Float 30 cold testing at -30C
Posted on 17 November 2009
We went into the Sun Microsystems cold lab last week to test the first production Float 30 packs coming off the production line. The temp in this room was -30 degrees C (-22 F). This is the coldest temp at which avalanche airbags must be able to inflate (within five seconds), according to European standards. As you can see, the Float 30 deploys quite effectively at this temp.
It’s not just the air that was -30 C. We let the entire system reach -30 before deploying it. It’s amazing how stiff everything gets when it’s this cold (including BCA technician Jerry Helbak, shown in video). The system has to be very robust to be able to push all this stiff material out through the stiff pack material and Velcro closure. Then, at warm temperatures, you need to make sure it doesn’t make the bag explode. That’s quite a challenge getting the product to work over such a wide temperature range. This has probably been the most challenging part of the project.
BCA product manager Brian Ciciora tours with Float 30 airbag near Saints John, Colo. on Sunday. It wasn't -30 C like the cold lab, so Brian doesn't look quite as stiff as Jerry.
We’re on schedule to have our first big quantity of packs in mid-December. Then we’ll put all the plumbing into them and hope to get them on the retail shelf by late December/early January.
- Edge
10 responses to Float 30 cold testing at -30C
Well done boys. Can’t wait to get mine!
Awesome. When can we expect them?
we’re still on schedule for shipments to start going out in late December.
Where’s the best place to order three?
Where do you live? I could get you a list of dealers in your area if you’d like. You can find BCA dealers on our dealer finder page.
Too bad it will not save me from the slabs of political BS covering me these days. But getting on my sled soon will definitely help. Really looking forward too it. Let me know when it gets sent to Snobunje.
Thanx again for such an awesome product.
Eagerly waiting for my pack and beginning to really feel the need.
What is the current ETA on shipping?
Hi Pam, we started shipping last week. The first batch went to Canada (Snobunje). There should be some at snowbigdeal.com and Mountain Gear pretty soon. Where do you shop?
The real Snobunje here in the US and Helena Cycle Center in Helena Montana. Glenn at Helena Cycle Center sent an email cancelling his order and then resinded that email. He has been trying to call you. He was worried he would get stuck with them because it was so late in the season, but I assured him that he would not. We have several rides coming up that I would love to have the pack at. I also need refill instructions. When will you ship to Helena Cycle Center? He has 3 on order, so not a huge order.
Thanx so much.
PS I just got done watching Storm Stories on The Weather Channel of the Sparwood Avy. Very heart wrenching. Rode yesterday a few places I would have liked to have had it. Stayed on the trail for the most part, but there was some places that I could see the trail getting buried and getting carried down onto the lakes 1000 feet below.
Hi Pam,
Please call Backcountry Access directly to discuss dealer locations and availability in your area. 303.417.1345.
Thanks.