We’ve filmed a wee review of the new BCA airbag. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ_c8noE_TY

I’m really impressed with these bags; strong material, good functionality and fit.  The fact that the cylinders are so easy to refill is a good feature (although hopefully you would never need to).

The big debate seems to be whether the snowpulse system is better as the bag is designed to keep you afloat on your back.  Some people would argue that the BCA system may put you face down.  I have not found any proper evidence of this and am keen to hear other people’s opinion.

Thanks for the video, it was very informative. I guess with a 22l sack having a single bag is more feasible. I note that ABS say their two bag system is more robust if you are taken through trees or over rocky ground (not something I’d like to try). Is that 22l with the tank and bag or a real 22l? I guess the tank and bag takes a few litres which makes this more a freeride pack than a light touring pack. Compressed air is nice and simply.

In most of the photos of ABS wearers I’ve seen in slides they seem to be sitting or upright with the bag having kept their upper body on the surface.

Tschirky, F & Schweizer, J. (1996) at 260. as quoted in Worksafe BC Coroners Report. “In the Coroner’s Report into the deaths of Ms. Kimberly Anne Manchip and Mr.Daisuke Matsui, both of whom were caught in an avalanche and died from asphyxiation, the Coroner found that evidence from the incident pointed to the lifesaving potential offered by avalanche flotation devices. The Coroner recommended that WorkSafeBC “evaluate the efficacy of avalanche flotation device use by workers whose workplace involves frequent and extensive exposure to conditions which may result in life-threatening avalanches.”

From the report: “Tests have shown that during an avalanche and after standstill, conventionally designed avalanche airbags (such as the ABS
Avalanche Airbag) are usually located above the victims, the victims therefore, are likely to be buried in a prone position and require companion rescue”

If you google WorksafeBCReport it should come up as a pdf.  Quite interesting.

I’ve a 36 litre version.  Some photos and comments here http://swissmountainleader.com/books-gear/safety-gear/bca-float-36/

I’m very pleased with it as an everyday sack.

BCA have also just released a 32 litre, which looks good for day tours but probably still a wee bit small for multi days as a touch of the volume is indeed taken up by the bag and cylinder.  The 22 makes a really good freeride day pack.

An interesting point about the the ABS’ two bags meaning you have, in effect, a backup should one bag be deflated through impact.