Question for the group. Long read to get to the point...
Several years ago I purchased a BCA Float 32 Airbag brand new. And picked up a new HMK probe and new Ortovox shovel ( the collapsible one, I don't remember the name) as well. I bought a new Ortovox Patroller beacon as well and was intent on getting the training needed for the backcountry. I did a test fire on the bag and had the canister refilled. Only made a one trip with this setup and never got to use it again after that. So it has been in storage since with a full canister.
Fast forward to April of 2019. I ended up having a stroke due to a heart tumor. I have since recovered very well by the Grace of God and other factors that worked in my favor. However, due to COVID and other personal factors I have not returned to driving. I have puttzed around on our property just fine on my sled however.
However, in the meantime technology has advanced on airbags and beacons. I sold that Patroller and bought a refurbished Ortovox 3+ just prior to my stroke. (I have since learned there was a recall on the 3+ for a firmware update. The unit I have will be relegated to a practice beacon only.)
My question is whether the bag is even safe to use. I read in an article the other day that bags should be replaced around every 10 years if they've been tested and maintained regularly. This got me thinking about this bag of mine. Other than being a bit dusty from storage it's like new. I plan on getting a brand new beacon regardless. But looking on BCA's website they show an o-ring kit for the 2.0 canisters, but I believe my canister is a 1.0? I was planning on eventually using a hand pump as seen online to fill my canister and put new o-rings in myself, but if I can't even get them or if the bag itself is compromised from storage, what's the point? Is sending it to BCA to be updated with new internals an option? Other than maybe somebody wanting a spare cylinder is there any value in it?
Right now my biggest obstacle is s funding, as I'm an old fart (51) on a fixed income, followed by the fact both my body (and my snowmobile) are both showing some neglect from lack of exercise.
I'm in desperate need of some Throttle Therapy and hoping to be in a better position to get out and ride next season. Just wanting some advice as to should I plan on purchasing a new (or gently used newer pack) along with a new beacon. Getting the training needed and practicing is a given, but just kind of getting a plan for what is going to take priority.
Thanks in advance for any advice, good, bad, of indifferent, I'll take it all.
Several years ago I purchased a BCA Float 32 Airbag brand new. And picked up a new HMK probe and new Ortovox shovel ( the collapsible one, I don't remember the name) as well. I bought a new Ortovox Patroller beacon as well and was intent on getting the training needed for the backcountry. I did a test fire on the bag and had the canister refilled. Only made a one trip with this setup and never got to use it again after that. So it has been in storage since with a full canister.
Fast forward to April of 2019. I ended up having a stroke due to a heart tumor. I have since recovered very well by the Grace of God and other factors that worked in my favor. However, due to COVID and other personal factors I have not returned to driving. I have puttzed around on our property just fine on my sled however.
However, in the meantime technology has advanced on airbags and beacons. I sold that Patroller and bought a refurbished Ortovox 3+ just prior to my stroke. (I have since learned there was a recall on the 3+ for a firmware update. The unit I have will be relegated to a practice beacon only.)
My question is whether the bag is even safe to use. I read in an article the other day that bags should be replaced around every 10 years if they've been tested and maintained regularly. This got me thinking about this bag of mine. Other than being a bit dusty from storage it's like new. I plan on getting a brand new beacon regardless. But looking on BCA's website they show an o-ring kit for the 2.0 canisters, but I believe my canister is a 1.0? I was planning on eventually using a hand pump as seen online to fill my canister and put new o-rings in myself, but if I can't even get them or if the bag itself is compromised from storage, what's the point? Is sending it to BCA to be updated with new internals an option? Other than maybe somebody wanting a spare cylinder is there any value in it?
Right now my biggest obstacle is s funding, as I'm an old fart (51) on a fixed income, followed by the fact both my body (and my snowmobile) are both showing some neglect from lack of exercise.
I'm in desperate need of some Throttle Therapy and hoping to be in a better position to get out and ride next season. Just wanting some advice as to should I plan on purchasing a new (or gently used newer pack) along with a new beacon. Getting the training needed and practicing is a given, but just kind of getting a plan for what is going to take priority.Thanks in advance for any advice, good, bad, of indifferent, I'll take it all.
