RECCO® reflectors are not transceivers. They are thin, card-size units that are embedded by some manufacturers into ski products such as jackets, pants, boots, helmets—and even inside the Ortovox 3+ and S1+ transceiver models.

RECCO reflectors complement—but do NOT replace—the use of avalanche transceivers. These passive reflectors enhance the radio signals sent by the RECCO detector units used by many search-and-rescue organizations. This may mean quicker acquisition of a victim's position in an avalanche.

The RECCO system offers many benefits:

• The reflector is a passive, battery-free device that requires no action or education on the part of the wearer.
• It is imbedded in the gear, so it's likely to stay with the person buried in an avalanche.
• When a signal is received, RECCO detectors lead the operator in a direct line to the victim. These signals can be picked up by either ground- or helicopter-based searchers.
• RECCO signals are not related to, nor do they interfere with, transceiver searches, so both approaches can be used in the same area at the same time.

From REI