BCA Float 30 Avalanche Airbag Details
- Thread starter SnowBigDeal
- Start date
Where can I order one of these in Edmonton?
Bca float 30 - when do they get here?
When can people expect to get these? Many people have pre-ordered way before Christmas and now mid-January, still have not received them....
When can people expect to get these? Many people have pre-ordered way before Christmas and now mid-January, still have not received them....
Those who pre-ordered from us early (before October 15) have already received their packs. We are currently waiting for more packs to be made and shipped to us. We have more details, but we will send them via private email within the next day or so to those who have pre-ordered from us.
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Got my pack a few days ago. Nice pack!. The pack is well designed and the construction is stout. Weighs 9#'s and airbag components look to weigh 3 or 4 pounds, so the pack itself is heavy duty. Harness and back padding are top notch and back pad/stiffner is a piece of stiff plastic that gives the pack a stiff form. Conforms to the back and feels comfortable to wear. Nice pocket layout with 4 small ones for personal stuff. Two larger ones in back and two camera/GPS/Radio sized pockets on the belt within reach. Zippers are medium duty. Big shovel pouch with a spot for handle and still room to stuff a bunch of gloves in around everything. Main compartment doesn't seem large until you start loading it up and it starts expanding at the bottom. At 30 usable litres it's not an over-night bag but plenty big for those of us that carry a lot of day gear. Compression straps suck everything up when less full. You do have to un-doo them to get in the compartments. Nice long pouches on the side to quickly stow a shovel handle and probe. Handy quick release buckle that works great on the pouches. Air bag hardware doesn't take up much space and is under a padded panel to keep it seperate and protected. Trigger handle is in a zippered pocket on the right shoulder.
Dissapointing they didn't factor in a hydration system. Guess not a big priority on a winter pack, but I always carry this setup. Looks like a spot right where the left sholder strap comes out. A 1" hole is cut in the plastic back sheet there, for the shoulder strap webbing to come through and anchor inside. A hose could be fished through to come out in between and above the shoulder straps. Now just need to cut a hole in a brand new pack
Not a stress area and below the airbag so punch a hole with a 3/8" plug cutter drill bit and hit it with a flame I guess? Be nice to put a grommet but don't of any you can install from one side?
Holds a lot of gear!
Shrinks down well too.
Sidepockets for shovel handle and probe.
Shovel pouch will take handle too.
Main compartment
Leg straps tuck in behind belt pockets.
Deploy handle located behind the zipper on the R. Shoulder.
Looks like the air bag anchor??
The rip cord
Dissapointing they didn't factor in a hydration system. Guess not a big priority on a winter pack, but I always carry this setup. Looks like a spot right where the left sholder strap comes out. A 1" hole is cut in the plastic back sheet there, for the shoulder strap webbing to come through and anchor inside. A hose could be fished through to come out in between and above the shoulder straps. Now just need to cut a hole in a brand new pack
Not a stress area and below the airbag so punch a hole with a 3/8" plug cutter drill bit and hit it with a flame I guess? Be nice to put a grommet but don't of any you can install from one side?Holds a lot of gear!
Shrinks down well too.
Sidepockets for shovel handle and probe.
Shovel pouch will take handle too.
Main compartment
Leg straps tuck in behind belt pockets.
Deploy handle located behind the zipper on the R. Shoulder.
Looks like the air bag anchor??
The rip cord
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thanks for the pics!
Would like to be able to deploy the bag and get it filled locally, but the "O" ring issue is a concern. 3 scuba shops in town and I was going to stop in with the cylinder and see if they can fill it. Don't want to have problems with the O ring though. Might have to buy a spare cylinder now if any are even available??
Well, if you need it this weekend and can't get it refilled you better test it after the trip. It's more a test if you can pull a handle anyway. Useful to practice for sure and would be nice to see the system work. In the end, every deployment is a "test" of the system though. I won't be "testing" mine until I'm in a slide or figure out how I'm going to refill it in a timely manner.
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my take on the BCA float 30
My take on the BCA Float 30… so far.
Since the BCA pack is new, and we’re early on the list of folks that have received theirs, I thought I’d submit a review. I chose these packs for several reasons.
1) An additional level of Avy safety
2) Design allows for training and practice
3) Cost - $500 USD to the consumer
4) Personal history with BCA products
I have been very pleased with the products I have seen and owned that BCA makes. I had every reason to believe these packs would meet that same high quality standard. The customer support has been fantastic. I first saw their product at the Puyallup WA, snow show in Oct. 2009. I got to handle and test pull a demo. The demo was pretty well used, I’ll bet I heard it deploy 50+ times during the time I was there. That’s a lot, and the inflation process and bag showed zero signs of decreased performance or wear. A couple weeks later, I placed an order through SnowBigDeal for 2 packs; one for my wife, and one for me.
Some background:
My first pack was the BCA Stash, and worked well. Just didn’t have enough room for my liking, as I got deeper into this addiction, er, I mean, hobby. I handed the stash pack to my wife, and found a DaKine Pro II for a killer buy. I have been happy with the DeKine product for size and function.
Initial impression
When we first pulled them out of the box, they felt light for all the components contained. They also feel well-made in your hands. I saw no hanging threads, no short sewn seams. The area the airbag is stored/contained in is pretty rigid, its stuffed in there pretty good, and held closed with a constant Velcro seam. That forms almost a perimeter framing of sorts for the top half of the pack.
Storage volume and weight:
I have attached some photos of the DaKine product on my back; full of the gear I have been carrying. I then loaded the new BCA with the same gear, (actually, added 2 pair of goggles) and have taken similar photos. I tried to show relative size, and such, and how it ‘rides’ on my back.
The BCA product clearly has more storage room than the Pro II. I have yet to actually organize the contents to efficiently use the space, I just crammed it in there, and there is still quite a bit of room. When comparing the packs ‘loaded’, the Float 30 actually feels lighter than the DaKine on my back, I suspect that is due to the previously mentioned pack rigidity.
Deployment
I have deployed them several times already, in the house, and on the sled in the garage. I have found you really want to give that cord a definite ‘yank’. My wife and I discovered that the force needed to deploy the bag is less if you have your pack straps nice and tight. In her test pull, she did not have the straps very tight, and when she ‘yanked’ on the handle, the shoulder strap moved easily, and it was more difficult to deploy the bag.
During the first (and only) test fire on one of the Float 30s, I noticed a hissing sound coming from a seam in the bag. I won’t bore you with details, but I am very impressed with the attitude of both SnowBigDeal and BCA in this matter. To some this manufacturing defect might be a negative, and while that is a serious issue in a potential life-safety item, that underscored the importance for a test fire once it has arrived to the consumer. I consider it an overall positive, because of the great customer support I have received. In less than 24 hours, I have a tracking number for the arriving replacement Float 30 pack, with the request that I return the leaking unit with the enclosed shipping label.
How if fits
I am 6’2” tall, and about 210 #s. Here are some photos of what the pack looks like on my back, in my home. In an attempt at accuracy, I did put on my protective vest and my normal riding jacket. I began with some comparison photos of the DaKine product, as many know the size and shape of them already.
DaKine Pro II on my back (full of gear)
BCA Float 30 pack on my back (with same amount of gear, plus 2 pair goggles)
There is room to add more items, and I intend to change to the Ortovox Grizzley shovel, I really like that ‘claw’ feature for digging quickly. I will post some more pics when I get that shovel and get the configuration of my pack contents arranged to my liking. It is not designed to carry the shovel on the outside of the pack, but there is a dedicated shovel pocket.
I should note that I have not had a chance to test this on the snow, and ride with it yet. I’m recovering from arm surgery, and won’t be able to ride for a few more weeks, thus I have the time to bore you all with this kind of a review.
So far, I’m pleased with the product, and very pleased with the customer service attitude shown me by BCA and my retailer, SnowBigDeal.
If anyone is in my area and want's to check it out, let me know with a PM
PE
My take on the BCA Float 30… so far.
Since the BCA pack is new, and we’re early on the list of folks that have received theirs, I thought I’d submit a review. I chose these packs for several reasons.
1) An additional level of Avy safety
2) Design allows for training and practice
3) Cost - $500 USD to the consumer
4) Personal history with BCA products
I have been very pleased with the products I have seen and owned that BCA makes. I had every reason to believe these packs would meet that same high quality standard. The customer support has been fantastic. I first saw their product at the Puyallup WA, snow show in Oct. 2009. I got to handle and test pull a demo. The demo was pretty well used, I’ll bet I heard it deploy 50+ times during the time I was there. That’s a lot, and the inflation process and bag showed zero signs of decreased performance or wear. A couple weeks later, I placed an order through SnowBigDeal for 2 packs; one for my wife, and one for me.
Some background:
My first pack was the BCA Stash, and worked well. Just didn’t have enough room for my liking, as I got deeper into this addiction, er, I mean, hobby. I handed the stash pack to my wife, and found a DaKine Pro II for a killer buy. I have been happy with the DeKine product for size and function.
Initial impression
When we first pulled them out of the box, they felt light for all the components contained. They also feel well-made in your hands. I saw no hanging threads, no short sewn seams. The area the airbag is stored/contained in is pretty rigid, its stuffed in there pretty good, and held closed with a constant Velcro seam. That forms almost a perimeter framing of sorts for the top half of the pack.
Storage volume and weight:
I have attached some photos of the DaKine product on my back; full of the gear I have been carrying. I then loaded the new BCA with the same gear, (actually, added 2 pair of goggles) and have taken similar photos. I tried to show relative size, and such, and how it ‘rides’ on my back.
The BCA product clearly has more storage room than the Pro II. I have yet to actually organize the contents to efficiently use the space, I just crammed it in there, and there is still quite a bit of room. When comparing the packs ‘loaded’, the Float 30 actually feels lighter than the DaKine on my back, I suspect that is due to the previously mentioned pack rigidity.
Deployment
I have deployed them several times already, in the house, and on the sled in the garage. I have found you really want to give that cord a definite ‘yank’. My wife and I discovered that the force needed to deploy the bag is less if you have your pack straps nice and tight. In her test pull, she did not have the straps very tight, and when she ‘yanked’ on the handle, the shoulder strap moved easily, and it was more difficult to deploy the bag.
During the first (and only) test fire on one of the Float 30s, I noticed a hissing sound coming from a seam in the bag. I won’t bore you with details, but I am very impressed with the attitude of both SnowBigDeal and BCA in this matter. To some this manufacturing defect might be a negative, and while that is a serious issue in a potential life-safety item, that underscored the importance for a test fire once it has arrived to the consumer. I consider it an overall positive, because of the great customer support I have received. In less than 24 hours, I have a tracking number for the arriving replacement Float 30 pack, with the request that I return the leaking unit with the enclosed shipping label.
How if fits
I am 6’2” tall, and about 210 #s. Here are some photos of what the pack looks like on my back, in my home. In an attempt at accuracy, I did put on my protective vest and my normal riding jacket. I began with some comparison photos of the DaKine product, as many know the size and shape of them already.
DaKine Pro II on my back (full of gear)
BCA Float 30 pack on my back (with same amount of gear, plus 2 pair goggles)
There is room to add more items, and I intend to change to the Ortovox Grizzley shovel, I really like that ‘claw’ feature for digging quickly. I will post some more pics when I get that shovel and get the configuration of my pack contents arranged to my liking. It is not designed to carry the shovel on the outside of the pack, but there is a dedicated shovel pocket.
I should note that I have not had a chance to test this on the snow, and ride with it yet. I’m recovering from arm surgery, and won’t be able to ride for a few more weeks, thus I have the time to bore you all with this kind of a review.
So far, I’m pleased with the product, and very pleased with the customer service attitude shown me by BCA and my retailer, SnowBigDeal.
If anyone is in my area and want's to check it out, let me know with a PM
PE
Davy,
Thanks for your patience and for being a great customer to deal with!
Thanks for your patience and for being a great customer to deal with!
I bought this bag because I like to be able to do it myself, understand how something works and how to keep it working, and therefore, be confident it's going to work when I need it. So, I found a scuba shop that can refill anything, so went down there and blew the bag. Worked great and I didn't even know it was inflated. Just a whoosh and it came up behind me out of the way.
But then go to refill it and the guy couldn't get the tank to hold air. Huh, so It's closing time and I take off. Since I'm 40 miles from the house and want to get this solved, I go buy an allen wrench and open up the trigger and see that "the" O ring is up where it shouldn't be, like in the photo of the refilling instructions (On their website). Maybe that's the design, but they should tell you to put it back in the groove after you blow. So, I get behind the tiny thing with a piece of paper and work it out enough so I can slide it back into it's groove. Stop at a sports store and paintball refiller on the way home and bam, fills right up. Gauge read 2400# but the filler guy said he fills using his gauges and these little ones are not too accurate. He said bring it back in and test it to make sure all's good and get a free refill. Only cost $4.73 to fill the thing. While there a guy dropped off a Snowpulse cannister for refill!
I can see how that 1/8" O ring getting violently blown out of it's groove and stretched could tear it up, especially when cold. That's a lot of pressure on that tiny ring but if it will hold the pressure I don't see a problem. Just needs to hold til you need it, then it's job is done. Gonna call BCA and see if I can't get a few spares and some high pressure lube. Would be best just to replace it everytime I think.
But then go to refill it and the guy couldn't get the tank to hold air. Huh, so It's closing time and I take off. Since I'm 40 miles from the house and want to get this solved, I go buy an allen wrench and open up the trigger and see that "the" O ring is up where it shouldn't be, like in the photo of the refilling instructions (On their website). Maybe that's the design, but they should tell you to put it back in the groove after you blow. So, I get behind the tiny thing with a piece of paper and work it out enough so I can slide it back into it's groove. Stop at a sports store and paintball refiller on the way home and bam, fills right up. Gauge read 2400# but the filler guy said he fills using his gauges and these little ones are not too accurate. He said bring it back in and test it to make sure all's good and get a free refill. Only cost $4.73 to fill the thing. While there a guy dropped off a Snowpulse cannister for refill!
I can see how that 1/8" O ring getting violently blown out of it's groove and stretched could tear it up, especially when cold. That's a lot of pressure on that tiny ring but if it will hold the pressure I don't see a problem. Just needs to hold til you need it, then it's job is done. Gonna call BCA and see if I can't get a few spares and some high pressure lube. Would be best just to replace it everytime I think.
I just uploaded a video to youtube going over the float 30 pack. Hope it is helpful to someone,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDqJKttLj2o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDqJKttLj2o
BCA made a production change for this year's pack and it does not include a place for hydration. Next year's pack will include a couple other features, including a place for hydration, extra straps to attach items to the pack, etc. However, the price will also increase to $699
We have filled all of our pre-orders for customers who paid in full. We also have a very very limited supply of Float 30 airbags available for purchase and immediate shipping. These will only be sold on a first come first serve basis. $499.99 and that includes shipping within the United States. Order the packs by visiting our website http://www.snowbigdeal.com or you can call us.
Each pack comes with one canister. If you would like a test canister, you can call us and pay $125 additional for an extra canister. Once you perform the test you can send us the empty canister and we will refund your $125 as long as the canister is returned within 30 days.
Each pack comes with one canister. If you would like a test canister, you can call us and pay $125 additional for an extra canister. Once you perform the test you can send us the empty canister and we will refund your $125 as long as the canister is returned within 30 days.
BCA Float 30 deployments at the SIA show in Denver this past weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zygfRv_1aW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zygfRv_1aW4
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