Any good reason to Upgrade 2016 Exo 5500 to k2 2018 Version?

[standswittaknife]

Just curious if anyone upgraded to the newer frame and bag and if the expense was worth it? Had very good luck with my Exo with the old frame but was getting the itch to try something new.

thanks,

 

[WYCFM1]

Depends on what kinda guy you are. Some ppl will pay 100 bucks to drop a few ounces. They are all such good packs that I wouldn’t even worry much about the new guys. Unless you can find a good deal on a k2 frame.


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[standswittaknife]

Thx . I’ll start looking


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[WYCFM1]

You’ll get so many different answers on here tho. Just keep sleeping on it and if that itch grows decide for yourself. I’ve tried the old ones and the K2 newer ones. I think the k2 is slightly lighter feeling or maybe more comfortable but it’s kinda hard to tell for sure.


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[Billy Goat]

One difference is the new k2 frame allows the use of the crib panel. Had a friend upgrade because of this.

Not sure there's much difference otherwise.

 

[Jbehredt]

You’re asking this in the wrong place. Guys around here upgraded their 2017 k2 to a 2018 just for a new color! I put a lot of thought into the timing of my purchase to make sure I got the new stitching.

 

[Huntnfmly]

To be honest the reason you should buy the new one is because you can

 

[Grady.J]

I can't speak to the 2016 frame, but I had(still have) a 2015 5500, and I purchased a 2018 K2 3500 this year. The K2 frame is a major improvement over the 2015. Everything I found fault with on the 2015 was upgraded on the new frame. Significantly thicker and more comfy shoulder straps, thicker lumbar pad, waaay better belt, the forward pull tightening system works much better.

Like I said I'm not sure what changes were made from 2015 to 2016, but if the 2016 is anything like my old pack, the K2 frame is well worth the upgrade. I do like the roll top feature on the new bags, but if that's the only difference it's probably not worth the money just for that. It's all in the frame.

 

[mntnguide]

I had a 2016 5500... in my opinion the K2 frame is much better and i noticed the difference when i upgraded last year.

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[MuleDeerMike]

You’re asking this in the wrong place. Guys around here upgraded their 2017 k2 to a 2018 just for a new color! I put a lot of thought into the timing of my purchase to make sure I got the new stitching.

New stitching?

 

[Jbehredt]

New stitching?

Just the logos.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Just curious if anyone upgraded to the newer frame and bag and if the expense was worth it? Had very good luck with my Exo with the old frame but was getting the itch to try something new.


thanks,

The biggest difference in the 2016-2017 was the minor belt width change, you can order the belt separately.

 

[jeffpg]

I've been wondering the same thing...

I bought the 2016 version, which was a upgrade from the previous model. My 2016 pack is great, and I really like it, but may spring for the newer one if I knew exactly what the improvements mean in the real world. I do like the roll top bag, that's for sure.