Do beacons really work?

[jayh2112]

Ok, so I have to admit. I've been doing alot of research on avalanches and am a little terrified. I have the gear, and even bought the stuff for my brother cause he was too cheap.

Alot of stories I read about are with guys without beacons.

I would like to hear some stories about guys with beacons that were saved because of a beacon. Do they really do the job?

I know the main things are not getting into one in the first place and finding people quickly when they are buried, but I would think a beacon would be the first step towards this.

I can't wait for my avalanche class.

[snowduner]

Ya beacons should definitely be worn. Doesn't matter who you are, sometimes you never know, also should carry a probe and shovel with ya

[jayh2112]

I have no doubt they should be worn. I am wondering what percentage they up your chance of survival.

[BigRed118]

Beacons are a must. Knowing how to use them is a must also

[m_beeson]

This guy wouldn't be alive without a beacon

[jayh2112]

^ Thanks, hadn't seen that one. I guess the MAIN thing is getting there fast huh.

[m_beeson]

Originally Posted by jayh2112

^ Thanks, hadn't seen that one. I guess the MAIN thing is getting there fast huh.

Ya, the big thing is getting there fast, Locating and recovering fast.

Know your equipment:

Beacon
Probe
Shovel

and practice so that when the time comes you can use your equipment without having to figure it out.

[snowduner]

when your in an avalanche i think youll take any percent you can get

[jayh2112]

Originally Posted by m_beeson

Ya, the big thing is getting there fast, Locating and recovering fast.

Know your equipment:

Beacon
Probe
Shovel

and practice so that when the time comes you can use your equipment without having to figure it out.

Definitely.

Originally Posted by snowduner

when your in an avalanche i think youll take any percent you can get

Absolutely, in that situation anything helps. I just hope I never have to find out how helpful they are.

[whitefish]

With beacons you can find the body. It may not be warm though. Beacons are just a piece of the whole package needed to help stay alive.