i bought a pair of BP's in september off of mountain gear they are on were (and still are) on sale for 179$ the weight isssue between the shrikes and BP is 2 oz. now usually the tools will be in your hands and not on your back so it does make a whole lot of diffrence, anyway i love my tools they sink with the flick of a wrist and plus my hands never get cold carrying them(the rubber coated shaft, which also creates ZERO vibration) if you are still looking to buy i know its kinda late but mountain gear still has the BP's for sale and its a great deal
Aidan
