Motorfist Argo Avalanche User Manual

USER MANUAL

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Introduction
Warning
Alpride Airbag Cartridges
Preparation – Equipment Check
Using the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack
Reloading the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack
Care & Storage
Troubleshooting
Transport
Warranty & Lifespan
Technical Data
Certification

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Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack.

Motorfist has collaborated with Alpride, manufacturer of the safest and most reliable
airbag system on the market. Alpride and Motorfist are committed to safe, dependable
designs and consistent, superior manufacturing quality.

This manual provides you with essential information about the function and
recommended use of the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack. Read and understand this
manual carefully prior to use. Seek proper equipment training, avalanche safety
education and exercise sound judgment while using your Argo Avalanche Airbag
Backpack at all times.

Please contact Motorfist with questions regarding safety and use of this product.

Warning

Avalanches are lethal. People caught in avalanches will and do die. Avoid avalanches
whenever possible.

The Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack is an emergency safety device that, when
used correctly, is designed to increase your chances of survival in the event of an
avalanche by decreasing the likelihood of complete burial. However, the Argo
Avalanche Airbag Backpack will not prevent an avalanche from occurring and will
not guarantee your safety under any circumstances.

Avalanches are inherently dangerous and may pose a serious threat of severe
bodily injury or death. When traveling through avalanche terrain, the Argo
Avalanche Airbag Backpack should be used in conjunction with safety tools,
including but not limited to, an avalanche airbag, beacon, shovel, probe and
helmet. However, proper safety training and tools do not guarantee your safety,
therefore the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack should not promote greater risk taking.

Motorfist is not responsible for injuries or death caused by an avalanche while
using the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack. Failure to read and follow these
warnings can result in severe bodily injury or death.

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Alpride Airbag Cartridges

Alpride Airbag Cartridges are based on lifejacket gas cylinder technology. Maintenance
is not required and cartridges are leak-proof certified. Only Alpride Airbag Cartridges
should be used with your Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack. Once the Alpride Airbag has
been deployed, the used cartridges must be replaced with a new set of cartridges.
Cartridges must be properly disposed of after each use, and are not refillable.

Cartridges must be handled with proper care by storing away from extreme
temperatures; heat exceeding 122°F (50°C) or cold below -22°F (-30°C). Avoid all
physical damage to the cartridge. Damage to cartridges by improper handling may lead
to the malfunction of your Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack, therefore damaged
cartridges must be replaced before use.

Cartridge Specifications:

• Working pressure of cartridge: 2,538 psi (17.5 MPa).

• Temperature range of cartridge: 122°F (50°C) to -22°F (-30°C) (use must be

limited to this temperature range).

• One cartridge of compressed argon; one cartridge of liquefied CO2 gas.

• Do not refill cartridges.

• Cartridges are designed for exclusive use with the Alpride Airbag System.

• If the weight of this gas cartridge is less than the minimum weight marked on

the gas cartridge, the cartridge should not be used.

Preparation – Equipment Check

Motorfist strongly recommends that you practice activating your Argo Avalanche Airbag
Backpack at least once per year to ensure proper operation, preparedness and
functionality in the event of an emergency. This involves removing the cartridges from
the system and testing the triggering mechanism using the handle.

Prior to use in the field, carefully inspect your Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack and all
of its components. Motorfist strongly recommends that you regularly inspect for damage
(i.e. tears, punctures, cracks, dents), including but not limited to the airbag, backpack,
inflator system, fabric cover, cartridges, safety straps, buckles and fasteners. Make sure

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that the cartridges are full.

In the event of damage or doubt as to the dependability of your Argo Avalanche Airbag
Backpack, contact Motorfist.

Loading the Cartridges:

Step 1: Use Screw Tool to set the spring. Screw in the Screw Tool until it stops then
screw out. IMPORTANT: System is ready to use if the red pen is no longer visible.

Step 2: Screw in cartridge set. Cartridge set contains 2 cartridges: 1 Carbon Dioxide
and 1 Argon. The diameter of the thread for each canister is a different size so there is
no confusion about which holes the cartridges screw into.

Step 3: Close the zipper on the Inflater cover

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Step 4: Close the backpack.

Putting on the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack:

Step 1: Put the backpack on and ensure the shoulder straps, sternum strap buckle, waist
belt buckle and leg loop are adjusted appropriately. Make sure the waist belt buckle is
properly secured. Waist belt strap needs to be through the loop of the leg loop. Leg Loop
should be adjusted to be at a comfortable length but not too loose.

Example:

Step 2: Open the zippered sleeve and expose handle. Make sure the handle is not stuck
behind a flap or turned in the wrong direction. Make sure the handle is easy to grab.
Your pack is armed and ready to deploy.

Using the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack:

Step 1: Pull the handle. The handle is located on the right shoulder so the rider can pull
with their left hand and keep their right hand on the throttle.

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Step 2: Report your avalanche incident to the local avalanche forecasters and report the
incident to Motorfist Warranty, www.Motorfist.com or call [phone]. Use of this
product in an avalanche can damage the product. Check the pack and airbag system for
the following:

• Check the airbag for visual punctures and tears.

• Check the straps, seams and buckles for tears and deformation.

Important Notes:

• Better to pull too hard than not hard enough. Practice pulling the handle before

the ride with no cartridges. It is important to get a feel for the force required to
deploy the spring that pierces the canisters.

• To avoid accidental airbag deployment close the zipper on the trigger handle.

Reloading the Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack:

Step 1: Make sure the airbag is completely dry before reloading. Make sure the handle
is in the up position. Open the backpack.

Step 2. Open the Cartridge Compartment Zipper.

Step 3: Push the air intake valve in to deflate the airbag.
This is located behind the mesh area.

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Step 4: Open the airbag zipper all the way.

Step 5: Push the remaining air out of the airbag through the air intake valve.
Start on the right side.

Step 6: Push the bottom of the airbag up to make a fold. Then push the bottom of the
airbag down into the bottom of the sleeve. Start zipping the airbag into the sleeve. Push
the top part left.

Important: Do Not Roll the airbag. The airbag needs to be folded and stuffed back into
the sleeve.

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Step 7: Push the top part of the airbag back right, towards the vent, and stuff into
airbag sleeve.

Important: Do Not Roll the airbag. The airbag needs to be stuffed back into the sleeve.

Step 8: Push the last part of the airbag into the airbag sleeve. Do not fold the last part,
just stuff it in. Close the zipper.

Important: Do Not Roll the airbag. The airbag needs to be stuffed back into the sleeve.

Step 9: Unscrew the cartridges and take the old cartridges out.