airbag, ABS or Snowpulse?

which one will be better, in terms of the amount of protection offered during an incident and general comfortness of the rucksack?

So Snowpulse's removable backpack units are compatible with Mammut, Scott, Ferrino's R.A.S inflation units?

You'll need to take a dealer's advice on the compatibility of the various systems. Ease of Refills is important.
Definitely try them on before buying, you'll also need to decide on which size of bag.
It might be better to spend the money on Avalanche Awareness education early on in your season. It's better to avoid being taken.

Airbag manufacturers will obviously tell you that their system is the best, however in reality there is not that much difference between them (currently).

They all weigh around 3kg, and they all have an excellent safety record. Snowpulse gives better head protection than other systems, although the system is found a little less comfortable than ABS by many.

They are both certified safe to fly by IATA, although you should always take a copy of the certificate when flying as many airlines don't like carrying them.

Some early season education is highly recommended. We will be doing our free Avalanche Awareness presentations every week in La Terrasse in Chamonix (dates TBC shortly) from mid December. Our courses will also be running from 15 December. More details at www.avalancheacademy.com. Stay safe this winter....

Hi kusanagi

The ABS do some nice packs as packs go.
Comfortable to wear and actually pretty usefully as a pack. I think they look great too which is important to some people.

I took mine to NZ and left it there as it was such a mission flying with it, even though I was carrying all the appropriate documents. Still looks pretty dodgy to someone not in the know.

I've not been in a mad rush to get another one, personally I think prevention or avoidance is better than relying on an air bag. I do agree however that you can never foresee every eventuality. So if in doubt buy one, but 'if in doubt don't go' should also me your mantra!

Worth looking at ABS and BCA airbags

We run avalanche courses in Chamonix http://www.tinderboxskischool.com/piste-course.php?course_id=19 have a look if you have five.

For the ABS steel and carbon canisters, can they be refilled at the retail shops?

For snowpulse, only the non-refillable 300bar one can be taken on plane. The refillable 207bar one violates the flying regulation.

Snowshepherd has some pretty useful info about flying with Avvy rescue packs.

http://shop.snowshepherd.co.uk/epages/es122028.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es122028/Categories/%22Air%20Bags%22/Flying_with_avalanche_airbag

The current ABS cartridges can only be refilled by the manufacturer. Take the empty cartridge to a retailer and they will exchange it for a full one, at a cost of course. Snell Sports is the ABS retailer in Chamonix.

Something I will be buying this winter. Had a good scope about at the end of last season and they all do seem much of a muchness. What is clear is that as more data becomes available, should you find yourself in that situation and should you have the wherewithall (sp?) To deploy it, then the results are fairly convincing. I will be taking courses too, but I have to admit, I ride about 60 days a year, and don't always have buddies around who want to go back country, or even slightly off the beaten track. All the protection in the world will not make me safe if I am alone, but the way I see it, this certainly increases my odds. I will carry the rest of course, but they are no use to me if no-one sees me. At least the airbag system (along with education) gives you a fighting chance.