Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

[mark5pt56]

Well, I'm debating the three and was hoping for some input and maybe pictures of the different ones in the real world. For those who have used them, please advise on the like/dislikes, etc.

Mark

What I'm trying to do is use this for three different things.
1-High Power Competitions
2-Hunting
3-Long Range Shooting, mainly range work, some competitions.

Goals
1- Have one pack
2- One carrier(pack/rifle)
3- Versatile with external attachment options.
4- If I change my shooting mat, or can lash current one to the bottom of the pack, I will only need to hand carry my shooting stool for HP(I don't use a cart, been doing it hobo style.

Since some of the gear I would carry will remain constant such as first aid items, multi-tool, clothing and water. Some may be added depending on use. The major items would be for shooting(spotting scope and tripod.(I will be getting the PRS large for dual use of High Power and shooting support) I need the large for standing offhand.For hunting the two biggest are bulky outerwear and maybe the Lonewolf Hand Climber. Sometimes, I just use the seat portion for a tree seat.

The main questions would be:
1-Is it worth having the scabbard and pack combo?
2-Is there sufficient padding in the scabbard to protect it in transport while in a bed of a truck? Anything from a wood stocked W70 to a iron sighted NM rifle.

Right now I just use an Eagle three day pack and whatever rifle case I need. The Eagle is nice, I do wish it was the Molle version for increased versatility. I use lashing straps to secure the big clothing items and field rig the climber to the back.

Please don't just post "call Ceylon" I plan on doing that also.

Thanks for the help.

Mark

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

Based on your explanation and my experience with all of the packs you are considering... I would say GSII.

The lowdrag is a close second but lacks a bit of room when compared to the GSII.

Im my opinion, avoid the phantom. It is the least favorite of all (8) the Eberlestock packs I have tried. It lacks horizontal or vertical compression straps for the main compartment. If your load isnt using all the room in the pack it moves around and shifts. Bad Ju Ju.

I prefer the attached scabbard that Eberlestock offers. It offers a solid and compact way to transport the rifle. Padding is plenty but not over the top.

Depending on how you drive that pickup I would say its fine in the bed but wouldn't count on it to protect against hard hits against other hard objects over a long time. All depends on how much you baby your equipment.

Hope this helps.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

I agree, look at using the Gunslinger II over the other options for what you'll be doing. The Gunslinger II is likewise my favorite Eberlestock out of the three that I've owned and used for competitions, travel, and range trips. Not only does the GSII have multiple compression straps to secure gear and rifles, multiple internal pockets really help with organizing essentials.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Based on your explanation and my experience with all of the packs you are considering... I would say GSII.

The lowdrag is a close second but lacks a bit of room when compared to the GSII.

Im my opinion, avoid the phantom. It is the least favorite of all (8) the Eberlestock packs I have tried. It lacks horizontal or vertical compression straps for the main compartment. If your load isnt using all the room in the pack it moves around and shifts. Bad Ju Ju.

I prefer the attached scabbard that Eberlestock offers. It offers a solid and compact way to transport the rifle. Padding is plenty but not over the top.

Depending on how you drive that pickup I would say its fine in the bed but wouldn't count on it to protect against hard hits against other hard objects over a long time. All depends on how much you baby your equipment.

Hope this helps. </div></div>
This is solid advice. Ryan knows what he's talking about.

I will say that I believe that the X3 LoDrag will fulfill the applications your detailed BUT will require you to be mindful of the the smaller capacity when compared to the Gunslinger II. This isn't always a bad thing...

Best of luck & feel free to ask if you have additional questions.

Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com

 

[jdr724]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

I've got the lodrag and bought a few eberlestock and eagle molle pouched to attach to the pack and waist belt for aadded modular storage.

I use it for everything you mentioned but i'm more of a low drag vs. kitchen sink guy.

Whatever you do buy it from this guy.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This is solid advice. Ryan knows what he's talking about.

I will say that I believe that the X3 LoDrag will fulfill the applications your detailed BUT will require you to be mindful of the the smaller capacity when compared to the Gunslinger II. This isn't always a bad thing...

Best of luck & feel free to ask if you have additional questions.

Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com </div></div>

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

Sounds great all! I just need to bite the bullet and get the money into my account before calling. Of course I'll need a color that doesn't look like a deer!
Does that scabbard have close cell foam? It appears that it has some.
Thanks for the help on this.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jdr724</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whatever you do buy it from this guy.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This is solid advice. Ryan knows what he's talking about.

I will say that I believe that the X3 LoDrag will fulfill the applications your detailed BUT will require you to be mindful of the the smaller capacity when compared to the Gunslinger II. This isn't always a bad thing...

Best of luck & feel free to ask if you have additional questions.

Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com </div></div> </div></div>

Certainly

 

[HawkDriver]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

I have the Lo Drag and love it. I have changed my load out twice this week alone and had room for everything I needed to go to the range and for a day hunt. The GSII is a close second but sometimes with the extra room, you feel obligated to fill it... Just food for thought, stuff gets heavy fast. I love the scabbard in the pack because I can use it for extra storage for collapsible items such a merino wool thermals and a change of clothes, socks, etc. and it adds padding an security around the rifle.

 

[JC Steel]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

LOL, call Ceylon!

I have a lo drag, and its probably the best decision of packs I made. If it does not have enough space, you can take advantage of all the molle on the pack. There are lots of different accessories and pouches and such you can attach to the sides/bottom/top of the pack.

I would go lo drag. ANd I have one of each.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

Excellent, I called Ceylon and will get the GSII, just have to get the color in, no worries.
Very impressed with the time he takes to really make sure you get what fits your needs and actually knows what he's talking about.

I highly recommend calling him for anything that he carries.

Thanks Ceylon and to all who helped out!

Mark

 

[2_many_dogs]

Re: Phantom, GS II or Lo Drag?

ain't ceylon great?

i got my GS-II from him - i "needed" the extra capacity. gear expands to fill up the available space, of course.

ceylon, if you're still looking at this thread, thanks!