I was excited to get the Air Beam frame for my GG Crown 60, as I found the frame woefully inadequate. I was considering upgrading to the Blaze, but for 1 lb more the air beam seemed like a great option.
Upon receiving the Air Beam frame I discovered that the pack sleeve does not accommodate the valve of the Air Beam, which extends about 2 inches diagonally from the corner.
Incredibly, when I called Granite Gear they seemed unaware that there was any issue and their response was to "fold over" the corner. Indeed, this is the only way you can actually zip the sleeve up but when you inflate it to full stiffness it does not want to bend. Furthermore, I worry about the long term stress this would have on the pad.
So, I decided to make a modification with a hot knife. This is the obvious solution that GG should have thought of , indeed I'm surprised there wasn't a slit already for a water bladder. (there is a hole in the middle for that).
I haven't had it out on the trail yet, but the frame definitely feels stiffer so I'm excited about it.
I then discovered a picture online of what appears to be an Air Beam frame with the nozzle in the middle, and flush with the pad. This is incredible that they would change designs to something that doesn't even fit.
I wrote an email to GG complaining about the design, and asking why they don't sell the one that actually fits in the pack. Instead of acknowledging the problem, I got a really terse response that stated that I was wrong about it not fitting, and that I've voided my warranty:
"Hi Jeff,
The VC Air Beam frame was made to fit and work with all VC packs including the Crown VC 60. When placed in the pack properly, the top of the air beam frame is tucked under the top flap of the zipper. Unfortunately with the cut that was made, GG can longer honor their warranty on the pack (warranty voided for alterations made to the pack).
In the future, or if you have further questions about the airbeam, please feel free to contact me at the number below my signature. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thanks for choosing Granite Gear,
Keon Mostofi"
The "when placed in the pack properly" part really gets me. All this guy wanted to tell me was, 'you're an idiot because it does fit, and btw you've voided your warranty.' This is completely ridiculous and will have me reconsidering buying from GG in the future.
Anyways I hope this thread helps some of you considering the Air Beam frame. I think the mod works really well. Just don't expect any support or acknowledgment of the issue from Granite Gear.
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