Just like the Black Diamond Recon BT, the Ortovox 3+ has also been reduced to the bare essentials in an effort to reduce the potential for confusion during high-stress situations.

This simplification has led to a cleaning of the whole front of the transceiver, with only one single flag button visible on the front of the unit and a single button that pops up at the top of the unit whilst in search mode (which easily reverts the transceiver to send). This makes the 3+ extremely easy to use, no matter how high-stress the scenario you’re in.

The circular display also keeps up the simplified theme, with the distance numbers taking front and centre – and direction arrows flanking the outside. The display also notes multiple burials and battery health.

“This makes the 3+ extremely easy to use, no matter how high-stress the scenario you’re in”

Note: The Ortovox issued a precautionary recall for certain 3+ transceivers that were running out of date software. Head over to the Ortovox website to see if your transceiver has been affected. All transceivers sold by official Ortovox dealers will be fully updated.

Of course, it should go without saying that an avalanche transceiver is only as effective as the user operating it. Get yourself out there on an avalanche safety course to practice how to effectively and efficiently rescue your companions.

After this course, get out every other week and practice how to use your transceiver (familiarity with this kind of kit is key to efficiently completing a rescue). Don’t have snow where you live? No worries. Just bury one or two space transceivers in a pile of leaves and search for them using your shiny new transceiver.

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