The PIEPS IPROBE BT+ (260) avalanche probe is designed for ski tourers, freeriders, and mountaineers who incorporate avalanche search procedures into their mountain safety protocols. Unisex, it combines the functions of a traditional mechanical probe with the active electronic detection of avalanche transceivers, offering two search modes in a single device. Its 260-cm length and 2-meter electronic approach range make it well-suited for the varied burial conditions encountered in the field.

Electronic detection and immediate feedback with the PIEPS IPROBE BT+

At the heart of the IPROBE BT+ is a receiver operating at 457 kHz, the universal frequency for avalanche transceivers. The probe automatically recognizes active avalanche transceiver signals as soon as it approaches a victim and simultaneously provides visual and audible feedback, allowing the operator to focus on moving forward rather than interpreting the signals. The approach range is up to 2 meters, and the strike range indicator guides the probe’s descent 50 cm until contact is made, thereby reducing the time needed to precisely locate the victim. If the electronics were to fail, the probe remains usable in conventional mechanical mode, without a total loss of functionality.

A design optimized for rapid deployment

The six 12.5-mm-diameter carbon-fiber tubes provide both rigidity and lightness, with a total weight of 420 g, including batteries. The quick-lock mechanism, combined with an elastic locking strap, allows for one-handed deployment without cumbersome manipulation while wearing thick gloves. Power-on and power-off are automatic, minimizing handling errors during the stress of a rescue operation. The operating temperature range extends from -20°C to +45°C, covering conditions encountered in high mountains during winter.

Depth Markers and Firmware Management

The probe features a continuous centimeter scale as well as safety markers at 100 cm and 150 cm; the latter makes it easier to determine burial depth and guide the probe during the rescue phase. Bluetooth compatibility allows the device’s firmware to be updated wirelessly via the PIEPS app, ensuring access to future software updates. The advertised battery life is 100 hours on standard AA alkaline batteries, a common format that is easy to replace in expedition conditions. The effective probe length, combining mechanical and electronic components, is 310 cm.

The PIEPS IPROBE BT+ (260) avalanche probe combines electronic avalanche transceiver (AVD) detection, built-in depth markers, and Bluetooth connectivity in a rapidly deployable avalanche safety device that is compatible with all avalanche transceivers on the market and can be used in mechanical mode in the event of an electronic failure.