 Poster: A snowHead
|
What airbag is best? Why? Searching the forum I have not been able to find reviews (yet), and I slightly mistrust normal "googled" reviews.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
You're gonna have to qualify 'best'... cheapest? lightest? biggest rucksack? biggest airbag? interchangeability? smallest bag? colour? flavour?
If you're looking for lower price stuff, I have a used Mammut RAS 22L rucksack (minus the airbag unit) that I'm considering selling. You could pick up a RAS airbag unit from somewhere online (I got mine from Snowshepherd originally), and probably save yourself a few quid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
They all do pretty much the same thing, and operate in the same manner, with the exception of the Black Diamond Jetforce (which I'm not sure anyone has actually got their hands on in a shop yet).
Rather than what's better, here's a few differences along with some oft-touted pros and cons of each. You can make your own judgements as to their merits.
Gas:
ABS and Snopulse use smaller cylinders at a higher pressure and so require to be filled/swapped out at specialist suppliers
BCA uses a larger, slightly lower pressure cylinder in which you can service the valve yourself and get it filled at a scuba or paintball center for pennies
Weight :
Not a lot in it between all the brands, although with ABS carbon canisters, some weight can be saved.
Air Bag design:
ABS has a dual-bag design. Some say that having two bags means more chance of survival if a bag should get ruptured,
SnowPulse and BCA units use a single bag which are said to help protect the head and shoulders as they come up higher. The snow-pulse wraps around the head more, but there's not a lot in it.
Travel:
All bags/systems are permitted for travel on airlines according to IATA. There was a regulation change in Jan 2013 which removed a previous volume restriction on canister size. If your chosen airline is using out of date IATA docs, then you MAY have an issue with a BCA (I have a BCA and have not encountered any issues yet)
The TSA in the US will not permit any charged cylinders onboard, so there's no differences there.
Operation:
BCA and Snowpulse(?) allow the toggle to be zipped away inside the shoulder strap so can easily be completely concealed and so protected from accidental deployment
ABS uses a T-shaped pull which is secured behind a velcro strap when not in 'ready-to-deploy' mode. It's secure enough but CAN be deployed accidentally if enough force is applied (Or, in the case of the packed bus in Nendaz last year, a friend thinks it'd be funny to pull it)
Other than that, it comes down to which pack you feel fits better and has the carrying capacity and features you want.
ABS now allows the exchange of the airbag base unit with a number of load-carrying packs that zip on to make it more flexible.
The Jetforce will be interesting to see when it comes out properly.
LiIon batteries use high-velocity ducted fans to inflate the bag in a couple of seconds, so no gas cylinder to worry about. 3 or 4 inflations on a single charge and, when deployed, if it detects no movement after 3 minutes, it deflates the bag to create an airpocket to allow you to breathe
I have a BCA Float 32, my friends have ABS of varying models. I don't think any of them are especially better than the others.
You pays your money and takes your choice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Buddy 99,99% of the time this will be a backpack, just a backpack, and I hope for you that number is 100%
None are bad, otherwise it would quickly be singled out and discarded (and none have been yet) get the one that fits you most comfortably and suits your jacket!
Throw it on, jump up and down, side to side, play with the zips and pockets.... pick the backpack you will be happiest skiing with for the next 5-10 seasons!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
I've always thought it best to go for the one which operates best for you as a backpack. Not much to choose between the various airbag technologies - the main thing which would persuade me to upgrade would be a significant reduction in weight.
I have an old Snowpulse, which is built like a tank and generally a good pack, but does weigh a lot
edit: basically what Dulcamara says
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Very helpful replies - thanks. Thanks for the detail Feef! decisions decisions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@boardiac, there was a much smaller choice when i bought mine which made life a lot easier!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@boardiac, I use a Mammut Rocker 18 with the protection airbag system, find it super, it is light big enough for a days skiing and really comfortable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
certainly worth speaking to livetoski on here. he has an extra 15% off today so thats a whopping 25% for snowheads!! ive just bought the Ortovox Freerider ABS as ive had the none ABS version of the pack and love the fit
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
ps livetoski is snowshepherd
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
@PaulC1984, is it definitely 15% on top of the SH's discount? On a trial order, I'm just seeing the 15% and am pretty sure I'm noted as eligible for the SH discount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Arno, When I tried this morning it did 
Are you typing SNOW IN CAPS LOCKS?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
@Arno, I think you may be back shortly telling me youve been a little bit dumb dumb and that you needed caps locks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@Arno, is now busily buying things.......
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
@PaulC1984, I got the 15% discount (caps lock used ) but don't seem to be getting the 10% for Snowheads
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@Arno, Were you logged in? I do - do you normally get a discount?? When you register you have to put that you are with snowheads in the Additional information and them Tim assigns this to your account.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
How do I post an image here and I will show you
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@PaulC1984, yes - it's quite a while since i bought anything though. and actually I don't need any new kit so I am going to STOP NOW 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
haha I know what you mean - the ABS pack was enough, and then I got looking at carbon lites!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
I was just testing it out really. 
Lucky one 2 folk saw me, but they TTP savagely.....
