Who has had to use an AVI bag?

[SaskSummit]

Like it says. I know alot of people wear them. I know you don't ever want to have to use it. But who has and do you think it made a difference and how.

 

[ASSAULTrmk]

Snow pulse has some interviews with pro riders & skiers on their website I believe !

 

[Calg_Rider]

Havent had the displeasure of being in an avalanche but shopping for a Avi bag myself. Found this video on youtube of a skier getting a fun ride and deploying the bags.

Avalanche Video: SnowPulse in Action (HD) Verbier 2011 - YouTube

 

[SIRsleeper]

I'd of thought this post would have had a little more action. Either snow and mudders are pretty cautious riders or the bags don't work as well as advertised!

 

[SaskSummit]

TTT No one on thi site has had to use an Avi Bag? I need a new bag this year just not sure if i want an Avi Bag.
And don't want to hear al the Bu!!sh!t about you spend this much on a sled and this much on you other gear why wouldn't you get one.
I don't intentionally put myself in the situation but I also know it could happen at anytime in a place you wouldn't think it would happen.
Just looking for feedback.

Like said above I was thinking there would be more response to this?

 

[jaredvh]

I have been wondering the same thing. Looking at buying one myself I was just wondering what gear I should prioritize.

 

[ferniesnow]

I have not had to pull the cord!

Avalanches are always in the area and I'm forever on the watch..........I don't push that chit too often, at least the areas with the big consequences.

 

[ducati]

I rode without one for 15 years and then bought one for the last 3 seasons of riding. Never had to pull the cord and always try to keep myself out of avalanche situations via proper education on avalanches and continuous watching and monitoring conditions. That being said the additional security it brings is fairly reassuring and worth the money in my opinion. Personally i think if i had to choose between an avy bag and an AST1 course i would put the money on the course first and get the bag another season, if i had the funds for all of the above i wouldn't hesitate on spending the cash.

Just my opinion.

 

[250mark1]

I rode without one for 15 years and then bought one for the last 3 seasons of riding. Never had to pull the cord and always try to keep myself out of avalanche situations via proper education on avalanches and continuous watching and monitoring conditions. That being said the additional security it brings is fairly reassuring and worth the money in my opinion. Personally i think if i had to choose between an avy bag and an AST1 course i would put the money on the course first and get the bag another season, if i had the funds for all of the above i wouldn't hesitate on spending the cash.

Just my opinion.

Thats exactly what I am looking at doing took the ast1 last year and plan on buying a avi pack at the sled show if there is a decent deal on the one I am looking at

 

[Kibbels]

Well... Yes I was in a slide in Revy coming up 2 winters ago... I was in airport on the 3rd shoot from left and it let go at top as I neared the top. I can tell you this .... It happened so quick I tried for all my life to pull my cord.. I can remember to this day screaming my head off trying to get one of my arms to pull the cord. No way in hell could I.... My shoulders were ripped hard.. It was dark and noisy not knowing if yur gonna make it... yes my life did flash across my eyes.. i had enough time to say good bye to my 3 kids and wife.... !, When it was over I ended up out of shoot near bottom buried to my waist standing like a tree in cement!!! Many asked why didn't u deploy your pack!! I tell u from THIS experience I could not pull as I was a rag doll, tangled with my sled... As for the pack it was a Snow Pulse himark. So having said this.. If it happens from my experience it will depend on situation that you are faced with.. As for product it's your choice.. Many excellent ones to choose from.

First time I have shared this info in a public forum.

so ya I'm the guy that may/will drive by a temptation!

Happy Safe Sledding S&M

 

[SaskSummit]

Well... Yes I was in a slide in Revy coming up 2 winters ago... I was in airport on the 3rd shoot from left and it let go at top as I neared the top. I can tell you this .... It happened so quick I tried for all my life to pull my cord.. I can remember to this day screaming my head off trying to get one of my arms to pull the cord. No way in hell could I.... My shoulders were ripped hard.. It was dark and noisy not knowing if yur gonna make it... yes my life did flash across my eyes.. i had enough time to say good bye to my 3 kids and wife.... !, When it was over I ended up out of shoot near bottom buried to my waist standing like a tree in cement!!! Many asked why didn't u deploy your pack!! I tell u from THIS experience I could not pull as I was a rag doll, tangled with my sled... As for the pack it was a Snow Pulse himark. So having said this.. If it happens from my experience it will depend on situation that you are faced with.. As for product it's your choice.. Many excellent ones to choose from.

First time I have shared this info in a public forum.

so ya I'm the guy that may/will drive by a temptation!

Happy Safe Sledding S&M

Thank you for your HONEST reply. That is one of my concens is not having time to deploy it. BUT if you dont have one you dont have the option to try. I am still on the fence.

 

[catmando]

On a lighter note, rknight111 pulled his on his first trip with his new pack in mcbride a few years back,unfortunatly it was when was trying it on in the hotel room,hahaha...........too funny, I have never needed to pull mine although I start off every year year pulling the cord and refolding and refilling the cartridge because over time and with moisture getting in it you may want to check the creases where they fold for wear and it never hurts to give em a test......$20to refill a bottle is worth the Piece of mind.

 

[Kibbels]

Thank you for your HONEST reply. That is one of my concens is not having time to deploy it. BUT if you dont have one you dont have the option to try. I am still on the fence.

Don't judge from my experience .. I will never ride without one and nor should anyone else IMO. This was fortunate situation that the bag was not required!

 

[SIRsleeper]

Don't judge from my experience .. I will never ride without one and nor should anyone else IMO. This was fortunate situation that the bag was not required!

Good point however I'll be taking my AST1 this season and feel as though the bag can wait a season, I've got enough other gear that I want/need... AST1 is way more important. If only my riding buddy saw it the same, at least he's got all the gear to go with his avy bag

 

[ducati]

Good point however I'll be taking my AST1 this season and feel as though the bag can wait a season, I've got enough other gear that I want/need... AST1 is way more important. If only my riding buddy saw it the same, at least he's got all the gear to go with his avy bag

I couldn't agree more. It is important to have the gear however no amount of gear is any good unless you can use it. Would be nothing worse in a search situation than a bunch of guys with fancy gear and no clue how to conduct a proper search or even turn the beacon to search mode for that fact. The AST 1 course gives you the basic tools to make an educated decision based on conditions and stay out of a potentially hazardous situation. It also gives the tools to conduct a basic search and a rescue scenario. While basic gear is a must for mountain riding (up to date beacon, probe, shovel, survival kit, tow rope) the airbag is not an absolute must however it is sure nice to have if things go sideways which is always a possibility even with proper planning and precaution (we cannot control mother nature).

Myself and my most frequent riding partner are signed up for the AST 2 this year as we want to dive deeper into the education side of things and improve the knowledge within our group.