Alpride

Alpride was founded by Swiss engineer Marc-Antoine Schaer. In 2009, he set out to develop particularly light and robust avalanche airbags. A decades-old and proven technology served him as a model: life jackets with cartridges. In recent years, purely electronic systems are increasingly gaining ground on the market. Because these are extremely compact, easy to use and now also very light. That is why well-known manufacturers such as Deuter, Scott, BCA and Millet rely on the Alpride E2 and E1 systems for their avalanche backpacks.

The electronic Alpride systems

The advantages of the electronic Alpride systems E1 and E2 at a glance:

- Lightweight & compact

- Easy transport, even on the plane

- Can be used in a wide temperature range

- Fast, high-pressure inflation in just a few seconds

- Can be tested without additional costs / can be inflated without limitation

- Ready for use for 3 months without inspection

- Safety through smart technology

- Can be used in all backpacks compatible with the respective system

- No cartridge necessary since it is a purely electronic system

Image ©deuter

The E2 system

With the new E2 system, the developers at Alpride have further enhanced the proven electronic airbag system. The E1 successor is more compact, lighter and has a new LCD. This allows users to see at a glance whether the system has enough power. With the help of the new air release button, snow sports enthusiasts can also deflate the system from the outside. In addition, the new overpressure valve ensures a long service life – it automatically lowers the pressure of the airbag after three minutes. This reduces stress on the seams and fabric. Safety has also been improved: with a volume of 162 liters, the new airbag offers even more flotation.

Like the E1 system, the E2 system also offers major advantages over airbag solutions with cartridges: Due to the super capacitors, the electronic system delivers consistent performance regardless of temperature. That's why Alpride E-systems work in a wide temperature range, from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius.

Another advantage is that since the product is a passive electronic element, travel, shipping, and storage are possible without restriction. Last but not least, super capacitors do not wear out because they are not based on a chemical reaction.

The electronic Alpride systems also allow free test releases as often as you like. In this way, users can familiarize themselves with the system and keep a cool head in an emergency. When switched on, the system automatically starts a test of 15 relevant parameters – this guarantees users the highest level of security.

New features:

- Lighter: E2 system weighs only 1140 grams, 140 grams less than E1

- More compact: 40% less volume

- Larger airbag: with 162 litres volume

- New LCD

- New deflation button

- New electronic, fully automatic pressure relief valve

- USB-C port

Products with the E2 system

The E1 system

The Alpride E1 system is a fully electronic avalanche airbag and the basis on which the new E2 system was developed. The E1 system is also equipped with super capacitor technology. This makes it one of the lighter electronic systems on the market. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, super capacitors can store electrical energy without a chemical reaction, which means that they are not affected by extreme temperatures.

Plus, they can be recharged in just 40 minutes with two AA batteries, or in just 20 minutes via a micro-USB port. In this way, the airbag can be inflated as often as you like for practice without incurring high costs for charging or changing the cartridges. Since super capacitors are passive electronic elements, they do not impose any restrictions on transport, shipping, or storage.

The E1 system is 1280 grams light and only 150 grams heavier than the Alpride 2.0 airbag system with cartridges. The E1 airbag lasts for three months without verification thanks to the two AA batteries, without having to worry about recharging.

Products with the E1 and 2.0 system

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