 Poster: A snowHead
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looking at getting and airbag pack for touring this winter , and after finding the experience of getting the correct fit and set up for a regular backpack a PITA using online stores and returns etc , i wanted to know where is likely to have a comprehensive choice of the various types and sizes of airbag systems to try and test before purchase in the uk , or will i have to wait till I'm in a resort . any advice gratefully received
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Dabber, I suspect the Ski Show or similar will be your best bet.
Most of the multi-brand retailers are online only.
As for testing, if you mean try on for size, then yes, but actual test firing will only happen after you have bought one.
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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?
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So only place I know you can go is Nobel Custom in Loughborough - Not too bad along the A50 for you.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@PowderAdict, yep size and the actual volume is what i want to see in real life
@PaulC1984, cheers
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Dabber, The sales volumes/margins on airbags are so small that UK shops (myself included) will usually only stock one brand/model and if you're lucky they might have a choice of volumes. The various volumes of the Scott Alpride that I stock all have the same height and width, it's only the depth that changes to give a different volume - but everyone buys the 30L as it's the right size for 'big' trips but compresses down when you don't to take all your kit.
Another problem is that all the makers quote the volumes based upon widely different criteria so you're quite right to want to see the actual volume.
Nobel Custom don't have a choice, they only sell Ortovox.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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The only place I can think of with several all in the same place is Ski Bartlett in Hillingdon. Only one shop so all the stock is there and I recall they had several when I was there last year. A quick check of the website suggests there is Ortovox, Scott, Mammut, Black Diamond, BCA/K2 +/- Arcteryx as I am not sure the latter is in stock usually. Obviously they don't have all the sizes and styles in all brands!
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| PowderAdict wrote: |
| actual test firing will only happen after you have bought one. |
Preferably not in a mountain restaurant.
Obviously I would never do that... 
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@dp, If you get an electric fan pack everyone you ski with wants to try it and video themselves. Mines been set off by various guides in car parks at the end of the day, and once in a hotel lounge (we did warn the staff first though) 
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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.
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| PowderAdict wrote: |
| @dp, If you get an electric fan pack everyone you ski with wants to try it and video themselves. Mines been set off by various guides in car parks at the end of the day, and once in a hotel lounge (we did warn the staff first though) |
Have you got the Arc'teryx? Any opinions?
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@galpinos, I have the Pieps Jetforce Tour 34, but the air bag technology is exactly the same on all the Black Diamond / Pieps units.
The only downsides from my viewpoint are the weight, which was in the ballpark when compared to the original ABS packs, but is now considered heavy. I don't find it too bad, but I'm not doing multi hour tours. The second is that the requirement for multiple air intakes precludes the use of zip-on sacks to give multiple size options (the compression straps don't make that much difference to the depth).
The Arcteryx Voltair wasn't available when I bought my Pieps, so that wasn't an option. In terms is a comparison the packs are largely similar, with the main difference being the Voltair airbag is designed to offer the head more protection, and the Jetforce as automatic deflation providing an air space after burial. So one in theory protects you more before burial, the other protects you more after.
There are rumours of a Mk 2 Jetforce for the 18/19 season, which will hopefully drop the weight a bit, as battery technology has advanced massively in the 4/5 years since it was designed / developed.
There are some good comparison reviews here:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/snow-sports/best-avalanche-airbag
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@spyderjon, cheers , liked the scott but after trying one at mrs have sort of ruled them out , loathed to buy a fan one now as think the battery size weight has to come down now technology is advancing all the time . so will maybe rent this year and see what comes out for the new season 
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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.
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@Dabber, if I were you, & assuming you like the fit, I'd buy an Arc' from their Vancouver store when your over there. Even with the current poor exchange rate it'll be a lot cheaper than in the UK/EU & their after service is legendary.
Last edited by And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports. on Tue 26-09-17 20:31; edited 1 time in total
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@spyderjon, good thinking , just happened to have booked an early season trip in december , so perfect timing !@#$%^&*(
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You know it makes sense.
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That Arc store in Vancouver looks dangerous, first night of our trip is in a hotel 2 blocks away, with a full morning free. Oh dear. Oh dear.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| spyderjon wrote: |
| @Dabber, if I were you, & assuming you like the fit, I'd buy an Arc' from their Vancouver store when your over there. Even with the current poor exchange rate it'll be a lot cheaper than in the UK/EU & their after service is legendary. |
Dabber, with the amount of commission that Gavin's earned from you he should buy a pack for you!!
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Poster: A snowHead
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@spyderjon, yep think i got it the wrong way round with the faction skis , but if he comes up with the goods this time round it will be worth it .....
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Noble Custom have both Ortovox and ABS bags available to try.
Just outside Loughborough
A test activation would cost £24 (refill cost) , possible to off set that against a purchase.
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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?
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@willski17, and the guys there are spot on!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@PaulC1984, I agreed, I dealt direct with Sam Noble in the past during for ABS servicing.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@PowderAdict, indeed their servicing etc spot on, Sam is cracking and they have a good range in stock - better than most as they are distributors.
Also very handy for recalls - will sort it while you wait rather than posting it to outer mongolia
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