The Sessions Jacket I picked up off ball SAC recently got me thinking about the RECCO system that is included with the coat. For those who don't know what RECCO is:
(from the RECCO website http://www.recco.com/)
RECCO® is an avalanche rescue system utilized by more than 500 rescue organizations worldwide to assist in the efficient location of burials. RECCO technology enables rapid directional pinpointing of a victim’s precise location using harmonic radar. The two-part system consists of a RECCO® detector used by organized rescue groups, and RECCO® reflectors that are integrated into apparel, helmets, protection gear or boots. The reflector is permanently affixed, requires no training for use and needs no batteries to function.
Although similar in search procedure to transceivers, the RECCO system is not intended for self-rescue nor is it an alternative to transceiver use in the backcountry. Complementary in function, the system is an additional tool that does not interfere with other rescue methods such as avalanche dogs, transceiver searches or probe lines. The RECCO system facilitates a faster organized search for rescuers and provides skiers and snowboarders with one more chance to be found in time.
This topic has also been hashed out in a couple of good threads here. There is also some good technical information from Mags who have actually used the system:
http://tetongravity.com/forums/showt...ighlight=RECCO
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ighlight=recco
Here is what I have found to be True with this System:
-The RECCO System is NOT a replacement for a transceivers, but it IS a quality passive option
-It IS a good option for inbounds and resort skiing
-Because of the body's density and the unpredictability of your body position in a slide, it is a good idea to wear 2 reflectors. Front and Back, Helmet and Boot etc..to be sure that at least one of them is not trapped beneath your body
-More than 350 resorts currently support the system. Here is the North American LIST
-The company is a quality operation that is quickly gaining acceptance at additional resorts and is making inroads with more and more gear companies.
Based on all that, I contacted their support department and asked about the possibility of a bulk purchase of reflectors. My inital thought was that they would make a great Christmas gift. A unique and thoughtful gift to all my friends and family that ski in anything with even a remote slide posssibility, and at resorts that currently support it.
A woman named Christina got back to me and let me know that reflectors can be purchased at http://www.mgear.com/ foor $25. She didn't answer my question about a bulk buy. So I have 2 questions:
1. Does anybody have a better lead on these reflectors at a better price?
2. Would anybody be interested in purchasing some of these if I can get get a better price on a bulk buy discount?
If you would be interested, post here how many "pairs" you would be interested in buying. I'll leave this thread up for a while and then use the posted numbers to give Christina an estimate on how many we would potentially buy.
Bookmarks