is the black diamond "reactive" suspenion as annoy

[layton]

is the black diamond "reactive" suspenion as annoying as it looks?

 

or am I just scared of new things?

[kurthicks]

it took some getting used to, but I quite liked it after I got used to it. Heavy though IMO.

 

[BirdDog]

layton - I've had the same question.

 

Kurt - Is there really a benefit from it; and if so what?

[kurthicks]

The pack seems to move pretty well when doing technical climbing, but how often are you climbing with a full pack on anyways?

[Eric K]

Its kinda funny and not necessary at all. I did not like it the first few times I wore the pack, but I don't even notice it any more. I wouldn't let the reactive suspension stop you if you like the pack otherwise.

 

Eric

[layton]

thanks, it does look like a nice pack but the suspension was a major drawback if it was annoying.

 

 

[John Frieh]

I used a Speed 55 this past spring in AK and was pleasantly surprised. It's a little heavy stock but strips down nicely for alpine. A great choice considering the price IMO

[kerwinl]

The Speed 40 carries up to 40lbs with ease. Very comfortable on the approach, then strips down for climbing. At about 160 dollars, good value for a pack.

[BirdDog]

I have a older model Speed 30 that I love. Tried one of the new ones in the store for kicks; seemed like the "reactive" suspension was floopy and allowed the pack to flop around. Maybe it works better on an actual climb.

[pyyno]

I have a Speed 40. I was also skeptical about the pack shifting left to right unwittingly, but have been pleasantly surprised. When you walk and put your hands to the bottom of the straps you can feel the system doing its job. I actually bought the pack in order to test the system.

I have done some light summer alpine/ferrata trips with it, and winter approaches to waterice. Mainly I use it to carry my ice climbing gear at the winter.

Would I buy this pack again? -Certainly.

 

[BallardErik]

I love my Speed 40 for week long trips in the Enchantments. It climbs so well with the swing arms. This is also a plus on steep trails/ginormous talus scrambles. Recently I tried one of my old backpacks again w fixed suspension and the "backpackers spaz lumbering of death" (where the backpack tilts strongly from side to side each time one of your hips sway with walking) reminded me again why suspension play is good for on trail, too.