The new Black Diamond Jetforce PRO 2019/2020 avalanche backpack is a very good step towards a better (lighter) one when it comes to a battery-powered systems.
Black Diamond (and PIEPS) for the next season ( 2019/2020 ) prepared as amended (the lighter of ~ 0.5kg !) Version of Jetforce called Jetforce PRO (in the case of PIEPS Jetforce BT ). The withdrawal of the old models of Black Diamond / PIEPS – HERE.
Firmware upgrade to 1.7 version, 20.10.2020
UPDATE 10.1.2020 – Battery Life during trips , Firmware Update.
Bateria
Finally managed to take Jetofrce PRO for a longer trip. In December I was for 7 days in Siberia, we lived in a hut in the middle of nowhere. Before leaving I was afraid how the battery will last for 7 days without charging.
The battery has kept the state of charge to the maximum (4 out of 4 dots on the handle) for 7 days, at a temperature of about -15’C / -20’C for 6-7h per day – nothing more I do not need to add :).
Black Diamond Jetforce PRO Firmware Update.
Due to the fact that the backpack has a Bluetooth module, you can easily update the software and perform „SelfCheck”.
Black Diamond Jetforce PRO Firmware Upgrade
All backpacks I’m referring on the website I bought or borrowed, the text is not sponsored, I can write what I like and no one will punish me ;).
Quick introduction Jetforce how the system works. After firing system must maintain the bag inflated by at least 3 min (Avalanche Airbag standards), therefore every time a speed fall from 50% to 100% to mainait air inside.
Jetforce PRO 2019 / 2020 system works the same as its previous version, here full (almost 4 minutes) film firing backpack, air pumping, deflation etc
And Slowmotion if someone likes to watch
Deflates after 3 minutes to get extra space and the recovery of fresh air in case of total burial – As I wrote earlier, there are no studies that confirm saving anyone (deflation).
Small update: „Automatic” deflation can be turned off … by turning off the backpack. The balloon will be inflated longer, but just as in backpacks cylinder , the air will escape.
Deploy after auto-deflate.
Let’s move to the new series of Black Diamond avalanche backpacks and PIEPS there will be 3 (three) different systems in avalanche backpacks:
- Jetforce PRO / Jetforce BT for PIEPS – I write about it here.
- Alprdie E1 – produced by Alpride – about the Alpride E1 system I wrote HERE , and a new backpack Black Diamond Tour 26L
- Alpride 2.0 – produced by Alpride system for 2 gas cylinders, the model is Black Diamond Jetforce UL and is supposed to weight ~ 1991gHere I will focus on the new Black Diamond Jetforce PRO 2019/2020 with BOOSTER s (dopinkami):
All information contained herein may change slightly as a backpack goes on sale.
Backpacks are in S / M and M / L
Reduced weight by ~ 0.5kg less than old Jetforce
Increased (significantly) load of the backpacks.
The system fires up to 4 times on a single charge.
Charging the battery takes about 2-3 hours
The system will last 30 days on standby (probably)
Each booster has a mount for a helmet.
25L and 35L have a chamber for avalanche gear, ski and ice axe carry
35L has an extra pocket for goggles.
- 10L (Weight: ~ 2800g) – Off piste ride – not much space inside
- 25L (Weight: ~ 2900g) – booster – 1 day trips
- 35L (Weight: ~ 3000g) – booster – 1-2-3 and even a 4-days trips (in my opinion the best choice when buying this system).
- 25L Split (Weight: ~ 3000g) – same as normal 25L only with the additional option for Snowboard carry
Suggested retail price ~ $ 1400 (the same price as the first version of Jetforce when entering the market)
Suggested retail price boosters is ~ $ 50
Comments about which I informed Black Diamond (remember that this backpack comes on the market until next season).
All the zippers are in one color, I suggested changing the color of the main zipper
No „emergency” charging port in the form of microUSB / USB-C – for example, to leave the backpack overnight charge (I do not think that’s changed, but maybe some adapter though)
As already you manage to guess backpack will have „some” back of the system and for this you can buckle up adequate capacity (booster).
The system itself has not changed significantly somehow, added connectivity Bluetooth for possible software updates and fleet management backpacks through an application on the phone (for example rental avalanche equipment).
Base of the Jetforce PRO – you can put your Thermos inside empty space, first aid kit and sandwitch 🙂
3 types of Boosters, 10L, 25L and 35L
Boosters are mounted via zipper.
This is the booster backpack with 10L ( „capacity” of the backpack makes the space of the main zipper to the left side.
This is the booster backpack with 25L ( „capacity” of the backpack makes the space of the main lock to the left – here you can see it better than 10L)
35L booster – and what I managed to put inside.
35L Booster packing option
For comparison, the old version of Black Diamond HALO 28L in size M / L (and this is just the kind of difference 28L vs 35L).
And pic of Black Diamond Jetforce 25L Splitboard / Snowboard
Backpack carrying system is made „smoothly”. Notches on the hip belt to be to better fit the waist to the hips.
Waist belt with a small pocket for some chocolate bars, candies, etc :).
Each avalanche backpack to function properly REQUIRES fasteners „leash” that goes between the legs, here it is comfortably settled in carabiner eye.
The chest belt which MUST be worn and adjusted Also it its adjustable higher / lower.
Ski carry on 35L booster is almost impossible, the upper eye/strap is too short – but I posted this information to the Black Diamond.
Helmet carry – comfortable, hassle-free (As you can see – right now you are not able to carry the skis).
Ice Axe Carry
The Jetforce changed slightly, the battery can’t be smaller (EU requirements). Added previously mentioned Bluetooth. The battery is made in Poland
System is permanently attachet to the backpack.
Battery charging cable is located in the right strap. Full charge takes about 2-3hrs
In summary, the new model backpack system Jetforce PRO eliminates the greatest ills predecessors, the reduced weight (by ~ 0.5kg less than the old version) and the improved capacity (Liters) you saw how much I can pack into a new 35L backpack. Street price is high but the same was for the first version of this system, the weight of the battery packs is almost the same as gas backpacks.(well … almost 
).
Here you will find information about another backpack Black Diamond-based Alpride E1 Jetforce Tour 26L
