layton Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 is the black diamond "reactive" suspenion as annoying as it looks? or am I just scared of new things? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurthicks Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 it took some getting used to, but I quite liked it after I got used to it. Heavy though IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BirdDog Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 layton - I've had the same question. Kurt - Is there really a benefit from it; and if so what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurthicks Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 The pack seems to move pretty well when doing technical climbing, but how often are you climbing with a full pack on anyways? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric K Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layton Posted July 15, 2012 Author Share Posted July 15, 2012 thanks, it does look like a nice pack but the suspension was a major drawback if it was annoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Frieh Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerwinl Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BirdDog Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyyno Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BallardErik Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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