>>1228987Passive system, doesn't require any batteries, powering up, etc.
Problem with them is they're not really for "rescue" unless the radar unit is readily available.
In-bounds ski areas, you're probably okay relying on Recco assuming the area has the radar unit and knows how to use it; but in-bounds ski areas also do avalanche mitigation.
If you're in the backcountry, Recco tags aren't a bad idea, but you should be carrying avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it. Beacon/shovel/probe at minimum.
The radar units are expensive and a lot more complicated to use in a search than a transceiver. If you're wearing a jacket with a Recco tag in it and trying to do a Recco search, you're going to reflect that signal and make searching for the burial a lot more difficult. Rocks with high mineral content can reflect that radar signal as well leading to false positives.
It has its advantages, but in my limited experience with it they're not a reliable rescue tool.
Pic related.
t. avalanche professional
