Backcountry Access Tracker2, also known as Tracker 2, is in a short span of time becoming the most sold avalanche beacon in North America.
First units were released for retail only one year ago (December 2009) and a full-on distribution didn’t happen until February of 2010. Yet this avalanche beacon is overtaking all other beacons on the market.
For more technical information and product description see this page – BCA Tracker2 avalanche beacon.
This article also features an introduction video to the Tracker2.
Why is the Tracker2 so popular?
The biggest reason for the Tracker2′s popularity is its predecessor - Tracker DTS beacon. When the Tracker DTS was released (around 2001) it was the first digital beacon on the market. It was also the first to have more than one antenna. Furthermore, the DTS model created a legacy of easy-to-use device that could be used quite efficiently “out of the box”.
Today, the Tracker 2 is clearly benefiting from that legacy, but the legacy would not stick if the new beacon didn’t delivery on it. Besides being easy-to-use the new Tracker was also boosted technologically. It features a triple antenna, faster processor and a more ergonomic shape.
An important factor of the legacy that is making the Tracker2 so popular is a word of mouth, alias friend recommendation. That means that it is logical for someone to choose the Tracker2 over any other beacon when his/her friends already have it or they have the older Tracker. Of course, this has to be underlined by their friends’ satisfaction with the product.
So should you get the Tracker2?
The crowds are saying yes, however, everyone should decide on their own because you may want features the Tracker2 doesn’t have or simply already prefer a different manufacturer.
To make your decision easier you should find this guide on how to choose an avalanche beacon helpful in your selection process.
And here is a great short video that introduces the Tracker2 in detail and should also help you to make up your mind.
For more technical information and product description see this page – Backcountry Access Tracker 2 avalanche beacon.