Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

rickp

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Hey guys,
Looking at getting one of these 2 packs.
However I'm on the fence about having the scabbard integrated in the pack or not having it as part of the pack but be able to add it later.

I guess my concern is how secure will the long gun be. (with or without the scabbard) I've done the searaching and came acoss some comments that on the operator the gun can flop around a bit.

Can any users or owners comment on this?

BTW, I'm using the pack for training and hiking, not operationally.

Thanks
R.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

yes hiking, training, and carrying both an SBR and a bolt gun with a can on it.
This bag will not be for operational use though.

I know the bag fits my needs, what i'mot sure about it is if I want the rifle scabbard built in or not. I need the rifle carrying capability, just don't know if I need it built in.

R.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

Well, I cannot answer the question for you.

But as an example, Clint Smith politely requests that attendees at this class bring the Gunslinger I or II and/or the G4.

http://www.thunderranchinc.com/courses.html#HERT

That class requires climbing over rocky outcroppings using both hands to climb.

Both packs have the built in rifle pack (IIAC).

BMT
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

I would just get it with the scabbard built in and call it a day. I owned the Phantom once upon a time and one of the reasons that I bought it was that it was big, you could detach the scabbard and use it as a drag bag, etc..etc.. What I found after using it a few times was that if I needed the pack and didn't need to carry a rifle it was easier to just roll the bottom of the scabbard up instead of detaching it from the pack. Additionaly they say you can use the detachable scabbard like a drag bag for transport and stuff but again I found that if I needed to transport just the rifle I'd use my TAB cover instead. In the end I found that many of the reasons that I'd bought the pack for didn't really pan out and I should've just saved some cash and bought the Gunslinger.

It would take me a while to come around to that fact though after I'd sampled an Eberlestock X-1 and sold it because the scabbard was too narrow. The Gunslinger II is a fantastic all around pack for comps, training, and hikes though and I'm not going to try to push you in that direction since you seem to know what you want. The scabbards on the GSII and Phantom are pretty similar though and I can say that while the gun can shift a little bit it's not really that bad in my experience once you shoulder the pack.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

Not to steal the thread, but which one would be more suitable for the longer rifles like the AIAWSM 338LM? The overall length is about 49". I like the compactness of the Gunslinger II, but don't know if the rifle would fit in it. Thanks for the help.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not to steal the thread, but which one would be more suitable for the longer rifles like the AIAWSM 338LM? The overall length is about 49". I like the compactness of the Gunslinger II, but don't know if the rifle would fit in it. Thanks for the help. </div></div>

The scabbard on the Gunslinger II, Phantom, and G4 Operator is designed to accomodate a weapon up to 60 inches. You won"t have any problem with your rifle with any of these packs.

Based on the OP question, just how much gear do you carry? The G4 Operator will do everything the Gunslinger II will do and then some. However, you get added weight and price with this pack so if you don't need to carry more than 3 days of gear then the G4 might be too much pack for your applications. The Phantom is an outstanding pack but capacity wise it is closer in dimensions to the GS II so if you carry lots of gear it may not have the capacity you need.

In the end which pack is right for you is a personal decision. If you don"t see yourself really NEEDING the detachable scabbard feature but want capacity for 3+ days of gear then go with the Operator. If you don"t need the added capacity & want a detachable scabbard then get the Phantom. If you don't need the added capacity & don't see yourself really needing the detachable scabbard then get the Gunslinger II.

Hope this helps.
Ceylon
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

ceylong or any operator owner.

The reason I'm looking at the Operator and Terminator is the capacity. I want the 5000 capacity. the problem is I won't ALWAYS have a rifle in the bag. But when I do i wan it to be secure. Hense my concern for how well attaching the scabbard to the terminator works. If it's questionalble, then the G4 is it. But if I can have some flexibility and it works well the F4 is it.

I'm definitely getting one of those 2 pack, but the security of the scabbard is the concern. How does the gun sit in the bag. is it secure.

Thanks for the info guys.

R
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

I am going to get the G4 after looking around here and other places. I thought I would like being able to detach the scabbard, but I wonder about how stable it will be when its actually on the pack. I have read some people where not happy with how the scabbard attached to the pack. In order to make it stable, you have to cynch down the pack, making it hard to get your rifle out. They stated the G4 did not have that problem. It was stable even when the pack was a little loose allowing you to get the rifle out a little easier. I think the G4 is more versatile and functional.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rickp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ceylong or any operator owner.

The reason I'm looking at the Operator and Terminator is the capacity. I want the 5000 capacity. the problem is I won't ALWAYS have a rifle in the bag. But when I do i wan it to be secure. Hense my concern for how well attaching the scabbard to the terminator works. If it's questionalble, then the G4 is it. But if I can have some flexibility and it works well the F4 is it.

I'm definitely getting one of those 2 pack, but the security of the scabbard is the concern. How does the gun sit in the bag. is it secure.

Thanks for the info guys.

R </div></div>
Thanks for the additional clarification. It is very helpful.

Go with the G4 Operator. Reasoning:
1) Price: both packs have the same MSRP. If you go with the Terminator & decide you want the A4SS Tactical Scabbard (that is the one that compares best dimension-wise to that of the G4 Operator) then you're looking at an additional $120+ MSRP (or your could talk to a certain Eberlestock dealer on the 'Hide who could take care of you);
2) Even though the A4SS has a solid, snug fit to the Terminator it isn't going to be a stable as an integrated scabbard.;
3) The Operator & Terminator are 8oz. apart weight wise stock from the factory. Add the scabbard for the Terminator & your system just got 3.5 pounds heavier to do the same thing you can do with the Operator.

Just a suggestion here. You can't go wrong with either pack but I can tell you that I sell 50 G4 Operator packs for every 1 Terminator. Should you go with the Operator & decide after some use that you'd rather have the Terminator then you'll have no problem selling your pack here at a higher resale price than the Terminator.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

ceylonc <--- is 100% right, and he is a great guy to deal with.

I have carried a few different rifles in my Operator pack, the only way that I have noticed they will sway is if you neglect to tighten down the straps. If you use the straps as they are intended, the pack will work great.

No matter what you pick, talk to Ceylonc, he will take care of you.
 
Re: Eberlestock Operator or Terminator

Glad the ideas/suggestions are helping with your decision. However, I don't want to "sell" you on one or the other, just want to supply some guidance based on your applications. Deciding which Eberlestock pack is best really does vary based on individual usage & Eberlestock's pack catalog & product descriptions can be vague.

Regarding your question, I'm trying to find my notes that tell me the Operator's capacity without the scabbard. The 5,000 c.i. quoted does include the scabbard on the Operator. One thing to remember is that you can still use the scabbard for gear even if you're not carrying a rifle. Tuck the bottom section into the underside of the packs & it becomes a perfect place to carry a netbook/compact laptop computer, first aid kit, walking sticks, tripod, butcher kit, etc.

Any other questions just ask!