Buying a air bag??
- Thread starter Skyline
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QuintinG
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My advice would be to locate some dealers close to you of the different brands and look at them in person and try them on. If there arent any dealers close by you could talk to people in the area that you know who have one and check it. You could also read all the info on the websites of ABS, BCA and Snow pulse so you have a better idea of the features and setups of the different brands.
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- #3
There are many Many Many discussions on avalanche airbags. Your best way to find out is to use the search feature. There is a sticky in this section on airbags. Also there is a whole section on Avalanche Awareness.
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sledneck_03
Active VIP Member
i know alot of guys that run the snowpulse highmark 22, i run a snowpulse 30 liter. the 22 liter one keeps the shovel and probe on the outside strapped to it, mine has a separate pocket that my shovel, probe, and saw fit inside the bag...
i would get the 30l again over the 22L, i like how everything is concealed instead of able to get packed with snow.
i would get the 30l again over the 22L, i like how everything is concealed instead of able to get packed with snow.
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Have you taken an Avy course? If you haven't it's a smarter idea to know how NOT to get in a situation where you might need it. Spend your money on that first.
I just completed the AST1 class and the question came up. There are bags that go around your head, can't see very well if trying to drive a sled out. Some deflate to give you air space under the snow... how ever if you are a rescuer and pull because you are in a dangerous area now you don't have a bag in a second avalanche situation because it deflated. Lots to consider and I don't think any one bag will be the "best" bag for all situations.
polarisdragon800
Active VIP Member
I am a fan of ABS bags, they have a lot of well thought out ideas. They have 2 170L airbags, the new packs have even stronger bags on them.
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Wilk INStheWEST
Active VIP Member
Pulling your bag just because you are in a dangerous area is not a good idea. Unless the slope is starting to slide, don't pull it. If you are trying to rescue someone that is already buried the airbag is just going to be in your way, no matter what system you use.
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- #9
trench
Active VIP Member
If I was looking for a new air bag I would look at a vest instead of a backpack. Some of them have armor built in and it seems they would be easier to deal with than a pack, one zipper instead of a bunch of straps and buckles.
the_real_wild1
Active VIP Member
Might be selling my abs bag this year. They have teamed up with Northface and have a best setup now that looks good. That is what I would prefer
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- #12
Where do you put your shovel and probe? I like the idea of a vest need to research more about them
Wilk INStheWEST
Active VIP Member
moyiesledhead
Active VIP Member
I'm just not sure about trusting that one zipper to keep the bag from getting riped off you in an avalanche. Though they're not convenient to use, I'd still like to see a crotch strap on there.
Wilk INStheWEST
Active VIP Member
There are still two buckles on the Snowpulse vest (top and bottom). The vest is designed to hug the body better, so your arms will keep it from riding up. The crotch strap is there, because the shoulder straps on bags are looser fitting and the bag can easily ride up. I don't think one would get ripped off your body any easier in an avalanche than the other. If you hit something hard enough to have it ripped off your body, there is likely enough force to do some serious damage to your body anyway. However, with a vest, that armour may help save your life from trauma.
trench
Active VIP Member
Can't say I've done much research on the vests, my ABS Freeride has worked fine, in tests, never had to use it thankfully. I do like the idea of built in armor though.
Nitrobkr
Active VIP Member
The vest is the most comfortable IMO. after your wear it once or twice you wont even know its there. Another upside is its warm so you can shed some clothes if u wish.
As far as the armor goes, I'm not a fan I find it restricting so i removed it. You dont even have to buy the armor if you don't want it.
As far as the armor goes, I'm not a fan I find it restricting so i removed it. You dont even have to buy the armor if you don't want it.
Wilk INStheWEST
Active VIP Member
My only worry about the vest is it's TOO WARM for me. I already ride with very little in the way of layers. Base layer and a shell is all I run with, use a mid layer for the trail up and back. Is it that much warmer?
Nitrobkr
Active VIP Member
I usually wear just 2 layers aswell. with the vest i just wear a t shirt and the motorfist shell. With the vest you will definitely never wear a mid layer it is that much warmer.
JoHNI_T
Active VIP Member
I am the same way too hot, I wear dryfit shorts and a dry fit T shirt with armour and shell only for -15 and warmer I would over heat in the vest I think. but it does seem very functional.
I just got the ABS powder line its just a bit lighter then the vario and is more designed for skiing in theory but has nice 5 and 15 bags, same system otherwise
I am about to do my Test pull any day here and see how she goes!!!
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