Pre-2020 vs 2020 Mystery Ranch - Metcalf/Pintler

[TygerJ]

Have an opportunity to buy a metcalf/Pintler combo that is pre-2020 at a very good price. Has the guide lite frame, not the new guide light MT frame/belt on the 2020 packs.

Are the new 2020 improvements to the frame, belt, and bags, really worth passing up buying the older models?

Are older bags compatible with the new frame or vice versa?

Would one be able to swap out the old belt with a new version of the belt at some point?

Need y’alls help so I can better understand the scenario regarding this cutover to the new frame/belt/updated bags. Concerned about obsolescence for sure if the old bags are not compatible with the new frame/belt going forward.

As always, thanks to all for sharing their knowledge and insights.

 

[Wilks54]

I think the older models are very good and solid. Newer and additional improvements are great, but they don’t make the older model total crap. If you find a great deal on an older pack that fits you and your needs, take it! Don’t overthink that part of it.

 

[19hunt92]

Why fix (or pay) for something that isn't broken? I have a pre-2020 Metcalf and hauled out a sheep this past August (112 lbs) and trained with it with up to 80 lbs for a couple summers now. No issues, its not broken and I am sold on buying again, although i doubt i ever have to.

 

[bruno59]

I have both and like them a lot the bags can be used on either frame but you have to switch buckles because they put a different buckle on the GLMT frame, easy to source the GL buckles they are the same as kifaru use ITW but the new frame not as easy,i think you can get some from MR, as far as belts you cannot switch belts, the GLMT belt is a little better i think but the older GL belt works just fine for me, the new bags do come off the frame easier to use the load shelf any other questions you can pm me

 

[TygerJ]

Thanks to all that have weighed in with your insights. Absolutely has helped provide some perspective on the situation.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I like the guide light MT more. Can’t say I like it $200 or even $100 more.

Old bags work on the new frames but you will need some buckles.

 

[Trial153]

I used both the last 10 days in Arizona, i wouldnt pay any extra for the new frame.

 

[TygerJ]

I like the guide light MT more. Can’t say I like it $200 or even $100 more.

Old bags work on the new frames but you will need some buckles.

As a finance guy, you’ve cut right to what I was curious about. How much of a value-premium does the new frame/belt/pack designs equate to. Based on your commentary, doesn’t sound like much; both (new and old) are about equal.

 

[Desk Jockey]

As a finance guy, you’ve cut right to what I was curious about. How much of a value-premium does the new frame/belt/pack designs equate to. Based on your commentary, doesn’t sound like much; both (new and old) are about equal.

I think the guide light compared to the NICE frame is a substantial design change/improvement. A lot lighter and much more streamlined design. I think the guide light MT is more of a refinement of the guide light. I have posted about this before so I will abbreviate a bit.

- belt set up and padding is biggest improvement IMO. Stays tight and is more comfortable.
- molle on the belt is a nice add
- couldn’t tell you I notice the difference in the shoulder straps.
- pack attachment to the frame is easier on my sawtooth and beartooth but that is on the pack.
- not sure what design tweaks they made to pintler or Metcalf for 2020
- I think they shaved some weight on the packs and frames but I am not sure
- new packs are 350d nylon vs old 500d. Comparative durability tbd.
- buckle kit for attaching old pack to new frame is $20 from MR.

I swapped out of my Metcalf a year ago to a beartooth mainly to get some pockets. New frame was a nice bonus and changes took care of some of my peeves above the guide light (belt loosened and had no molle).

If you want the latest and greatest then go for the 2020 stuff. It will be a great pack for a long time and you will get your $$ worth. If you want to save a few bucks and still get a great pack, I think this is the time to buy an older version packs on clearance or from some idiot like me doing an upgrade. Prices aren’t going to get better.

 

[TygerJ]

I think the guide light compared to the NICE frame is a substantial design change/improvement. A lot lighter and much more streamlined design. I think the guide light MT is more of a refinement of the guide light. I have posted about this before so I will abbreviate a bit.

- belt set up and padding is biggest improvement IMO. Stays tight and is more comfortable.
- molle on the belt is a nice add
- couldn’t tell you I notice the difference in the shoulder straps.
- pack attachment to the frame is easier on my sawtooth and beartooth but that is on the pack.
- not sure what design tweaks they made to pintler or Metcalf for 2020
- I think they shaved some weight on the packs and frames but I am not sure
- new packs are 350d nylon vs old 500d. Comparative durability tbd.
- buckle kit for attaching old pack to new frame is $20 from MR.

I swapped out of my Metcalf a year ago to a beartooth mainly to get some pockets. New frame was a nice bonus and changes took care of some of my peeves above the guide light (belt loosened and had no molle).

If you want the latest and greatest then go for the 2020 stuff. It will be a great pack for a long time and you will get your $$ worth. If you want to save a few bucks and still get a great pack, I think this is the time to buy an older version packs on clearance or from some idiot like me doing an upgrade. Prices aren’t going to get better.

Copy. Great time to be a buyer. Can’t lose either way.