Anybody own a Dynafit ABS system?

I also have to agree with Ron and Russ. If I were wearing an ABS pack, I would try very hard not to let it's presence change my slope decisions. Maybe that's not completely possible, but I would ski with the awareness that having the ABS doesn't change the chances of triggering or getting caught in an avalanche, only the chance of burial. And if the data I've seen is reliable, having and deploying the ABS greatly reduces the chances of burial.<br><br>I think we have seen this winter that even veritable avalanche experts have been mistaken in their evaluation of the avalanche hazard. I don't think that it would ever be possible to get enough training to be 100% accurate, all of the time, in one's hazard evaluation. So for surviving a future misjudgement, would it be better to have only a beacon, and depend on others to dig you out, or also have the ABS and greatly reduce the chance that a beacon recovery will be needed? I think I've just convinced myself to look into the ABS matter some more.<br><br>Charles

I agree on most points, especially given that as Charles notes, you can't be 100% safe if you're touring for turns, as turns happen in terrain that is steep enough to slide, and even highly trained folks such as Canadian Mountain Guides get surprised from time to time.<br><br>On the other hand, I also agree that too much safety gear can become an impediment, which is in itself a safety issue. If you can't travel fast, there are situations that will go from bad to worse.<br><br>But it's clear that folks like Russ are taking this into account in balancing all the factors.<br><br>If you remember that you can always die of trauma from hitting a tree even if you're on top of the slide, I think you may have a chance of not changing your decision-making if you have one of these on your back.

Okay, Ron, I'll post as soon as I've had a chance to try out the test cartridge. Right now I'm still waiting for the Plus system I ordered to show up at the shop -- they were out of stock at the distributor when I ordered. I could have gotten the smaller Proline right away, but wanted a little larger pack for versatility (might be able to use it for overnight trips)

Cool.<br>We'll be waiting with 'bated breath

Well, I got the system about a week and a half ago. They didn't have the one I was looking for, so they gave me a free upgrade to the biggest pack. It'll be a good size for skiing -- not actually all that huge -- rather small for an overnight pack, rather large for a day pack. I deployed the airbag with the spare cylinder they sent. That was interesting. Did it in the family room. Our pomeranian gave me some really strange looks -- thought it was some creature breathing. Refolding it was pretty easy. The instructions are quite clear. The unit looks like some kind of aviation safety equipment in the way it is manufactured and labeled. For instance, they write the full weight in grams on the bottles so that you can verify at any time that they haven't somehow leaked. It's a metal seal on the bottle, so they should stay pressure tight for years.<br><br>Haven't had the pack out on the slopes yet. Tried to take it to Hurricane Ridge last weekend but the rangers decided not to plow that Saturday. My guess is because the downhill area is now closed, and they probably figured they'd only be plowing for about a dozen visitors.

Thanks for the update, Rick.<br>I'll be interested in later hearing how you liked touring with it.