Avy vest recommendations

[drunkukrainian]

Looking to switch up to a vest from an older ABS airbag, was hoping anyone with experience in vests might have some tips or recommendations as far as what to look for and what’s available, googling seems to bring up more skier stuff. Not super concerned about price...thanks in advance!

 

[AGGRESIVEZEBRA]

absolute best bet is to try them on. Bca is going to be warmer as you cannot take the protection out but has more pockets and more backpack space. Highmark is nice cause you can take the protection pieces out and get a little more airflow but you get a little less bag space. Highmark has IMO a better bag that wraps around your head when deployed possibly saving you from trama. but again try them on they all fi differently and have different sizes.

 

[Ballzdeep]

.....

 

[NoBrakes!]

ive wanted a vest for a few years and now that the snowpulse has the wrap around bag im interested.. but the Pieps/Klim/Polaris/Jetforce vest is very cool, I like multiple function tests on a single charge and not ever needing a bottle fill, ever.

 

[cnelson6]

I have the snow pulse vest for both myself and my wife. I like that I can put the tech material in it and it distributes the weight better across your body and not just on your shoulders. My wife shares the same opinion.

 

[NoBrakes!]

I have the snow pulse vest for both myself and my wife. I like that I can put the tech material in it and it distributes the weight better across your body and not just on your shoulders. My wife shares the same opinion.

Old one with the square bag or new style?

 

[RXN]

I've been looking at a few. Would like to get one too. Thinking of going with Jet Force. Rode with a guy that has one. Hes very happy it.

 

[FastFarmer]

I like the wrap around bag on the snow pulse, but fit is the second biggest factor for me. I’ve got 3 snowpulse bags and I’ve never had an issue with any of them so I tend to go with history and first hand experience...

 

[Jorgy]

I've also got a snowpulse bag and really like the air bag design. Way better than my float 22. I can also pack an extra 10-12 pounds and dont even notice the weight, bag fits well and would recommend.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I wear a snowpulse,.. I suggest going and trying some on, I chose the SP because it fit me well unlike some of the other ones.

 

[drunkukrainian]

Thanks for the tips everybody. Was planning on doing my shopping at the sled show so will definitely fit test them all first...looking at Snowpulse, it looks like they offer one with a zipper and one without, anyone had better reasons for either route?

 

[catalac]

I switched to a snowpulse vest a few years ago really like it the weight distribution is much nicer than the backpack I ran previous

 

[takethebounce]

I will agree to try them on as they do fit differently. I have had two BCA mtn Pro vests and the newer version is quite a bit nicer than the original one. I haven’t tried the Snowpulse so I cannot comment in it other than several years ago I had a snowpulse bag and it was decent.

The BCA is built very well. The design is simple and while it doesn’t have a wrap around design for the bag itself it’s a large bag when deployed. I have had a lot of experience with numerous BCA products from transceivers to shovels and probes and bags/vests with radios and their support if ever needed is second to none.

I am sure the BCA western reps will be at the sled show and Avalanche Solutions is always there with a number of products on display.

 

[Heavybrewster]

I bought the new BCA float Mtn pro vest last year and i am very impressed. Fit well, had good ventillation and was very comfortable. Best part is the added chest protection as 1 hit on the handlebars ends your ride.

 

[Depsnolvr]

Another big fan of the new BCA vest. I never thought I would be a vest guy and made the switch last year after I was asked to give it a try. I feel like a meathead for not doing it sooner. The weight distribution is amazing, the protection is a huge benefit and with the BCA bag, you are still able to carry a decent amount of survival gear on your person. Another major point mentioned is that the support for the BCA products is AMAZING.

Focus on fit and storage. I would not be overly concerned with the shape of the air bag. They all are expected to do the same thing in the unfortunate event that you need it and their are many factors involved.

Happy shopping

 

[cattechsummitrider]

Found the vests way to hot when going hard so I went back to my abs bag, I liked the comfort just not the extra heat

 

[takethebounce]

Found the vests way to hot when going hard so I went back to my abs bag, I liked the comfort just not the extra heat

I wear a 150 or 200 weight base layer depending on temperature and my laminate shell and that’s it under my vest %99 of the time. So depending on your layers it could become a factor.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

Found the vests way to hot when going hard so I went back to my abs bag, I liked the comfort just not the extra heat

I only find this a problem if I am wearing my bibs instead of sled pants. The extra insulation of the bibs is a real warmer upper.

 

[AxysAssault]

I switched from a 28L bag to the snowpulse spire LT 3.0 and couldn't be happier.
I was able to fit pretty well everything in it from my bag (strategically) and it weighs as much full as my old bag empty.(almost)

Sooooo much easier on the back and shoulders. Plus you can get the armor inserts for $50.

 

[Bnorth]

My snowpulse vest has been through the ringer and held up well, it's a high quality product. That said I think BCA has come a long way with their 2nd generation bag and I would give it a close look as well.