barryvox S2?

The Barryvox 2 is an excellent entry-level beacon that does not compromise performance or functionality. While some beacons at this price point lean too heavily towards simplicity, the Barryvox 2 keeps it simple while still offering a few key features. The group check function, for example, is a powerful tool at a busy trailhead. Having this option may mean the difference between choosing to run a proper trailhead check or not. Without a doubt, the affordable Barryvox 2 will serve the majority of backcountry skiers and riders very well.

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