Note: Before the 2015/16 season, avalanche backpacks with ABS M.A.S.S. units were sold. Since the 2016/17 season, however, we have exclusively used our own AVABAG avalanche airbag system.
The ABS avalanche airbag system is emergency equipment; therefore, regular inspection is essential to ensure proper functionality in an emergency situation.
When is an inspection service necessary?
To ensure that your avalanche backpack with the ABS M.A.S.S. airbag system functions reliably, you should have a general service performed every 3 seasons. Please also note that
You should also have it checked in the following cases:
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After the maximum service life of 10 years has expired
With proper use, the ABS system can be expected to have a service life of 10 years. If your ABS system is older than 10 years, please contact ABS directly for a service inspection: info@abs-airbag.com.
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After an avalanche deployment:
Each avalanche deployment can push the material to its limits and cause damage, even if it is not visible from the outside. Therefore, it is essential to have the backpack, the system, and the empty activation unit inspected for damage. -
Improper storage:
The storage instructions in the user manual were not followed. -
Wear & tear:
There are signs of wear, especially on the M.A.S.S. unit.
To ensure your backpack is ready for use in an emergency, we recommend carrying out the inspection service during the summer.
When is a repair service necessary?
A repair service is mandatory if:
- The M.A.S.S. unit was triggered without a screwed-in cartridge.
- Other damage to the M.A.S.S. unit has been detected.
In these cases, you must have your ABS avalanche airbag backpack serviced through a repair service.
Process of an inspection and repair service
To make use of an inspection or repair service from ABS, we recommend booking the service directly with ABS: https://abs-airbag.com/pages/service
If your backpack is older than 10 years, we recommend contacting ABS before booking the service: info@abs-airbag.com
Alternatively, you can also contact an ORTOVOX dealer to send the M.A.S.S. unit for inspection or repair service. Please note that this process may take longer due to additional shipping steps compared to the direct route via ABS.
To prepare your product for service, we recommend:
- If your backpack is undamaged, you can send us only the M.A.S.S. unit so that you can continue using your backpack. Instructions for removing the unit can be found in the user manual.
- Please note that we cannot provide replacement or loan products during the repair or inspection period.
- Your M.A.S.S. unit has a serial number so we can ensure that you receive your exact product back after repair or inspection.
If you live in the USA or Canada and need service for your ORTOVOX ABS avalanche backpack, please contact our country office in the USA or Canada:
USA:
- Phone: 833-678-6869
- Email: warranty-usa@ortovox.com
Canada
- Phone: 403-283-8944 (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- E-mail: warranty@ortovox.ca
Our team will be happy to assist you and provide information on next steps.
How long does the service take?
The services for ABS avalanche backpacks with M.A.S.S. units are carried out externally by ABS itself. The duration of the service can take longer – especially for older models – and during peak periods may take up to 2–3 months. Please understand that we therefore cannot speed up the ABS service ourselves. We recommend contacting ABS directly before booking the service: info@abs-airbag.com.
Costs for inspection or repair service
You can view the costs for the respective service types on the ABS website: https://abs-airbag.com/pages/service
Please note
If you wish to handle your ABS service through a local dealer, the dealer may charge additional service fees (shipping, administration, etc.). In this case, we recommend inquiring about the costs directly with the dealer.