Recco Reflector

A Recco reflector is a small, band-aid sized, electronic transponder that weighs less than four grams. It is mounted to clothing and gear that is unlikely to be torn off in the event of an avalanche.

RECCO Reflector technology makes you searchable to professional rescuers in the event of an avalanche accident. This RECCO reflector is a small, battery-free transponder which responds to signals from a RECCO detector to assist detection of the wearer in the case of an avalanche.

Snowsafe have sold over 3000 Recco Reflectors

How does the Recco Reflector work?

Professional rescuers can quickly pinpoint a buried reflector-equipped person’s precise location using harmonic radar.
This two-part system consists of a RECCO detector used by professional rescue groups, which have a range of over 200 metres, and RECCO reflectors that are attached to clothing, helmets, protection gear, and boots worn by skiers and riders and other outdoor enthusiasts.
When used in conjunction with a RECCO Detector, the reflector's diode mixer acts as a harmonic generator to produce multiples of the frequencies received from the detectors.
The returned signal is translated into an audio tone whose volume is proportional to the returned signal, and by means of volume control, a trained rescue operator can literally go straight to the buried reflector once a signal is detected.
It is a non-powered device meaning that it never needs to be switched on, will never lose signal strength and needs no batteries to function. It is maintenance free and has a virtually unlimited life.
In total more than 900+ search & rescue organizations in the world
Why add a Recco Reflector to your protective Ski Helmet?

Why is a RECCO reflector a complement to a Transceiver?

The Recco Rescue System is different from Avalanche Transceivers because its a small band-aid size sticky transponder which is not powered, the reflector can be applied to your boots or helmet, the Recco detector does not contain any antennas and cannot be picked up by an avalanche beacon, the Recco detector has a range of over 200 metres which professional mountain rescue teams can pick up in the case of an avalanche.

Due to it not being a transceiver device the reflector will not lose signal strength and battery to function.

Recommended Use:

The Recco Reflector has been designed to be attached to your Ski Helmet.

The reason for adding a reflector to your helmet is simple when you are caught in a slide your head will be close to the surface with your legs being buried first.

Application:

Apply the reflector to a smooth and fully cleaned surface high up on the helmet at room temperature.
Firmly press the reflector into place ensuring full contact over the entire surface area.
Be sure to allow at least 24 hours for the reflector to properly adhere to the surface.

This position also gives the SAR Recco Rescue Helicopter the best opportunity of locating you.

SAR RECCO Rescue Helicopter

The SAR (search and rescue) helicopter service was first introduced in 2015 and is now found in several countries, and offers year-round missing persons services.

The Recco SAR technology is used by attaching the detector to a rope that is then dangled below the Recco rescue helicopter.

When the helicopter flies at a height of 100m, it is able to scan an area that is 100m wide.

When the speed of the helicopter is 100 km/h this translates to 1.2km coverage within six minutes. This equals to 30 football fields per minute.

SAR ski rescue helicopter services are used in the following countries :