Dakine Blade

[bcbobcat22]

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...1&source=20049


Good deal?
Anyone know anything about the blade pack?

[Idris]

not a bad deal......nice pack, pity about the build quality but the warranty more than makes up....I use an older chute (next size up), I ve been impresed with the functionality compared to ther pacs....mine has only failed due to abuse!

[bcbobcat22]

build quality?

[BakerBoy]

build quality?

You get what you pay for, it's DaKine. But my Heli Pro has held up pretty decent for 300 something days on it. Only a few rips here and there from carrying skis so much, and the metal blade has cut holes in the fabric on the bottom... I guess its time for a new one.

[LaramieSkiBum]

\thread jack



metal blade in the heli? whaaaaa?

No metal at all in my heli - has stood up well for over 3 years now too. School, ski, backpacking, suitcase...



/end jack

[skibum193]

u guys like ur heli pros (size large)? cuz i think im gettin one for xmas

[Jumper Bones]

You get what you pay for, it's DaKine. But my Heli Pro has held up pretty decent for 300 something days on it. Only a few rips here and there from carrying skis so much, and the metal blade has cut holes in the fabric on the bottom... I guess its time for a new one.

Just drop the pack with skis in the ski loops, or some other way to rip out the loops...and send it back to DaKine. Sure, you'll have to pay like 5 bucks for shipping, but most likely you'll get a brand new pack in the process - thank god for lifetime warranties.

Laramie, I believe BB was referring to a metal shovel blade...right?

I've had a Heli and the Poacher for years now. I've been very happy with them. I've also gotten two new packs after warranty returns, they've taken care of me. I mean, sure it sucks not having a pack for 4 or 5 weeks while waiting for the turnaround...but getting new, back, makes it worth it.

[LaramieSkiBum]

Laramie, I believe BB was referring to a metal shovel blade...right?

ahhh yes...

My shovel had also riped a hole in the corner....my temp solution was to keep my extra gloves in the outer pocket in those corners...

I took my pack to a local leather shop and they stiched everything up and repaired one zipper for 10 dolla.

[Jumper Bones]

5 bucks for postage to DaKine and you probably could have had a new (or good-as-new) pack.

If I couldn't say it enough, I have had a very positive warranty interaction with this company. I'm now taking a chance with their gloves, and we'll see how that works out.

[LaramieSkiBum]

5 bucks for postage to DaKine and you probably could have had a new (or good-as-new) pack.

If I couldn't say it enough, I have had a very positive warranty interaction with this company. I'm now taking a chance with their gloves, and we'll see how that works out.

sometimes this kind of thing can be a bad sign, like car parts with unlimited warrantys...basically they make shit so cheap they can afford to send you as many as you break with out losing out over all...

I have had nothing but positive experience with my heli pro tho....

[Jumper Bones]

well, I've had that Poacher for...5 or 6 years now, and it's been literally all over the US and Europe with me. I got the new one this year, I've skied with it one day.

I've had the Heli for...4 years. Each time it broke was for understandable reasons, mostly getting stuck to chairlifts (that's happened to me 3 times now). Heh, one time, I was literally hanging from the pack as the chair went around the bullwheel...the pack held all my weight for about 10 secs, before it self-destructed.

EDIT - and everyone on the Lone Peak Triple at Big Sky was laughing their ass off. It was really funny, if you weren't me.

Yes I'm a total JONG.

[yesIsaidyes]

I have had a HP for 5 years now - totally bomber although I have been less than impressed with how much I can get into the thing (I got mine before they came in sizes so I am not sure how it compares with new ones) - another thing about the newer packs (I have a blade now too) is they tend to have a bunch of extraneous crap on them which ups the weight quite a bit over a pack like Black Diamond - something to keep in mind. Finally, unless you LOVE the diagonal ski carry system and would not do it any other way - this is not the pack for you (unless you snowboard, then this is the shizzy).

[BakerBoy]

Finally, unless you LOVE the diagonal ski carry system and would not do it any other way - this is not the pack for you (unless you snowboard, then this is the shizzy).

Exactly... the diagonal carry system is the easiest, cleanest way to carry skis, and you can carry just about anything. I've had many backpacks over the years that didn't have big enough loops to do much with.

[Jumper Bones]

Yeah, even super-fats like my Kahunas (108mm waist) and BB's BS106 fit in the loops just fine.

[BakerBoy]

Yeah, even super-fats like my Kahunas (108mm waist) and BB's BS106 fit in the loops just fine.

Spatulas fit just fine too...

[snowrider]

I own the blade. I've done summer day hiking, overnight hiking, skiing and general travel with it. Its big enough to do a 1-3 night camping trip in the summer, and has plenty of room for ski gear, extra layers etc in the winter. Back access is awesome as you don't have to take the pack off to get stuff out, or dig way down to get something at the bottom. As said above, diagonal ski carry is the shit. It also has a water bladder bag in the pack to put a hyrdration bladder in with a hole in the top to run the tube through and a clip on the shoulder strap. The pack also distributes the weight well.

I've done trips with it packed to the brim, plus shovel, probes, snow saw (which by the way it has room for all of those) and a pair of skis in the carry system and it wasn't bad at all. If your looking for a pack in the Blade size range I highly recommend it.

[powdog]

I have an older Poacher (five years) and a Guide (two years), and I'm thinking about a Ridge pack next season. I like the aluminum stays and the back access on all these - there's nothing better for the price. The main thing is the back access - there are many a couple of pack makers that have this. Of course, the straps should have velcro on them so they don't flap around while skiing, but that's a minor quibble.

About five years ago, my luggage went missing for three days. After this happened, I carry the basic ski clothes (parka, bibs, fleece, socks, gloves, etc.) with me on the plane - including my boots. Just the minimum, but it happened two years ago - again! - and I was glad I schlepped my outerwear, etc. with me.

What I like about the Guide is that it has an external shovel pocket - and it's roomy enough for an extended weekend, various cycling outings, camping, and it can take 30-plus pounds with ease. Of course, it shows its use - mostly cosmetic (like I care - I'm a guy).

A note: everytime I ski with a fanny pack it slips - grrrrr...

[yosh46]

I own the blade pack. I've had it for a couple years - been with me on some ski trips and a few hiking trips. Personally, although the features sounds interesting, I find that there are too many that they begin to compromise the effectiveness of the pack. It is heavy for its size and alot of the straps / buckles are essentially useless - two different ways to carry a snowboard (pretty useless for a skier)

[Toby]

Hey, thanks for the review dude . I'm sure it'll be super useful in helping bcbobcat22 make up his mind.

[yosh46]

thought maybe it would be useful to anyone that was using the search function and needed to know something about the blade - didnt realize it came up to front page