Aluminum or Arrows?

[Clinch]

This is likely going to be a long winded way to ask a simple question but here goes. I picked up a HPG Ute and strapped a Conner on the back, but wasn't overly happy. Then I asked around and got a Highlander. The extra volume of the Highlander allowed me to put all my day stuff in it and completely compress the main bag under it. Works like a charm because I have the main bag for whatever need arises and the highlander is easy to access. I have thought in the past (including a post here) about a duplex frame to attach a compression panel to so I don't have the main bag to carry also. This would open up the possibility of using different sized dry bags as the situation calls for. I am 5'9" with a longish torso for my height and a lot of bend in my back and shoulders. After shaping to fit, the 24" stays on the Ute only give me about 1.5 inches of lift over my NICE frame I'm guessing. I don't mind because it is still plenty comfortable and the need to carry a heavy load is the exception not the rule. For that matter, what i like about the Ute is it is not as stiff as the NICE frame, not the extra height. I don't much care for crap behind my head. So here is my question. When I get the cash to drop on a Duplex, do I go with a 24' hunting frame and aluminum stays, or the 22" from with arrows for stays? With the bend in the aluminum stays on the Ute, they are 22 1/8" end to end.

 

[PathFinder]

I think the 22" is going to come up too short for you. I'm 5'6" with an average length torso for my height, and I'm about the limit for the 22" frame with heavy (70lbs +) loads. I get plenty of lift to keep heavy loads riding comfortably, but if I were much taller it wouldn't work out so well.