Ortovox · Emergency equipment
Avalanche transceiver finder
Which avalanche transceiver suits you? Honest advice.
What do you need?
Question 1 of 5
How often do you head out into the backcountry?
Question 2 of 5
What matters most to you?
Question 3 of 5
And an avalanche airbag?
Question 4 of 5
How much would you like to spend?
Question 5 of 5
Our selectionSuits you
The Avalanche transceivers we took a close look at. Every answer narrows it down.
Faded ones no longer match your answers. At the end we show you the best three.
Strictly filtered, nothing fits completely. At the end we show you the three that come closest.
Your answers:
Your recommendation
Sorted by your answers
A quick trade-off
Options with trade-offs
These models differ from your preferences or budget, or a detail is unknown. Each model explains its limitations.
Rescue equipment
Ortovox rescue equipment
29 Avalanche transceivers we took a close look at
OrtovoxRescue Set Focus Voice380 myes- you need a new avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- you want the three parts to work together
Everything in one set
3HAntennas
80 mHSearch strip width (ICAR)
yesHVoice guidance
Focus Voice, Probe 240, Shovel Beast 2HIn the set
Not ideal if you already have a probe and shovel: then the device on its own is enough.
According to Ortovox, the Rescue Set Focus Voice contains everything you need for companion rescue: Focus Voice, Probe 240, Shovel Beast 2. According to the instructions, it has an 80 m search strip width as per ICAR, 90 m with Ortovox devices featuring Smart-Antenna, and gives you voice directions. Interference Protection detects sources of interference such as mobile phones and adjusts the transmission power and search strip. Rechargeable battery with USB-C; charging cable not included.
- Antennas
- 3H
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- 80 mH
- Voice guidance
- yesH
- In the set
- Focus Voice, Probe 240, Shovel Beast 2H
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- not stated
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxFocus Voice380 myes- you want a new device with a wide search strip
- voice guidance would help you during the search
New, with 80 m search strip
3HAntennas
80 mHSearch strip width (ICAR)
yesHVoice guidance
noIn the set
Not ideal if you want to use standby mode enabled from the factory: on the Focus Voice, it is switched off and can only be enabled in the app.
The Focus Voice is Ortovox's new avalanche transceiver. According to the instructions, it has an 80 m search strip width as per ICAR, 90 m with Ortovox devices featuring Smart-Antenna, and gives you voice directions. Interference Protection detects sources of interference such as mobile phones and adjusts the transmission power and search strip. Rechargeable battery with USB-C; charging cable not included.
- Antennas
- 3H
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- 80 mH
- Voice guidance
- yesH
- In the set
- no
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 185 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxRescue Set Diract Voice350 myes- you need a new avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- you want the three parts to work together
Everything in one set
3HAntennas
50 mHSearch strip width (ICAR)
yesHVoice guidance
Diract Voice, Alu 240 Probe, Beast ShovelHIn the set
Not ideal if you already have a probe and shovel: then the device on its own is enough.
According to Ortovox, the Rescue Set Diract Voice contains everything you need for companion rescue: Diract Voice, Alu 240 Probe, Beast Shovel. It has three antennas, up to 50 m search strip width as per ICAR, a marking function for up to four buried people and a rechargeable battery with USB-C; the charging cable is included. The carrying system contains a RECCO reflector.
- Antennas
- 3H
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- 50 mH
- Voice guidance
- yesH
- In the set
- Diract Voice, Alu 240 Probe, Beast ShovelH
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- not stated
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxDiract Voice350 myes- voice guidance would help you during the search
- you want standby mode and a charging cable enabled or included from the factory
With voice guidance, proven
3HAntennas
50 mHSearch strip width (ICAR)
yesHVoice guidance
noIn the set
Not ideal if a wide search strip matters most to you: according to Ortovox, the Focus Voice reaches 80 m.
According to Ortovox, the Diract Voice was the first avalanche transceiver with built-in voice navigation and was named ISPO Product of the Year 2021. It has three antennas, up to 50 m search strip width as per ICAR, a marking function for up to four buried people and a rechargeable battery with USB-C; the charging cable is included. The carrying system contains a RECCO reflector.
- Antennas
- 3H
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- 50 mH
- Voice guidance
- yesH
- In the set
- no
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 210 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxRescue Set Focus Voice Light380 myes- you need a new avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- you want the three parts to work together
Lightweight set
3HAntennas
80 mHSearch strip width (ICAR)
yesHVoice guidance
Focus Voice, Probe 240, Shovel Pro LightHIn the set
Not ideal if you already have a probe and shovel: then the device on its own is enough.
According to Ortovox, the Rescue Set Focus Voice Light contains everything you need for companion rescue: Focus Voice, Probe 240, Shovel Pro Light. The Pro Light is the lighter shovel in the set. According to the instructions, it has an 80 m search strip width as per ICAR, 90 m with Ortovox devices featuring Smart-Antenna, and gives you voice directions. Interference Protection detects sources of interference such as mobile phones and adjusts the transmission power and search strip. Rechargeable battery with USB-C; charging cable not included.
- Antennas
- 3H
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- 80 mH
- Voice guidance
- yesH
- In the set
- Focus Voice, Probe 240, Shovel Pro LightH
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- not stated
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxProbe 240240 cmAluminium 7075 T6240 g- you need a probe for your avalanche transceiver
240 cm, Aluminium 7075 T6
240 cmHLength
Aluminium 7075 T6HMaterial
240 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Probe 240 is 240 cm long and weighs 240 g. The KAT leaflet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 240 cmH
- Material
- Aluminium 7075 T6H
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 240 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxALU 240 Light240 cmAluminium 7075 T6235 g- you need a probe for your avalanche transceiver
240 cm, Aluminium 7075 T6
240 cmHLength
Aluminium 7075 T6HMaterial
235 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the ALU 240 Light is 240 cm long and weighs 235 g. The KAT leaflet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 240 cmH
- Material
- Aluminium 7075 T6H
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 235 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxALU 240 PFA240 cmAluminium 7075 T6310 g- you need a probe for your avalanche transceiver
240 cm, Aluminium 7075 T6
240 cmHLength
Aluminium 7075 T6HMaterial
310 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the ALU 240 PFA is 240 cm long and weighs 310 g. The KAT leaflet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 240 cmH
- Material
- Aluminium 7075 T6H
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 310 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxProbe ALU 280280 cmAluminium 7075 T6350 g- you need a probe for your avalanche transceiver
280 cm, Aluminium 7075 T6
280 cmHLength
Aluminium 7075 T6HMaterial
350 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Probe ALU 280 is 280 cm long and weighs 350 g. The KAT leaflet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 280 cmH
- Material
- Aluminium 7075 T6H
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 350 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxProbe ALU 320+320 cmAluminium 7075 T6400 g- you need an avalanche probe for your transceiver
320 cm, Aluminium 7075 T6
320 cmHLength
Aluminium 7075 T6HMaterial
400 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Probe ALU 320+ is 320 cm long and weighs 400 g. The KAT leaflet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 320 cmH
- Material
- Aluminium 7075 T6H
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 400 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxProbe Carbon 240 Short240 cmCarbon270 g- you need an avalanche probe for your transceiver
240 cm, carbon
240 cmHLength
CarbonHMaterial
270 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Probe Carbon 240 Short is 240 cm long and weighs 270 g. The KAT guidance sheet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 240 cmH
- Material
- CarbonH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 270 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxCarbon 280+ PFA280 cmCarbon355 g- you need an avalanche probe for your transceiver
280 cm, carbon
280 cmHLength
CarbonHMaterial
355 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Carbon 280+ PFA is 280 cm long and weighs 355 g. The KAT guidance sheet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 280 cmH
- Material
- CarbonH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 355 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxProbe Carbon 320+320 cmCarbon340 g- you need an avalanche probe for your transceiver
320 cm, carbon
320 cmHLength
CarbonHMaterial
340 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Probe Carbon 320+ is 320 cm long and weighs 340 g. The KAT guidance sheet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 320 cmH
- Material
- CarbonH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 340 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxProbe Steel 320+320 cmSteel675 g- you need an avalanche probe for your transceiver
320 cm, steel
320 cmHLength
SteelHMaterial
675 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a probe.
According to Ortovox, the Probe Steel 320+ is 320 cm long and weighs 675 g. The KAT guidance sheet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- 320 cmH
- Material
- SteelH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 675 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxShovel BadgerAluminium625 g- you need a shovel for companion rescue
metal shovel
AluminiumHMaterial
625 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a shovel.
According to Ortovox, the Shovel Badger weighs 625 g and has an aluminium blade. The KAT guidance sheet recommends a metal shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- AluminiumH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 625 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxShovel BeastAluminium580 g- you need a shovel for companion rescue
metal shovel
AluminiumHMaterial
580 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a shovel.
According to Ortovox, the Shovel Beast weighs 580 g and has an aluminium blade. The KAT guidance sheet recommends a metal shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- AluminiumH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 580 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxShovel Beast PCAluminium560 g- you need a shovel for companion rescue
metal shovel
AluminiumHMaterial
560 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a shovel.
According to Ortovox, the Shovel Beast PC weighs 560 g and has an aluminium blade. The KAT guidance sheet recommends a metal shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- AluminiumH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 560 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxShovel Pro LightAluminium440 g- you need a shovel for companion rescue
metal shovel
AluminiumHMaterial
440 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a shovel.
According to Ortovox, the Shovel Pro Light weighs 440 g and has an aluminium blade. The KAT guidance sheet recommends a metal shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- AluminiumH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 440 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxShovel Pro GuideAluminium630 g- you need a shovel for companion rescue
metal shovel
AluminiumHMaterial
630 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a shovel.
According to Ortovox, the Shovel Pro Guide weighs 630 g and has an aluminium blade. The KAT guidance sheet recommends a metal shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- AluminiumH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 630 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxShovel Pro RescueAluminium740 g- you need a shovel for companion rescue
metal shovel
AluminiumHMaterial
740 gHWeight
Not ideal if you already have a Rescue Set: it includes a shovel.
According to Ortovox, the Shovel Pro Rescue weighs 740 g and has an aluminium blade. The KAT guidance sheet recommends a metal shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- AluminiumH
- Volume
- not stated
- Weight
- 740 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring, Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Freeride 16S16 l2,330 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
16 lHVolume
2,330 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 16 lH
- Weight
- 2,330 gH
- Suits
- Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Freeride 1818 l2,400 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
18 lHVolume
2,400 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 18 lH
- Weight
- 2,400 gH
- Suits
- Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Freeride 26S26 l2,520 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
26 lHVolume
2,520 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 26 lH
- Weight
- 2,520 gH
- Suits
- Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Freeride 2828 l2,590 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
28 lHVolume
2,590 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 28 lH
- Weight
- 2,590 gH
- Suits
- Freeride
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Tour 28S28 l2,370 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
28 lHVolume
2,370 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 28 lH
- Weight
- 2,370 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Tour 3030 l2,410 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
30 lHVolume
2,410 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 30 lH
- Weight
- 2,410 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Tour 36S36 l2,420 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
36 lHVolume
2,420 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 36 lH
- Weight
- 2,420 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Tour 4040 l2,460 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
40 lHVolume
2,460 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 40 lH
- Weight
- 2,460 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring
as of 5 November 2026
OrtovoxAvabag Litric Zero 2727 l1,970 g- you travel in open terrain and want to carry an airbag
avalanche airbag without cartridge
27 lHVolume
1,970 gHWeight
Not ideal if you do not yet have a transceiver, probe and shovel: get those first.
According to Ortovox, the Avabag Litric inflates the airbag with a supercapacitor-powered fan in around four seconds, without a cartridge, and charges via USB-C. According to Ortovox, one charge is enough for at least two deployments, and practice deployments cost nothing extra. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial; it does not replace a transceiver, probe or shovel.
- Antennas
- not stated
- Search strip width (ICAR)
- not stated
- Voice guidance
- not stated
- In the set
- not stated
- Length
- not stated
- Material
- not stated
- Volume
- 27 lH
- Weight
- 1,970 gH
- Suits
- Ski touring
as of 5 November 2026
Nothing matches these filters. Try removing one.
H Values marked H come from the manufacturers.
Companion rescue
Four steps when it happens
Signal, fine search, probing, shovelling: what you need an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel for.
SignalSearch pathBuried personSignal search
until the first signal
Signal search
- In signal search mode, move across the cone until the device shows a signal.
- The search strip width tells you how far apart the search paths can be: according to Ortovox, 80 m with the Focus Voice, up to 50 m with the Diract Voice.
SignalSearch pathBuried personjust above the snow
close to the target
Fine search
- Slow down near the target and hold the device just above the surface until the smallest value is shown.
- With several buried people, mark the transmitter you have found, then the device guides you to the next one.
For this, for example
Ortovox Rescue Set Focus VoiceOrtovox Focus VoiceOrtovox Rescue Set Diract VoiceSignalSearch pathBuried personat least 240 cm
confirm the exact position
Probing
- Use the probe to confirm the exact position before digging.
- The KAT leaflet and the Alpine Club recommend a probe of at least 240 cm.
SignalSearch pathBuried personMetal shovel
in pairs, downhill
Shovelling out
- The KAT leaflet calls companion rescue the greatest chance of survival; the first 15 minutes are decisive.
- A metal shovel is recommended.
Schematic drawing, not to scale. Not a substitute for an avalanche course: practise the search regularly, for example with the Ortovox Safety Academy.
Good to know
Explained briefly
If you want to dig deeper
Buying advice
Focus Voice or Diract Voice
| Focus Voice | Diract Voice |
|---|---|
| Antennas | 3 |
| Search strips (ICAR) | 80 m |
| Voice guidance | yes, 10 languages |
| Weight | 185 g |
| Factory standby | no, via app |
| Charging cable included | nein |
Individually or as a set
If you already have a probe and shovel, the device is enough. If you need everything new, a Rescue Set is simpler: the device, probe and shovel come together. The light sets include the lighter Pro Light shovel.
Practice is part of it
An avalanche transceiver does not protect against avalanches, Ortovox says in its instructions. According to the Austrian Alpine Club, rescue with a transceiver, probe and shovel takes around 11 minutes on average, 25 minutes without a probe and one hour with a transceiver alone.
The Ortovox Safety Academy offers avalanche courses ranging from one-day courses to several days, as well as transceiver training parks for practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Focus Voice and Diract Voice?
Both have three antennas and voice guidance. According to Ortovox, Focus Voice has a 80 m search strip width, while Diract Voice has up to 50 m. Diract Voice comes with standby mode enabled from the factory, a charging cable and a RECCO reflector in the carrying system; standby is switched off on Focus Voice and can be enabled via the app.
Do I really need a probe and shovel?
Yes. The KAT information sheet says that only the combination of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel is sufficient. According to the Alpine Club, recovery takes around one hour with an avalanche transceiver alone, and around 11 minutes with all three.
Does an airbag replace an avalanche transceiver?
No. According to Ortovox, an airbag can reduce the risk of complete burial. If you are buried anyway, the others can only find you with an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.
Where can I learn how to search?
On an avalanche course, for example at the Ortovox Safety Academy: from the one-day Training Basic course to multi-day courses for ski touring and freeride. There are also avalanche transceiver training parks.
As of 5 November 2026. Product details from the product pages on sportfits.eu.