PRS Talk Eberlestock Operator vs. Phantom for 2-day match/do-it all range bag?

[SixKiller87]

So I’ve been contemplating picking up a new everyday range bag/1-2 day PRS/NRL match, kind of do-it all bag. I first backpack was a 5.11 Rush 24 and found I liked the idea of having a rifle scabbard because I found trying to carry a rifle and tripod along with my backpack at the NRL match in Colorado this past year kind of sucked. so I picked up an Eberlestock Low Drag 2, but it seems I can never find a good place with either bag for my tripod, magnetospeed V3 chronograph, spotting scope, or my shooting bags such as my game changer, and my precision match rifle is a bit to big with the scope to fit well in its scabbard. I have been looking at upgrading again to the Eberlestock Operator or Phantoms because I like the bigger scabbard and that it keeps the rifle covered from dust, I like the rain cover for potentially crappy match weather, and that it seems to have big main and ancillary compartments that look to be able to fit the bigger items I’m carrying to matches/the range nowadays like my tripod, spotter, chronograph, and I could probably fit my shooting bags inside the compartments if I wanted. Just was wondering if any of you guys have had experience with these bags for this purpose and which one may be best?

 

[Kny88]

Afaik the G3 Phantom is essentially a scaled down version of the Operator. It sits in between the Gunslinger and Operator. All of them function the same way as they're designed for field use and to have access while using the rifle on the pack. Just pick which fits best for your amount of stuff.

 

[SixKiller87]

Yeah I guess I might just have to go big or go home and maybe go with the Operator. I guess I was just curious about other people’s experiences with these bags and sizing or possibly other good bag recommendations. I don’t have a current dealer local where I can get a hands on demo.

 

[Kny88]

Yeah I guess I might just have to go big or go home and maybe go with the Operator. I guess I was just curious about other people’s experiences with these bags and sizing or possibly other good bag recommendations. I don’t have a current dealer local where I can get a hands on demo.

If it's relevant you can detach the pack from the scabbard of the Phantom and use either separately. To accomplish that with a bigger carry capacity youd need an F4 and a separate scabbard, but then you're like 500-600 easy. Someone on here was selling that combo for around a G4 price though, I do believe.

 

[Covertnoob5]

I use the g3 phantom for 2day and range use. If you pack it right I really like it and it's awesome. In it I carry:

3 shootings bags inside (sap run n gun, solo sack, gecko 2)
Fix it sticks (full kit)
Kit with extra bits and unusual heads for fix it sticks
Leica lrf binos
8" Shoot n see targets
Pliers
Spotting scope
Tripod
Magnetospeed
Pens & paper
Ammo binder
Water & snacks

That said I sling my rifle and use the scabbard for a jacket or something, if not it’s empty.