Prodiscus did copy the Grip and I think the community could see that. Maybe I'm reading what you wrote to be "Prodiscus did it, why can't we?"
Am I wrong?
What else is not the same in the bag vs. the Flak? I watched both videos and they look like the exact same bag. Not hating at all but just want to hear from somebody who has seen the bag thinks about it. You did mention you took ideas from other bags, what did you use on this bag? Maybe that would clear it up. Give credit wear credit is due.
To the first point, I think he was saying that Prodiscus got flamed good and hard for "copying" the Grip design, but once the loudmouths calmed down, Prodiscus still sells more bags than they can keep up with. I think the message is that a few people complaining on DGCR doesn't constitute a majority opinion.
For what it's worth, there are really only 3 backpack design models out there right now. The Revo design, the Mahal design, and the Grip design. I only designate those "names" because it's easier. The Ergo is an interesting design change, but I have some serious reservations about that bag. Physical Flight's Challenger was essentially a boxier Grip-style bag.
They are both built off the Revo model. In looking over the two bags very closely, PF definitely seems bigger (but I have not been able to see it in person). The overall orientation is the same, but like I said before, that orientation existed before the Flak anyways. The top compartment on the PF orients the pockets and clips to the front flap instead of in the back. I personally like this better because if I have a hoodie or a ton of crap stuffed in there, I don't need to dig through it all to get to the back pockets.
The side storage pockets are roughly the same. Although I'm pretty sure HB doesn't have the patent on "square." The bottle holders are obviously moved to the front. I'll have to see how I feel about that. On the one hand I worry they may weigh the bag down akwardly. On the other hand, ANY bag I've worn that has the drink holders against my back are very difficult for me to reach back and grab while I'm walking. So this may work out well.
The handle is similar, but it's also the same handle PF used on their Chally bag, so it's a "Physical Flight" standard handle. They could be the same handle, but that just means they buy their handles from the same company.
I can't say what the back padding is made of on the Flak, but the back padding on the Contender is memory foam. I'm willing to bet the Flak is just a standard foam padding as seen in the other bag offerings out there. Which is fine, don't get me wrong. But a memory foam back padding is one of those little things you don't actually "see" but are a unique difference.
Obviously the loops on the front are the same, but they also exist on the Mahal and Gorilla Boy bags (there are probably others, those are just off the top of my head). The side disc pocket is also the same, but again, can be found on other bags too (Prodiscus does it, one of the things they had over the Grip).
The feet are the same, but like the handles, they don't make the feet. They just buy them from a supplier. Plus, they were the same feet used on the Chally as well:
I had stated in an earlier post, I prefer the elastic putter pocket on the Contender. I'm not sure what the design purpose was for a zippered putter pocket on the Flak, but I don't like the idea of dragging my putters out of there on every hole (sometimes more than once) and potentially scuffing up my flight plate needlessly.
Obviously the main opening is oriented opposite. I will admit that traditionally I prefer the Flak/Grip/Prodiscus way. But as long as it tucks out of the way easily, it won't matter in the long run for me. I'll be interested to see if I can wedge a U-channel divider in there.
All in all, yes, there are similarities. But these similarities have existed before, and they will exist again in other bags from other companies. All I see is what you see in ALL things; you take something and make it better. If this is a better backpack, then that's the bottom line in my mind.
