Great device with awesome support from PIEPS/BD
Due to these being on sale at Altitude Sports, and my friend and I being in need of new transceivers, I picked 2 of these up as our spouses were both willing to pitch-in and make this our Christmas gifts... These devices come with a sparse quick-start manual, but the real support is provided through the PIEPS app on your phone. Like with any other avalanche safety equipment this should only be used to enhance an already-developed knowledge, usually through AST I/II courses, about avalanche terrain and the associated risks. The app allows you to run system checks, switch the device to training mode, and provides specific training material on how to use the specific device and it's features properly. These exercises were very helpful in familiarizing us with the beacon, and made for a fun and dedicated day to learning in the snow. I have luckily not had to use this in a real burial situation yet, but am confident that I will remain calm and be able to use the device effectively whether I am searching or being searched for. I would not see the use of upgrading to the Guide BT unless you are actually a mountain/ski guide or professional of some other sort.