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I missed this thread but would still like to chime in. I'm sure nsmonkeygirl that you've already bought a crashpad. Anyways, there are basically only a few types of pad out there. The dominant style is an open cell foam pad, top layer approx. 1 inch closed cell foam, with primarily shoulder straps. This type of pad can not carry too much since the load is on the shoulders. Regarding the foam, the heavier it is, the better it is. That's a bit generalized, but is mostly true. I use a flashed pad (I'm also biased in that I'm one of their product testers), a shogun, and the foam has been seriously used for maybe 5 or more years, and I've had them replace the cover once, last month, and the top closed cell layer some time early last year, I think. The open cell foam used by flashed is one of the heavier if not the heaviest out there, but it's also basically bombproof. It's in perfect condition to this day. All closed cell breaks down, and it's supposed to do that. It takes the brunt of the shock on impact and needs to be replaced on occasion. The outer cover was still usable, but flashed replaced mine to test the addition of top supports that pull the upper part close to my back and shoulders.
Of the two types of conventional pads, the heavier ones with better open cell foam need more support for carrying them. The flashed conventional pads are the only ones that I know of with a real or serious hip harness. The lighter you are and the less capable your shoulders are for taking the weight of pad and gear, a hip system makes a huge difference. All their pads with full hip support ride very well. I can easily hike for 2 hours one way, seriously, without any issues and carrying a full day's load of water, camera stuff, food and gear.
the other type of pad is an air pad system, and I only know of flashed air pad that's in production, but I'm sure someone might fill me in on others. It's quite different in characteristics and is heavier than other pads. The primary strength of the air pad is that it absorbs almost all the kinetic energy on impact. What this means is that you don't get that rebound shock from the open cell foam trying to return to it's original form. For most peeps (younger mainly) it's no big deal to deal with, but in the long run, there is the possibility that the conventional pads could cause knee and lower back issues. Of course this is premised on the fact that one is actually falling from a decent height repeatedly. Also, the edges on the air pad don't hold up to a fixed corner or edge, so it's very forgiving if you land on the edge. the downside is it because it doesn't hold up, pushed up against a conventional pad will expose the conventional pad's edge. The higher you fall, the better the air pad is, IMHO. The air pad also doesn't hold a rigid base or form against irregular surfaces. This can be both good and bad. The good is that it'll conform and deform on impact when the surface is angled--meaning it acts as if the surface is flat. A conventional pad will literally "kick" you off and down the slope of the pad. The bad is that the air will not establish a rigid and flat surface over irregularities. Sharp objects will cause the pad to not be as effective and will potentially create a risk of impact if not fixed by other means (mainly to use a conventional pad to flatten the area first). The air pad is expensive. The latest design of the airpad now rides very good. It has the upper straps to pull the top close, and it uses the full suspension.
After using the air pad, I feel it's the best there is. It has limitations, that should improve with better technology and design. What makes it so good has everything to do with the impact feel. I typically take one air pad and one conventional pad. Because it's expensive, I think it's best suited for those wanting to do highballs. because the edges are forgiving, it's perfect as the top layer and strike zone sitting over conventional pads.
A buddy of mine recently had his lower spine fuzed, after twice rupturing a disc. He loves highballs and he's not afraid to go for it. It cost him. He uses the air pad now and swears by it. No one can say what the causes are for his back problem, but I really do think, anecdotally, that had he had an air pad the whole time, he wouldn't have a fuzed spine today. just my opinion. of course, how one falls has tons to do with impact as well as one's genes, I'm sure.
I assume by your name that you're a chick, if so, the temple works very well and isn't a small pad. I've had several women say it's their best crash pad and they love the way it carries. Their small and their shoulders took a beating with the conventional designs sans serious waist strap.
rm
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