Bottom line
BCA Tracker 2 avalanche beacon continues the legacy of its predecessor. It retains the easy to use features of the older Tracker DTS but it’s faster and the addition of one more antenna (3 in total) makes it a more precise beacon. Those that liked the old Tracker will like the new one as well.
Use(r) suitability
BCA Tracker2 is appreciated by all user groups but will mostly benefit novice and the less experienced users. Intuitive interface allows people to search with it “out of the box” since the learning curve is not steep. However, those that wander the backcountry often should consider spending more money towards Ortovox S1+, Pieps DSP or the Mammut Pulse. They will get more advanced features in beacons where software can be updated with new releases.
Quick video overview
Product description
Backcountry Access established itself as an avalanche beacon manufacturer with introducing the first digital beacon to the world, the Tracker DTS. With the Tracker 2, released in early 2010, they seem to be on a way to continue in producing fast and reliable beacons.
BCA avalanche beacons are not known for the biggest search range (up to 40m) but for sure they are known to provide users with a great price-to-performance ratio. Tracker 2′s main rival is a more advanced Ortovox 3+ avalanche beacon, however, you will pay slightly more.
The BCA Tracker II is very light and compact, yet it features three antennas for increased search accuracy. The LED controls show direction and distance and allows you to narrow your fine search zone quickly.
One of the main improvements of the Tracker2 compared to the older Tracker DTS beacon is a multiple burial indicator light, therefore, you can clearly see whether there is more than one person buried under the snow.
A bit of a downside of this beacon is that it doesn’t have the marking function. Maybe the price range the beacon was intended for doesn’t allow that, however, it would have been nice to see BCA including this functionality on their newest beacon.
Technical info – BCA Tracker 2
- Avalanche beacon type: digital
- Search user feedback: distance value, directional arrow, beeps
- Multiple burials: visual light indicator (2 or more)
- Marking (flagging) function: no
- No. of antennas: 3
- Maximum range: up to 40m
- Search lane width:
- Additional features: none
- Carrying system: harness system with a bag, included with the beacon
- Battery life: around 250h in transmit mode
- Battery type: 3 x AAA
- Dimensions: 130 x 85 x 25 mm
- Weight: 193g including batteries and harness system
- Warranty: 5 years