BCA Float 30 Avalanche Airbag Details

[SnowBigDeal]

I completely understand everyone wanting to refill the canister on their own; I like to do the same. BCA is planning on offering the refill exchange program and encourage all to use the program. However, that being said, there will be nothing stopping you from refilling the canister on you own if you know what you are doing; it really isn't that difficult. As a BCA dealer, I recommend sending the canister in; however, I don't blame anyone who wants to learn how to refill the canister on their own.

I say props to BCA for offering the refill program. It tells me they are committed to the product and want to make sure things are going right.

 

[happylilcuss]

One major concern I have with the bca pack is that I was told that it uses a venturi effect to help it fill. It is my understanding that the cylinder capacity is less than what the bag holds. So upon activation the cylinder pops open and begins expel its contents there are a couple of holes that draw air into the bag using a venturi. If this is how this works then I have a pretty big concern.

Has this been activated with a huge amount of snow dust surrounding the bag? I would be very scared that the venturi holes might plug with snow dust and not fill completly. My other concern is with the holes in the bag that draw air into the bag does this mean that the bag will deflate through those holes? I really like the idea and the price but these are huge concerns for me. Someone please answer these questions for me.

 

[SnowBigDeal]

Venturi system

As a matter of fact, all airbags use the venturi system. ABS uses the venturi system on all of their packs, and so does SnowPulse. This is because the small canisters that are used to fill the pack cannot possibly fill 150 - 170 litres worth of airbags. The chances of snow blocking the venturi holes are very unlikely. On all models, the venturi holes are protected from the snow, as they are inside the pack, and they are covered by a mesh covering to allow more air to flow in at the start of inflation. Also, the venturi holes are one-way, so it will not deflate through the venturi. Some airbags are designed to slowly deflate after time, in order to give a buried person more room and air should they be buried with the pack (although being buried with an airbag is highly unlikely), but they do not deflate through the venturi. Not to worry, the venturi system has been proven by ABS and is being utilized by other companies to allow a small canister to fill a large volume.

 

[SnowXTC]

The BCA rep did say that the bag will slowly deflate over time, like hours. When I inflated it, I had it on for about 20 minutes and when I took it off, it was still just as hard as when I inflated it. And this bag was a demo, so you know it has seen a LOT of inflates. I was sold on it and believe me, it takes quite a bit to sell me on something.

Well I better submit this post before I lose it, like I have lost others today.

 

[Polar Express]

refill program

Please don't misunderstand, I'm glad they are establishing an exchange program. It's good to examine stuff after use to learn if it's working as intended, and holding up or wearing out as expected. Which is why I am very comfortable with replacing the o-ring every time, and returning each used ring to BCA on my dime for them to inspect.

I just believe more strongly (is that a phrase?) in the idea of training.

Let me put it this way: I'd buy it from a local dealer who would allow (even encourage) me to deploy it in their store lots of times to get the process and muscle memory down. Right now, because they are pre-order only, and nobody has them in stock, that isn't even an option. But hey, if a dealer were to offer the training service as part of the purchase, I'm all for it. They could even charge for their time.

I ordered mine over the internet, from out of state, which removes that 'training potential' but as the supply catches up to the demand, I hope we will see dealers encouraging customers to deploy their bags many times in their store before wearing them out in the snow. Dealers could have a dozen cans or more on the shelf for just that type of process.

Thanks again BCA for what you are doing! I'm looking forward to the day my packs show up on my doorstep.

 

[U turn]

correction - NO FLOAT #)'s in stock yet
hoping by X-Mas to have them and unsure of exact price - approx. 7-800 CDN

Got ours for a lot less than $7-800CDN. Can't wait for it to get here!!

 

[MDiver]

Please don't misunderstand, I'm glad they are establishing an exchange program. It's good to examine stuff after use to learn if it's working as intended, and holding up or wearing out as expected. Which is why I am very comfortable with replacing the o-ring every time, and returning each used ring to BCA on my dime for them to inspect.

I just believe more strongly (is that a phrase?) in the idea of training.

Let me put it this way: I'd buy it from a local dealer who would allow (even encourage) me to deploy it in their store lots of times to get the process and muscle memory down. Right now, because they are pre-order only, and nobody has them in stock, that isn't even an option. But hey, if a dealer were to offer the training service as part of the purchase, I'm all for it. They could even charge for their time.

I ordered mine over the internet, from out of state, which removes that 'training potential' but as the supply catches up to the demand, I hope we will see dealers encouraging customers to deploy their bags many times in their store before wearing them out in the snow. Dealers could have a dozen cans or more on the shelf for just that type of process.

Thanks again BCA for what you are doing! I'm looking forward to the day my packs show up on my doorstep.

I don't think that it is requirement for you to deploy the bag for pratice. I do think that practice would be good, but an actual deployment is not necasary. Deploy it once to see how it works and to know that it works, then just practice without pulling it to achieve proper muscle memory. I know that this system works and how effective muscle memory can be, practice a pull each time you put it on, and when the time comes, you won't even think about searching for a handle, it will already be in your hand!

Bottom line, be sure the product works, practice (without deploying), and inspect on a regular basis (for example, at end of the season, deploy and inspect, so it is ready fro next year).

 

[ScubaSteveSK]

Just checked this pack out at a show and here are my 2 cents. This will be my first avy pack, and after demoing the Float30 along with the SnowPulse and ABS (and hours of salesman banter) decided on the Float30. It is very comfortable, has good storage, and seems all-around well made.

Huge kudos to BCA for making these packs at a reasonable price point.

 

[BigT]

So I have a question--I carry a pack on me that has some basic survival equipment. Its pretty full. My understanding is that this pack has very little room to carry personal "stuff" and even a shovel and probe are hard to carry with this pack.
So, two questions:
1. Is it true that there is very little storage other than the air bag and cylinder?
2. What about all the other safety equipment we need to carry if we need to spend the night or......?
How do you weigh the odds of needing an avy airbag or shelter, clothing, food, drink, fire starter... if you need to spend the night? Tough one if you really think about which way you would rather die. Or you think about which way am I more likely to have a hazard--hypothermia or avalanche. I don't know if I can answer that one.

BigT

 

[SnowXTC]

Big T, let me just start by saying I am a woman, not quite your typical woman, but I still carry a looooooottttttt of stuff. If I have to stay the night, I will not die and will be ok. I am probably forgetting something, but at this point I cannot imagine what it is. I currently use a Heli-pro and this pack has at least the same amount of room after you take the canister and tubing into account. The bag sits above the pack and does not interfere or take up pack room. I have not purchased one in the past mainly because of size, canister refilling, and price. This pack has it all. Plenty of room (ok, I cannot carry the kitchen sink, but...), canister is easily refilled (hopefully by your local scuba shop) or exchanged for a reasonable price, and it is priced far below comparable models. The pack is comfortable and deployment was easy and not uncomfortable. A tad loud, but who cares.

If you want to carry the kitchen sink, Snowpulse has a 45 liter pack. I have not seen these packs in person so I do not know how roomy they really are. BCA's pack will completely fit my needs. It is considered a 30 liter pack, which is a lot of room. Oh, BCA has been selling shovels and probes for years as well as packs. They would not make a pack that did not carry your shovel and probe effectively. The Float 30 has a shovel pocket and a probe pocket. I do not think they are included in the 30 liter size either.

PS no I do not work for BCA, but when I believe in something, I do not hesitate in telling others. Good luck.

 

[Polar Express]

BigT,

I will second SnowXTC, I think the BCA pack as enough room to carry the essentials. The pack I have worn for a few years now has about the same room in it, and I got to check out the BCA with a shovel, handle and probe already stowed in it.

 

[BigT]

Well, It appears that I may have been wrong on the storage in the pack. Can someone send me a link that talks about the pack itself. I have searched google and have only found links about the air bag and not the pack.
Thanks,

BigT

 

[SnowBigDeal]

The packs are still not complete, so that's why the specific details aren't listed anywhere yet. The pack does have 30L of storage space, and none of that is taken up by the airbags or canister. 30L is quite a bit of storage, plenty room for your shovel, probe, and a fair amount of survival gear. As soon as the pack is finalized and we have all of the details, we will have them up on our website.

 

[backcountryislife]

Just pre-ordered one for my wife last night,


Thanks Cade!

 

[bfchiro]

Snobigdeal:

Do you have any idea when they might be ready, we are in mid November now and I looking at the Stewarts here in Washington,we could be riding in 2 weeks if we get a few more storms. Just getting a little antsy.

 

[snowww1]

Late December is when it is coming out.

 

[AvalancheSafetyDude]

Snobigdeal:

Do you have any idea when they might be ready, we are in mid November now and I looking at the Stewarts here in Washington,we could be riding in 2 weeks if we get a few more storms. Just getting a little antsy.

BCA is getting their packs in mid December. Then they need to assemble them and get them all ready for shipping. We should have them by the end of December. Hopefully by Christmas, but no guarantees. We're keeping our fingers crossed

 

[SnowBigDeal]

Just pre-ordered one for my wife last night,


Thanks Cade!

Thanks Kaleb!

 

[oodski]

I think they look good, seem nice, clean, and well built. The price is a big thing from 1200 for others to 650. I was at the Calgary snow show and talk to the guy that built it. Nice guy that seems passionate about what he does. Seems nice to know that guys you are trusting put his heart into making it. That morning I told my friend "I'm not buying any kind of av pac. By afternoon I had a charge on my credit card. Sold me anyway.

 

[SnowBigDeal]

I spoke to BCA today. They hope to have the packs complete before the end of this year (Dec 31). Hopefully the date doesn't get pushed back any more.

PM me for specifics if you have any questions.

Cade