Anyone have a bikini frame that you are certain is unmodified?

[Bluto]

This started with "I'm finally pulling the trigger and buying a Kifaru" (after a year of figuring out what I wanted and the bikini fits the bill perfectly based on expected use for weight, frequency of use, and a thousand other things.)

I now have a collection: 2 bikini frames, 3 belts, 2 bags and a sack full of hardware....and no pack solution yet. The last frame I bought seems to be the closest, except for one critical piece: the load lifter straps. The attachment point at the top of the stays just don't seem right and are different than the other frame I have. I'm afraid I've bought a science project (I cannot understand buying a $400 frame and taking a box cutter to it.....)

The frame-attached straps are through the plastic loops (common loops?) at the very top of the stays, and look to be held on with 3 of the metal bars (3 bar sliders?) The frame is pristine and looks nearly unused other than that, but this may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

If you have a bikini that you're sure isn't modified, mind posting or pm-ing pics of the load lifter strap frame attachment points?

 

[justinspicher]

Post pics of yours here, it'll be easier for folks to help you out.

 

[COlineman78]

Here are some high res picks of one that looks to be unmodified:

http://www.archeryaddix.com/forums/...6-bikini-frame-foliage-brand-new-bikini-1.jpg
http://www.archeryaddix.com/forums/...6-bikini-frame-foliage-brand-new-bikini-2.jpg
http://s760.photobucket.com/user/jkim3c/media/PhotoMay2191733AM1.jpg.html

 

[Bluto]

Will do - I have some already snapped at home so I'll throw them up here later.

 

[COlineman78]

This also has some close ups of the area you are talking about:

http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=33353

 

[Bluto]

Yep, those pics show it. Mine's definitely been butchered. I'll still post pics later to see if anyone thinks there's a way to save it.

Much appreciated, CO!

 

[COlineman78]

Dude, you have had some bad luck with sellers not disclosing what they've done to their frames. The CB one you got looked practically brand new so I wouldn't have even guessed that would've been screwed up. My guess is that the reason they did what I think they did was to make it easier to get the bag off and on to make it closer to how the most recent generation works with the load lifters that can be detached very easily. I wouldn't think it'll effect function in fact you may prefer it.

 

[Bluto]

Yeah man, you're telling me! To be fair, I don't think the seller had any idea it was different - I wouldn't have if I didn't already have a frame to compare it to.

That's a good point, and it's crossed my mind. It looks even better (condition-wise) in person than the pictures, so I'm super happy with it other than the mods. But - there are some wicked smart and experienced folks out there. Hell, it may be an improvement over the original design. My only concern is the wear on the straps with any side loading or slip since the common loops are much wider than the webbing so it's not a true "fit." More research to follow, and Kevin at Kifaru is going to take a look as well this evening.

 

[wapitibob]

One of the first Bikinis shipped, unmodified..

back side with Gen II meat bag attached

 

[Bluto]

Yep - definitely modified. Can't for the life of me figure out why....or why these options were chosen. Narrow webbing through the common loops with 3 random three bar sliders in the mix?

 

[COlineman78]

Well if you look closely at wapitibob's pictures the load lifter is a smaller strap and does have 3x 3-bar sliders. It just looks odd the way they ran it through the common loop.

 

[Bluto]

Yep! Appears it was cut from its designed attachment point, then readed through the common loop. Which just seems odd on the "why" as the common loop is much wider than the webbing, and takes the common loops out of commission?

 

[mrbillbrown]

Looks like you could buy a pair of k-clips and make your own quick disconnect load lifter straps. Kind of like they're doing now for the new duplex frames. Will post a pic when I get home.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Maybe, just maybe....the guy that owned the bikini before you was ahead of his time and the Kifaru guys stole his good idea for quick disconnect load lifter straps? Only to make millions and leave him penniless and a sad dealer of poorly customized pack frames.

 

[Bluto]

Brilliant!!!

That was actually a thought - hell, maybe it's a better design. Just seems a little off in execution with the webbing width and connection. Interested to see the pics you have though!

 

[mrbillbrown]

Here's a couple of pics of my new duplex frame. You'll see how the new style load lifter strap grabs one of the loops on the top of the frame sheet. Since you only have a single strap loop with a common loop sharing its place you'll just share that webbing with a new k-clip.

 

[ArrowForester]

And another nugget from the "advanced Kifaru ownership class". I have so much to learn.....

 

[Bluto]

Hm. I see what you mean. Looks like mine will probably function just fine and I don't have a lid that needs the common loop attachments as of yet. Many thanks, Bill!

 

[tipsntails7]

Yep - definitely modified. Can't for the life of me figure out why....or why these options were chosen. Narrow webbing through the common loops with 3 random three bar sliders in the mix?

I did something similar, although not with the common loop. The ladder lock behind the shoulder strap would dig into my shoulder at certain times. I've never moved the load lifter angle so just cut that whole part off.

I understand why they chose to use 3/4 webbing but it really kills the versatility of the frame. Especially sense it looks like they are no longer making bikini belts either. In hindsight they should have used 1" and taken the weight penalty.

 

[reaper]

But what is the use of the plastic piece at the very top of the bikini???

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