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The Ortovox X1, which was brand new in 2005, is an ingenious hybrid avalanche beacon that combines the most positive aspects of both digital and analog signal reception. When a search is initiated, the beacon starts in analog mode, which has a superior range to digital (The X1's range is 60m). When you get within 10m of a signal, the beacon automatically switches to digital mode. Three bright direction arrows on the panel tell you esactly which way to move. The X1 is an excellent beacon for its price and comes with a 5 year warranty. Your dollar can stretch even further if you buy an Ortovox X1 Avalanche Package, which comes with the Ortovox Alaska Shovel and Ortovox 240cm Lite probe. The Ortovox Alaska Shovel is equipped with a super strong 6000 aluminum blade and slip-resistant T handle. The Ortovox Probe 240 is 240cm, weighs 250 grams (9 oz) and is 15.5 inches long when collapsed. The sections of this probe are each individually colored red, yellow, or blue making it a bit easier to determine the precise snow depth to which you have probed.
