The best snow sports equipment for safe snow sports
There is no doubt that mountaineering is one of the most exciting activities we can do. Snow is fun and even more fun when you add special goggles and a fleece to the mix.
But a foray up a mountain can be a real risk, especially if you don't have the right tools, both for prevention and for performance once you've set off.
This is where we talk about the importance of DVAs or ARVAs and tell you how to choose one, as well as show you the best DVA models you can find on the market today.
Comparison of the best ARVAs
| PIEPS Micro | Bca T2 | Arva Evo 4 | Mammut barryvox | |
| Transmitter function | Digital | Digital | Digital | Digital / Analogue |
| Battery life | 20 - 100 hours | 250 hours | 120 hours | 300 hours |
| Battery type | 1 x AA | 3 x AAA | 4 x AAA | 3 x AAA |
| Product dimensions | 10.6 x 7.4 x 2 cm | 13.2 x 8.2 x 2.7 cm | 3 x 9 x 12 cm | 115 x 67 x 27 mm |
| Marking function | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum circular range | 40 metres | 50 metres | 40 metres | 70 - 95 metres |
| Weight | 150 grams | 255 grams | 300 grams | 210 grams |
Arva Mammut Barryvox S - The most recommended
Probably the best choice at the moment is this Arva. A powerful device with good performance and speed that integrates features such as victim marking that are intended for professionals, and although it might be too much of a choice for beginners, it is a DVA model that will leave nothing to be desired.
Its range is 70 metres in digital mode and 95 metres in analogue mode. But what makes this Arva stand out the most is its data processing capability, which is very efficient. This equipment graphically shows the route to be followed by rescuers and once it obtains the signal it displays arrows to indicate the direction; it is quite simple.
They also included secure power-on, which requires two hands to turn it on, as well as the ability to switch from broadcast to search mode. And the possibility to unmark victim without restarting the Arva, useful in case of errors.
Pros
- Ultra-fast processor.
- Victim marking.
Cons
- High cost.
- For professional use.
Arva Micro Pieps - The smallest and lightest
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Here we find the smallest arva, ideal for all kinds of requirements with a search range of 40 metres, although it is recommended to consider 10 metres less during the search. A surprising and pleasing detail of the Micro is that they included a sensor to detect when the arva is attached to the harness or not, in case of detaching it from the harness the Micro switches to search mode.
The processing speed is very good, displaying directional arrows and other data almost immediately, which is optimal. However, what we would like to highlight in this model is that it has a dual configuration for group verification.
You can opt for regular verification, just by pressing a button and getting signal data from the transmitters. Or you can also select professional group verification to verify other arva by simply changing the orientation (up or down) of the device. The Micro can be on for up to 100 hours.
Pros
- Small and lightweight.
- Accurate and efficient.
Cons
- It does not include a button to switch between transmit and receive mode.
Arva Evo 4 - The simplest
This is the lowest on our list, but no less safe. It is a very intuitive arva that can be used by beginners without any problems. However, its range leaves a lot to be desired, as it only reaches a range of 38 metres and when it gets close to the transmitter the directional arrows disappear at a distance of 3 metres.
250 hours on average is the battery life of the Evo 4. The processing speed is quite good, and the audible feedback is also ideal, strong enough to travel several tens of metres.
The Evo 4 turns on when the harness is plugged in, which is a big plus. And it has only two controls, one that toggles between send and search and the other to dial a transceiver when searching for multiple victims.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Simple and robust design.
Cons
- Short range.
Arva Bca Tracker T2 - For all situations
In a simple and compact design, the BCA T2 is a good value arva with a good capacity. Its maximum range is 45 metres, although it is not the most advanced in this respect, it does have a high data processing speed. It is a DVA that can be used by anyone, so it is a good choice for beginners.
The arrows indicating the direction of the flow line are quite accurate and turn off within 2 metres of the victim to remind you to start digging. Includes a "Special Button" that allows the field of view for the search to be limited to 75 degrees.
One of the most intuitive models you will find on the market, despite being a 10 year old arva, it won awards as the best victim tracking device and still remains a solid and reliable option.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Accurate and fast.
Cons
- Old model.
What is an ARVA and how does it work?
An ARVA or DVA is a device specially designed for mountaineers. It is a device that allows radio signals to be sent and received over kilometres and even when under snow. ARVA stands for Appareil du Recherche de Victime de Avalanche, but in English it is more appropriately called Avalanche Victim Detector (DVA).
Generally, when skiing or doing any activity in the snow we are under the risk of an avalanche and even with a slight fall we could end up under several layers of ice. That is why each member of the team should carry an ARVA hanging from the rest of their equipment and this should be in transmission mode, so that it records the distance travelled and the time since the start.
In case it is necessary to locate one or more people in the team, they will have to switch to search mode on their DVA to start detecting the signal source of the device that is still transmitting. Once the signal is located, the ARVA will display the number of metres, also an arrow with the direction to follow and will beep as it gets closer to the location in question.
What elements to consider before choosing your ideal ARVA?
When you are purchasing a device that is safety related, it is advisable to take things seriously and detail the features of the ARVA or DVA you need to get the best performance and above all the best possible safety when undertaking long journeys to the top of the mountain.
This is how we come up with various purchasing criteria that are useful for choosing the ideal VAD, or rather the one that best suits your needs.
Antennas
It is common to find ARVA models with three antennas, 1 and 2 antenna models are not as accurate and are no longer recommended. Each antenna has a vital function which it fulfils individually, one antenna, which we will call "Y" is for sending the signal when transmitting and is also the one with the best range in receive mode.
Another antenna (X) is in charge of defining the direction to follow when in receive mode. And finally the "Z" antenna which allows detailed depth information to be obtained and avoids the "multiple peak" which is a variation in depth detection that happened with the 1 and 2 antenna models.
Ease of use
This criterion has nothing to do with the quality of the materials used to make the DVA, but with the way you use it. The idea is that the equipment should be intuitive enough to be used by anyone.
You will find them with different levels of accuracy and some with more information than others, but it will depend on your use how efficient an ARVA can be in practice. It is recommended to know the basic functions of these devices and choose the model according to your experience and needs.
Processing speed
This is one of the most important factors when hiking in winter mountains, the faster the processing speed, the greater the response of the ARVA and the fewer the number of jumps in the signal flow. This can translate into vital seconds when undertaking an emergency search.
Range
ARVAs typically have ranges from 40 to 100 metres. This figure refers to the amount of ground it is capable of covering, and can obviously make a difference during a search, but only if you are experienced in searching. Generally 40 metres is the minimum range figure for these devices.
Digital or analogue?
Although almost all models today are digital, it is also possible to find hybrid or analogue-only models. The main difference between these is that digital DVAs have integrated displays for visual data processing and include functions such as marking, clinometer, group function or scanner. Digital ARVAs show you the direction with arrows and the rest of the data, such as distance or route, with numbers.
Analogue ARVAs, on the other hand, do not have displays and require more expertise to be used efficiently. However, the signal of analogue ARVAs can be stronger in some conditions, which is why we found hybrid models.
Conclusion
ARVAs, or DVAs, are an essential tool for mountaineers and winter sportsmen. In the event that a search is necessary, they can make a difference and save lives, facilitating the work of rescuers and securing the excursions of groups venturing to the top of the icy mountains.
Remember that safety is the most important thing, so in addition to the right tools you need to be accompanied by at least one expert. And don't forget to leave a comment in case you have something to add or share if you liked it.
