Float bags...have they compared flotation/protection on each design?

[EagleRiverDee]

Sorry if this has been covered, I took a peek and didn't see it and this is actually going to be the deciding factor for me more than anything. First, I'm going to get a pack, not a vest. In the pack category, there seems to be 3 types of flotation types. One is going to be a big rectangle that goes out behind you (which I suspect tends to put the rider face down in the snow, but will float them more or less to the surface). Second will be Angel Wings, two separate air bags that pop out to the side in the back and again I suspect they will float you face down to the surface. Neither of these designs seem to offer much in the way of head/neck protection except from the back. The final design is more like what you see with a water flotation device- the bag surrounds your head all around and pops out in the front also and I suspect that bag might actually deposit a rider face up towards the top of the snow pack but I'm wondering if it has enough surface area to float.

Have there been any tests run on these devices on which ones achieve the best flotation, and on which ones offer the best head/neck protection?

I'm not going to buy on price. When I get to the point where I am ready to purchase, I want the avy bag that that has the highest chance to save my life in the event I royally screw up and get myself into an avy.

One final criteria for me will be ease of deployment. I'd like to see a bag that offers deployment using the left hand (so I don't have to take my right hand off the throttle) and doesn't require tons of force.

Input?

 

[907riders.com]

ERDee - I would be happy to meet up with you and show you the snowpulse bags and let you deploy them. Give me a call anytime 982-9696

As for your question on floating I don't know of any scientific research comparing the bags but your assumption on the bag styles and how they react seem very logical. The snowpulse bag has the best head and neck protection by far.

 

[Norona]

no bag will protect you against head and neck trama, if it does then I guess a pillow would too!??

Biggest volume is best and all bags from snowpulse, bca and abs will float a human, abs has an advantage in that it is two bags so if one does pop from hitting something serious the other one is still inflated. Also when you pull each bag see which one allows you to manoeuvre your sled around.

Also resting the bag with a new cartridge and folding the bag up is important in making your decision. simpler and easier the better. A good shop with let you try on the bags and blow them off to see.

Sled shows are a great way to visit each bag manufacture and see for yourself.

 

[akstormin]

My personal opinion is that all the bags are well built and serve the intended purpose. As with everything in life, each has its advantages and disadvantages so you simply need to decide which design fits you best and serves your needs, such as weight, ease of refilling, backpack capacity etc..
As for the 'float' issue its all about physics, bigger less dense pieces ride higher in the flow than smaller more dense pieces. So since all the bags are virtually the same size (150liters) they should provide relatively equal results. However its important to remember that the bags don't actually float like a life jacket in water, they only exhibit that tendency while the flow is moving. So while your analysis of being face up or face down sounds reasonable, the dynamics of the avalanche (tossing you around and tumbling you) and where on the hill you were caught in relation to the fracture line will probably have more effect on your final position than the bag will.
The key is to end up at or near the surface and I think all the bags do that very well.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

Dee, which ever bag you decide on..really look at the trigger setup... there has been a few bags(I dont even know what brand) that for whatever reason did not deploy when the trigger was pulled..I bought an ABS 15 due to its reliability to fire...it just scares me that if and when I ever might need this that a cable might have gotten moisture in it and froze or I didnt yaank it at the right angle to make it release..someone once commented he wouldnt buy the abs because the trigger is pulled with the right hand..I informed him that actually.it can be installed on either side..you are welcome to stop by and try mine on if you wish...just let me know..mike

 

[907riders.com]

no bag will protect you against head and neck trama, if it does then I guess a pillow would too!??

Here a video of the snowpulse deploying.. It stands to reason that a bag that surronds your head will of significant protect your head and neck opposed to a bag that is only on your back.

http://youtu.be/GznRYpTVvCQ

 

[907riders.com]

Dee, which ever bag you decide on..really look at the trigger setup... there has been a few bags(I dont even know what brand) that for whatever reason did not deploy when the trigger was pulled..I bought an ABS 15 due to its reliability to fire...it just scares me that if and when I ever might need this that a cable might have gotten moisture in it and froze or I didnt yaank it at the right angle to make it release..someone once commented he wouldnt buy the abs because the trigger is pulled with the right hand..I informed him that actually.it can be installed on either side..you are welcome to stop by and try mine on if you wish...just let me know..mike

Would love to stop by and check out your ABS pack.. Like to see it deployed as well and I would be happy show you the Snowpulse bags.

Chip 982-9696

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

chip , your welcome to take a look at it..just curious if you have ever put your trigger setup in water and then outside and see if it functions? I have with my abs...I havent researched it alot, but the downside to me of the refillable packs are first the trigger..I am not convinced they will fire each and every time..regardless of water/ice/condensation inside or outside the tank/trigger...second is using normal condensed air for refills..just to much chance of putting moisture into the system..which again..ABS uses nitrogen(no moisture) and a sealed container...again..I did my research..and bought what I feel is the safest..most reliable bag made..others may find a different bag meets all those requirements for them...and thats great..but this is the bag for me.....