KIFARU ARK FRAME review

[deerhunter628]

I got my Ark frame today. Does not seem to have any blemishes. I was able to put on my old school Reckoning on it. The Reckoning with the old school sleeve.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

Customer service was able to get back to my email on the nicks in my frame. They showed the pictures to their designer and they said that it won't mess with the integrity of the frame. In the finish process with carbon it will have minor nicks. The person I spoke to said their frame had similar nicks and they haven't had any crack any further but told me to reach out if I did. I attached a few pictures of the nicks I had in mine for reference for anyone else.

Interesting how they mentioned the finishing process and it having nicks being essentially normal. The kuiu carbon frames look nothing like these carbon frames and have no nicks in them. The kuiu frame finish looks exactly like the frame finish in Tony's prototype that he tested for the review, which looks like most carbon fiber things you'd see. I'd be curious to know why they changed the finishing process from the prototype to the final product. Is it stronger, weaker or the same strength? Is it cheaper to manufacture...? Seems odd to me because at least cosmetically it would obviously worry customers like it has on this thread.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

Or maybe they just didn't want it to look like Kuiu's carbon

 

[plebe]

Interesting how they mentioned the finishing process and it having nicks being essentially normal. The kuiu carbon frames look nothing like these carbon frames and have no nicks in them. The kuiu frame finish looks exactly like the frame finish in Tony's prototype that he tested for the review, which looks like most carbon fiber things you'd see. I'd be curious to know why they changed the finishing process from the prototype to the final product. Is it stronger, weaker or the same strength? Is it cheaper to manufacture...? Seems odd to me because at least cosmetically it would obviously worry customers like it has on this thread.

Looks like possibly a forged CF exterior instead of layup which would explain the propensity for tear out, or an additional opaque finish coating to make a completely matt exterior appearance. Idk. I too don’t recall hearing of similar issues with Kuiu or Initial Ascent. The Kuiu frame I had was impeccable.

I‘d like to know a bit more about the exact composition of the ARK. CF construction can mean many many things. Not that I distrust the integrity of the frame, but I’m interested in the details.

 

[PMcGee]

Interesting how they mentioned the finishing process and it having nicks being essentially normal. The kuiu carbon frames look nothing like these carbon frames and have no nicks in them. The kuiu frame finish looks exactly like the frame finish in Tony's prototype that he tested for the review, which looks like most carbon fiber things you'd see. I'd be curious to know why they changed the finishing process from the prototype to the final product. Is it stronger, weaker or the same strength? Is it cheaper to manufacture...? Seems odd to me because at least cosmetically it would obviously worry customers like it has on this thread.

I agree. I was going to order a frame but I’m going to wait and make sure these blemishes are just cosmetic. I love the 3 frames I’ve had from kifaru but when you’re shelling out that kind of money for a frame you shouldn’t have to worry what it looks like.


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[Jdmt]

It could be as simple as a change in the outer coating and not the full layup of the material. The textured matte finish could reduce the possibility of squeaking. It's also much less reflective than a gloss coating.

 

[wowzers]

Interesting how they mentioned the finishing process and it having nicks being essentially normal. The kuiu carbon frames look nothing like these carbon frames and have no nicks in them. The kuiu frame finish looks exactly like the frame finish in Tony's prototype that he tested for the review, which looks like most carbon fiber things you'd see. I'd be curious to know why they changed the finishing process from the prototype to the final product. Is it stronger, weaker or the same strength? Is it cheaper to manufacture...? Seems odd to me because at least cosmetically it would obviously worry customers like it has on this thread.

I wondered that myself. I’m curious how much testing went into this version that shipped if the prototype was still being tested in January. I’m also kind of curious how some are blemish free and others like mine and MNnice32 aren’t.

I’m still on the fence how this new finish is going to work. I started to write my screen name on the frame with my finger nail but I’m apparently spatially challenged so you only got WOW.



That’s pretty abrasive in my mind. But to be fair the one piece of gear I sent in was a KU5200 and they fixed it no questions asked no charge. So I feel they will take care of these frames in the long run if there are issues but hopefully I don’t have to.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

I wondered that myself. I’m curious how much testing went into this version that shipped if the prototype was still being tested in January. I’m also kind of curious how some are blemish free and others like mine and MNnice32 aren’t.

I’m still on the fence how this new finish is going to work. I started to write my screen name on the frame with my finger nail but I’m apparently spatially challenged so you only got WOW.

View attachment 683354

That’s pretty abrasive in my mind. But to be fair the one piece of gear I sent in was a KU5200 and they fixed it no questions asked no charge. So I feel they will take care of these frames in the long run if there are issues.

What would a rock, stick, leg bone or antler do to that frame over time if you're finger nail can do that? I'm not bashing kifaru and I love my duplex lite that I've had since 2018 but this whole thing seems weird to me. Tony clearly put in a lot of time and effort and made a great review here but I think one needs to be done with the actual frame and not a frame with a completely different composition or finish or whatever the difference is. Just my opinion.

 

[wowzers]

What would a rock, stick, leg bone or antler do to that frame over time if you're finger nail can do that? I'm not bashing kifaru and I love my duplex lite that I've had since 2018 but this whole thing seems weird to me. Tony clearly put in a lot of time and effort and made a great review here but I think one needs to be done with the actual frame and not a frame with a completely different composition or finish or whatever the difference is. Just my opinion.

I think it would sand any of those items down. The problem to me is that it’s my nail that rubbed off on the frame not the frame rubbing. I can wipe those letters away. If it abrades my finger nail what is it going to do to the pack or loops etc? I agree, I wish the review would have been done on the product that shipped.

I don’t think that’s Tony’s fault and I sent him a message because I felt like I kind of crapped on his review, which was not my intention.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

I think it would sand any of those items down. The problem to me is that it’s my nail that rubbed off on the frame not the frame rubbing. I can wipe those letters away. If it abrades my finger nail what is it going to do to the pack or loops etc? I agree, I wish the review would have been done on the product that shipped.

I don’t think that’s Tony’s fault and I sent him a message because I felt like I kind of crapped on his review, which was not my intention.

I see what you're saying, that makes more sense. I don't think anyone is shitting on Tony's review. He thoroughly reviewed the product he was given by the company and that's all he can do, and he posted a very detailed and solid review at that. This whole thread will become it's own giant review with multiple users posting their own experiences in time. A RokStaff member posts their formal review and that starts the chain for everyone else to add in. Rokslide has always been that way and it's what makes it the best hunting gear site by a long shot.

 

[Tony Trietch]

I will ask about the differences between the prototype and production model. It was my understanding that it was an additional exterior finish but I could be wrong.

I had my review turned in the same week that I saw the production version in the Kifaru media release just like everyone else. I will do some digging and see what I can find.

 

[prm]

I will say polished smooth finishes tend to produce more squeaks where a fabric rubs. I happen to like the look, what little you can see, and feel. The only area it‘s exposed is just above lumbar pad and a little between the shoulder straps. I don’t think it is abrasive enough to cause significant wear on any contact points. The only possible points are where the small attachment straps loop through. If those did wear it would be very easy to replace them. I don’t see it ever being an issue.
I did a couple of short hikes yesterday with the Ark and K4 each with 75# of weight (45# bag of stones and 30# bag of sand). The Ark really carries the weight well. Crank down on the straps and there is no flexing or bending. I don’t think they could get the weight any closer to your back. The load is held very solidly and the belt did a great job of keeping the weight distributed on my hips with minimal being transferred to the shoulders. Need some more time to see how the foam changes with use. A note about hitting the frame with my head, I tried but cannot touch the frame by looking up. I can only touch if I crank down on the load lifters pulling it in. If the lifters are just snugged it a non-issue.

 

[sndmn11]

Tony clearly put in a lot of time and effort and made a great review here but I think one needs to be done with the actual frame and not a frame with a completely different composition or finish or whatever the difference is. Just my opinion.

I think @Ucsdryder is doing an Ark vs Duplex - is newer better type of review.

 

[Ucsdryder]

I think @Ucsdryder is doing an Ark vs Duplex - is newer better type of review.

Yes sir! I’m waiting on the kifaru ark frame and the KU bag to ship. I have some ideas on things that I’d like to compare and contrast but I’ll start a thread to get some input from RS members as well.

 

[mthomasondpt]

Yes sir! I’m waiting on the kifaru ark frame and the KU bag to ship. I have some ideas on things that I’d like to compare and contrast but I’ll start a thread to get some input from RS members as well.

Can't wait to see/hear your review!

 

[Jake Larsen]

I think it would sand any of those items down. The problem to me is that it’s my nail that rubbed off on the frame not the frame rubbing. I can wipe those letters away. If it abrades my finger nail what is it going to do to the pack or loops etc? I agree, I wish the review would have been done on the product that shipped.

I don’t think that’s Tony’s fault and I sent him a message because I felt like I kind of crapped on his review, which was not my intention.

I’m interested to see what Tony T finds out from Kifaru about the production model finish. I will have to politely disagree about the texture of the finished product. At least on mine, I just can’t see it being an issue. There are two points of contact that have significant pressure/potential abrasion. The tab loops, and the sleeve on the top of the pack where the frame slips inside. The amount of abrasion it takes to actually break high quality 1” nylon webbing is absurd. If you’re really worried about it, carry an extra tab loop or two in your kit, since they weigh essentially nothing. The sleeve at the bag distributes the pressure across the whole top of the frame by design, which is going to help. The material they use on that sleeve is extremely durable. I could be wrong, but I just don’t see how the frame could wear through that sleeve. Again, I could be wrong, but IF there is an issue, Kifaru has always stood behind their products more so than any other company I’ve dealt with. I’m going to assume this will continue to be the case until proven otherwise. I purchased with confidence and have zero regrets so far. At the end of the day, I don’t care if my frame has a pretty finish. I care if it functions and won’t break. For me, Kifaru’s products have always outperformed and been more durable than the competition.


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[PMcGee]

I’m interested to see what Tony T finds out from Kifaru about the production model finish. I will have to politely disagree about the texture of the finished product. At least on mine, I just can’t see it being an issue. There are two points of contact that have significant pressure/potential abrasion. The tab loops, and the sleeve on the top of the pack where the frame slips inside. The amount of abrasion it takes to actually break high quality 1” nylon webbing is absurd. If you’re really worried about it, carry an extra tab loop or two in your kit, since they weigh essentially nothing. The sleeve at the bag distributes the pressure across the whole top of the frame by design, which is going to help. The material they use on that sleeve is extremely durable. I could be wrong, but I just don’t see how the frame could wear through that sleeve. Again, I could be wrong, but IF there is an issue, Kifaru has always stood behind their products more so than any other company I’ve dealt with. I’m going to assume this will continue to be the case until proven otherwise. I purchased with confidence and have zero regrets so far. At the end of the day, I don’t care if my frame has a pretty finish. I care if it functions and won’t break. For me, Kifaru’s products have always outperformed and been more durable than the competition.


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I’m not worried about the finish more so the chips and what looks like cracks in some of the pictures. Will they hold up maybe? But I know if I ordered a truck and it came to the lot with chips in the paint I’d be asking them to fix it. The truck would function just fine but it’s not right. $500 might not but much to some people but others it is. I’ve had zero problems with all my kifaru packs. Aron even offered me a new bag for something that was my fault so I’m not trying to bash them but sometimes constructive criticism isn’t a bad thing.


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[Jake Larsen]

I’m not worried about the finish more so the chips and what looks like cracks in some of the pictures. Will they hold up maybe? But I know if I ordered a truck and it came to the lot with chips in the paint I’d be asking them to fix it. The truck would function just fine but it’s not right. $500 might not but much to some people but others it is. I’ve had zero problems with all my kifaru packs. Aron even offered me a new bag for something that was my fault so I’m not trying to bash them but sometimes constructive criticism isn’t a bad thing.


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I get that 100%. I might feel more that way if mine was chipped out. My frame has zero blemishes or missing material as others have shown.


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[sndmn11]

I’m not worried about the finish more so the chips and what looks like cracks in some of the pictures. Will they hold up maybe? But I know if I ordered a truck and it came to the lot with chips in the paint I’d be asking them to fix it. The truck would function just fine but it’s not right.


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I think there are two levels that I am reading of curiosity. In line with your analogy;
1) Are the Ark frame carbon/finish abnormalities the equivalent of a cracked vehicle engine block?
2) Are the Ark frame carbon/finish abnormalities the equivalent of chipped vehicle paint?

 

[PMcGee]

I get that 100%. I might feel more that way if mine was chipped out. My frame has zero blemishes or missing material as others have shown.


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That’s why I’m going to hold off. Hopefully that issue gets corrected.


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