Should I Buy a Pulse?

**dirtybryan** · 12-25-2006, 01:31 PM

Yea I know, "go to the store try em out, I'm not your mother...", but the real question is whether or not to spend the extra change on the Mammut Pulse.

I see the beacon purchase as a fairly long term one, so should I buy this new next generation or go with what seems to be norm now, a three antenna digital beacon? Many of Pulses' features are useless without being used with another Pulse, but do you think this technology will catch on and make it more useful in the future?

Right now its a toss up between the Pulse or a "regular" digital 3 antenna beacon (D3 or Tracker). I'm not against shelling out for something quality (hope the lady friend enjoys the macoroni necklace for christmas when I see her again) and certainly not against practicing, but do you think the Pulse justifies the extra $70 dollars (found some good deals)?

**Jonathan S.** · 12-25-2006, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by dirtybryan

Many of Pulses' features are useless without being used with another Pulse, but do you think this technology will catch on and make it more useful in the future?

That's a common misconception (for which publicity from Barryvox / Mammut / Climb High can take much of the blame), since only one relatively trivial aspect of the Pulse's many new features/approaches depend on the Pulse beacons being used together.
Whether all those new features/approaches make for a "better" beacon (and whether they're worth extra $$) depends on individual preferences.
Anyway, I just finished totally reconfiguring my beacon comparison chart, based on testing all digital beacons currently on the market (except for ARVA & S1, although then again those really aren't currently on the U.S. market), but I don't think it will look good now posted as a jpg, so if anyone is interested, just send an email message to jshefftz at my google mail account and use the "beacon chart" subject header.

**summit** · 12-25-2006, 06:07 PM

FYI Tracker is a 2 antenna beacon

AFAIK I think the only pulse features that require another pulse are
1. Vital Sign detection
2. Notifying other beacons of whom you are locked on to

**Jonathan S.** · 12-25-2006, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by Summit

AFAIK I think the only pulse features that require another pulse are
1. Vital Sign detection
2. Notifying other beacons of whom you are locked on to

Correct, but note that although #2 was previously anticipated, it is not a current feature (though might be incorporated into a future software update).

**summit** · 12-25-2006, 08:52 PM

They should standardize a beacon networking frequency and data protocol

**dirtybryan** · 12-26-2006, 12:47 AM

My bad, came out sort of wrong I guess, since that sounds right now that you say it. Anyways, in my position....

**cj001f** · 12-26-2006, 01:13 AM

Originally Posted by Summit

They should standardize a beacon networking frequency and data protocol

Yup. If you are buying a pulse, you are betting that the pulse protocol will become standard, or you know your touring partners will have pulses. Otherwise that extra $$ isn't very useful.

I don't necessarily see that as a good bet.

**Jonathan S.** · 12-26-2006, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by cj001f

Yup. If you are buying a pulse, you are betting that the pulse protocol will become standard, or you know your touring partners will have pulses. Otherwise that extra $$ isn't very useful.

But the transmission of "vitals" data between a buried Pulse and a searching Pulse (or perhaps in the future the tranmission of "masking" data between searching Pulses) is a only a very, very small part of all the new features in the Pulse. I'm not saying that these features will appeal to all beacon users, or even make them more proficient searchers, but the Pulse is a technlogical marvel even if your Pulse beacon is the only one around.

**Meadow Skipper** · 12-26-2006, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jonathan S.

But the transmission of "vitals" data between a buried Pulse and a searching Pulse (or perhaps in the future the tranmission of "masking" data between searching Pulses) is a only a very, very small part of all the new features in the Pulse. I'm not saying that these features will appeal to all beacon users, or even make them more proficient searchers, but the Pulse is a technlogical marvel even if your Pulse beacon is the only one around.

It would be interesting to know just how much the vitals xmission feature adds to the price of the product. Also, how much faster is the pulse than, say, a Barryvox 3000 or a Tracker?

To the OP - are you an early adopter or do you like to wait and let things settle a bit with new technology?

**dirtybryan** · 12-26-2006, 08:45 PM

I'm typically an early adopter, but really its a question of do those in the know think the technology will become popular (inter-beacon communication) and if this technology (especially the ones not requiring other pulses) justify the price.
Basically, if you were in my shoes and experienced with them (needing to buy a beacon would like to save money, but would spend the extra on something that justifies it) would you purchase the pulse. The pulse will cost me about $70 dollars more then other beacons all things considered in my poisition.

**Professor Chaos** · 12-26-2006, 08:49 PM

Ive tested and used the Pulse to some extent. I think that there are both positives and negatives as with each beacon, but the only reason I would be jumping and buying one right away is just cause it hasnt been out long enough. I would like it to get at least one season on the market and then see what happens. To me it was a great beacon with very good multi search capabilities, but on the flip it is a tad slow (processor wise) and at the same time has issues with being beside metal and other electronics.

**dirtybryan** · 12-27-2006, 07:32 AM

To all those who posted, good info however alot of it seemed a little double edged, so to boil it down would you, in my position, purchase it?

**The Dad** · 12-27-2006, 08:19 AM

Dude -- do you really want to reduce this entire discussion to a yes or no answer?

Ok, then.

Yes.

Or no.

**Jonathan S.** · 12-27-2006, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by dirtybryan

alot of it seemed a little double edged

That's unfortunately just the way it is -- I've been testing all the multi-antenna/directional beacons currently on the market (i.e., DSP, DTS, Opto 3000, Pulse, X1, D3) and they all have their advantages . . . as well as attributes that could confound some users. And the very features that are advantages to some users will confound other users.
I don't think the price differential between all of these beacons currently on the U.S. market is worth worrying about. (Once the $600 S1 finally appears, that will be a different story.) Any of these beacons will work fine for any user who takes the time to learn how to take full advantage of its design and features. (This is in contrast to the recent Backcountry mag review that seems to have been based only on initial impressions.) But it also makes sense to try them out before buying, or at least research all the different features carefully, then think about what type of user you are and what attributes appeal to you.

**Tony** · 12-27-2006, 10:50 AM

$600 for an S1? waste of money. Buy a Barrivox for $300 now or wait for at least one season for the Pulse. As someone said, better wait to be certain it has no glitches. Although Barrivox had a recall some time ago.

**Jonathan S.** · 12-27-2006, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Tony

Buy a Barrivox for $300 now or wait for at least one season for the Pulse. As someone said, better wait to be certain it has no glitches. Although Barrivox had a recall some time ago.

The previous Barryvox recall was for a plastic housing issue on one specific production run of a beacon model that had already been in production for several years, so I don't see how the recall affects the decision to buy the Pulse in its first year.
Furthermore, the Pulse software is upgradable (ditto for DSP & S1), so any glitches that are corrected in the future can also be corrected on any Pulse beacon purchased now.

**Tony** · 12-27-2006, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by Jonathan S.

Furthermore, the Pulse software is upgradable (ditto for DSP & S1)

So is Microsoft Windows XP. So what? It's still an inferior product to Mac. My point is being "upgradeable" is not a decisive feature when deciding to purchase a beacon as ease of use and reliability.

Don't get wrong. I love my Barryvox and if I had to purchase a new beacon I would probably buy it again. What I was trying to convey in my first post, is that even a company with a proved product can fuck it up in a certain batch of a certain series of a certain model in a certain year EVEN after several years in the market.

So bottom-line, directed to the OP who wanted to give closure to the decision by a definitive yes or no, buying a beacon is more like an educated guess, I guess....

**Jonathan S.** · 12-27-2006, 08:48 PM

What I meant to convey was:

1. Re software upgrade, if Barryvox adds new functionality and/or improves existing features in next year's beacon, current Pulse owners need not feel buyer's remorse, as their beacon software can be upgraded. (The same is true of those who bought the first generation of the DSP, whose masking function was significantly improved for the second software release, and apparently has been improved even more for the third generation that just came out, although I'll be able to judge that better when my DSP is returned to me.)

2. Re the housing problem on the Opto 3000, those who did buy affected units immediately received brand-new ones with improved plastic, so they were taken care of too.

So overall, if a potential owner likes the Pulse, I don't think waiting until next year is necessary just because it's now in its first season.

**Tony** · 12-27-2006, 10:51 PM

Jonathan,

I agree with you. Mammut is a good comany and will back its product by exchanging, upgrading, etc. But the thing is great companies with innovative products sometimes fuck up. And the S1 is sort of an innovative product.

Companies like Black Diamond and their first-year-on-market product glitches (defective bindings, carabiners, crampons, ALL LIFE SAVING PRODUCTS) are legendary in the industry. Irregardless of their excellent products and top notch customer service.

Maybe this is just how I feel, but for a ski, boots or poles I can't care less if I am buying the newest model just launched.

But for life threatening/saving gear like bindings, beacon or helmet, I am chicken and like to buy a field-proved product with more than one year in the market. Specially if its going to cost me $600!!!

Or to speak in marketing wabble, I'm a "late adopter".

**mtcham** · 12-28-2006, 01:07 AM

Early adopter here.
I needed to upgrade beacons for my son and I, and felt the Pulses had the features I wanted so we own 2 of them. I also got them for just a little more $ than the Trackers.

Somebody has to try these new products

**cj001f** · 12-28-2006, 01:09 AM

Early Adopter? You are fucking loser, WTF is your point? You want to pay money to test a lifesaving object? I say fuck no.

You want a shiny totemic object, I'll give you my ex's dildo.

Get a fucking clue, for private parties, the difference between the newest generation and the previous generation of beacons ain't fuckall, except for dickswinging at patrol meetings and on bulletainboards

**mtcham** · 12-28-2006, 02:29 AM

Huh, I thought the topic of this thread is the new pulse beacon and if people shy away from new products until proven, and if anyone actually bought one.

Jonathan, thanks for your research.

And cj, obviously you thought this a bad choice on my part, upgrading from a pieps 457 that I've used for many years was not easy so I did try all the newer beacons and just happened to like this one best.

**dirtybryan** · 12-28-2006, 03:09 AM

Basically, what I'm asking is, would you? I'm aware there are pros and cons, but in my shoes, "would you?" is what it boils down to. Do the pros outweigh the cons in your opinion and if you were spending the money (given money is a little bit tight and if saved would be bonus, but second to a quality beacon). This thread is full of alot of good information, some I wasn't clear on. But really just has me more split then I was before.

*mtcham, good on you, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt you didn't put safety second to shiny factor.

**Tony** · 12-28-2006, 05:26 AM

Well, all I can say about this is: we the chicken late adopters need the early adopters for their willingness to spend the money upfront and "test" the product. Being for totemic adoration or flashing among friends were are dependent of this group.

However, $1200 on 2 beacons? No way for me. I can't get S1s with a Tracker price. But if other people can and then willing to post a nice review here, my kudos to them.

And Dirtybrian, I think my answer should be clear by now: NO, I wouldn't, specially at retail price. You can buy and additional Barryvox for your girlfriend with $600!