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[pct-l] RE: Nwe BearVaults

I just picked up a BV250 at REI - I already have an upgraded BV100 (Kudo's to Bear Vault for providing the free upgrade). I bought a BV250 not so much for the weight savings but for the smaller size. 

The BV250 and BV300 are a big improvement over the BV100. The top is much easier and quicker to put on and remove. My only area of concern would be potential problems releasing the latch - it requires focused pressure on a single point. I haven't tried but I'm pretty sure I couldn't release the latch with even light gloves.

As for the lid fit problem - ironically the display model at REI had this problem so I could play around with it to verify that improper closure was easily detectable and easily corrected. 

Another comment just as you would expect my BV100 is developing a nice patina. So its not that nice transulenct blue any more - think a well used Nalgene bottle. I'm thinking its time for a few decorative stickers.

Bill in Sacramento.



-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Saenz <msaenz@mve-architects.com>
Sent: Aug 18, 2005 11:14 AM
To: Randy Forsland <randy_forsland@hotmail.com>, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net, 
	bearvault <sales@bearvault.com>
Subject: RE: [BULK] - Fw: [pct-l] Manufacturer BearVault comments

Well...Injection Mould Manufacturing isn't a precise process.
If it was, the space shuttle would be made from it...

Perhaps you'd rather the BV be manufactured from spun titanium?
I'm not an expert, but I imagine the cost and weight could be
affected...

Considering the meticulousness we catalog weights, plan supply drops,
calculate calorie intake and mileage ratios and water consumption, I've
got to believe the average backpacker on this list can handle a little
expert instruction on how to keep something like a bear can functional.

I'll be seeing my BV for the first time the day I head out to Cedar
Grove in two weeks. If my lid is defective, I'll follow the directions
from BV to ensure I keep my food safe, then I'll contact BV to see about
getting a replacement lid. I can deal with that.

Michael Saenz, Associate Partner
McLarand    Vasquez    Emsiek   &   Partners,   Inc.
A r c h i t e c t u r e  |  P l a n n i n g  |  I n t e r i o r s
MVE       MVE    Institutional       MVP    International
w  w  w   .   m  v  e   -   a  r  c  h  i  t  e  c  t  s   .   c  o m

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Randy
Forsland
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 10:52 AM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [BULK] - Fw: [pct-l] Manufacturer BearVault comments

I like how you shift the blame for your quality control issues onto the
customer...bravo.

And if you are truly "partners with your customers", then how about
refunding some of your profits to them since they have to be so careful
about closing the lids on YOUR product?

 Redwood
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "bearvault" <sales@bearvault.com>
> To: <pct-l@backcountry.net>
> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 6:38 AM
> Subject: [pct-l] Manufacturer BearVault comments
>
>
>> We want to point out an issue with our newer model BV250s and BV300s 
>> which the user needs to be aware of. We use a manual mold for the 
>> production of the lid and this can result in some lids being slightly

>> oversized due to cycle time variations. These oversize lids can cause

>> the lid to come down on top of the housing stop bump rather than 
>> sliding inside the bump.  What this means is if you continue to 
>> tighten the lid, the lid will not close correctly and in fact, the 
>> lid will bow out at the housing bump if you continue to tighten the 
>> lid with the lid on top of the housing stop bump. This results in a 
>> lid that is NOT correctly closed; in fact it leaves a gap which a 
>> bear can use to pop the lid off and a bulge in the outside of the lid

>> at the location of the housing bump. If the lid is correctly closed 
>> it should also be able to unscrew slightly before hitting the housing

>> stop bump; this is another way to check that you have correctly 
>> closed the lid. Please do a visual check of your BearVault to ensure 
>> you have closed it correctly. These oversize lids are only 0.02" 
>> larger than nominal, so you cannot spot them visually.  They work
perfectly well if you close the lid correctly.
>>
>> Incorrectly closing the lid has resulted in at least one incident of 
>> a bear gaining access to these models. These incidents are reported 
>> to the rangers, and the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group keeps a 
>> tally of these incidents.  If they feel the number of incidents is 
>> excessive they can revoke the approval of that model of canister.
>>
>> We point out that this can happen in an insert in every unit we sell.
>> The insert points out that this is easily remedied; if you see the 
>> lid hit the top of the bump, simply press in with your finger on the 
>> lid and it will move inside the housing stop bump.  You can then 
>> continue tightening the lid until you hear that "snap" which tells 
>> you that the lid is closed correctly. The lid will also be touching 
>> the housing so there is no gap between the lid and the housing. If 
>> you have an oversize lid and you ensure you close the lid correctly, 
>> you have a canister that has withstood attacks by 800 pound Grizzly 
>> bears successfully.  If you do not close the lid correctly you have a

>> vulnerable canister that may fail during a bear attack.
>>
>> Please ensure you look at the lid and housing when you close these 
>> model BearVaults so that you are sure it is correctly closed. We plan

>> on automating the lid manufacturing process this winter so that there

>> are no longer these size variations, but in order to do this we need 
>> your help and awareness of the issue so that you correctly close the 
>> BearVaults. We are partners with our customers, and we need you to 
>> correctly close your BearVaults if they have an oversize lid or else 
>> you all may lose the option of buying a larger, lighter, easier to 
>> use bear canister.
>>
>> If you have a friend who uses a BearVault, please pass this on. If 
>> you would like a copy of the insert, please email us at
sales@bearvault.com.
>>
>> Thank you for your patronage and for correctly using the BearVaults.
>>
>> Happy hiking.
>> Jamie
>>
>>
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> 
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