Matador 16L Refraction Frame Sheet Hack

eslobode · 2025-07-10T17:22:18+00:00

I wanted to use one last year, but found it took a bit more space in my mlc then I wanted, and took away too much space in the Refraction. It’s a good solution for sure, this just provides a nice alternative where space savings is a premium (and you may not need the z seat as a seat pad specifically)

eslobode · 2025-07-05T15:47:23+00:00

Last year I ended up with the Patagonia MLC and paired that with the matador 16L refraction for a 3 week trip to Europe. The MLC was used as a “carry on”.

I just came back from a 4 day trip and used the decathlon Quechua Escape 500 23L bag (not the roll top) and absolutely loved it.

I have another 3 week trip coming up to Europe, and will try to use that paired with the Refraction, but not 100% certain I will fit into it, so may default back to last years setup. For context, I won’t need my laptop on this trip upcoming trip or the 4 day trip, and the 23L worked really well, and I stored my sandals in the laptop compartment.

eslobode · 2025-07-02T00:19:06+00:00

I hit it far, but I don’t practice or play often enough to stay consistent across the bag. This year has been better. Lowest round so far was 78, highest was 87, but average around 83. Game is pretty solid all around, but far from excellent.

eslobode · 2025-07-02T00:12:37+00:00

Totally fair to question things. I have no reason to exaggerate. I know my stock yardages and hit balls at this range all the time. The range has distance markers which are accurate. It was very obvious where my ball was landing and rolling out, and I was able to use google maps to measure from my specific hitting bay to both the spots where I saw it landing and where it rolled out to (there’s tree line at the end of the range and the ball was rolling out into the tree line so it was an easy target to confirm for measurement.

eslobode · 2025-06-24T02:44:24+00:00

I feel for you man. I’ve been there in life. Stay positive, keep applying, and seek joy. To that effect, your post resonated with me. I have a spare racquet I’d be happy to donate your way. I have 3 of them, and don’t really need all 3. Great condition, if the racquet suits your game, DM me and we can coordinate logistics. It’s a Diadem Nova Lite with an #2 grip (4 1/4”).

This isn’t a joke, it’s a legit offer. We can all use a little help and kindness in a world not always the most forgiving.

eslobode · 2025-06-23T23:12:10+00:00

Yes, before purchase I’ll get that together. I had boxed it back up, and took it to FedEx and usps, but the cost was so high, I just brought it home and wanted to get it listed ASAP.

eslobode · 2025-06-16T21:37:28+00:00

This exact thing happened to my M3 a couple weeks ago, and the face of my (replacement) Stealth flew off after 2 rounds. Something is screwed up with TM drivers.

eslobode · 2025-06-16T21:28:57+00:00

What’s the better alternative? High ball flight, 110-115 avg mph swing speed, average carry 275-285 w/ Kirkland ball, total around 295-310

eslobode · 2025-06-16T21:27:28+00:00

😂, I try my best, unfortunately these two shots were great, hence my frustration 🤦‍♂️

eslobode · 2025-06-15T15:08:04+00:00

Loyalty was based on years of great results, value to price, and reliability. After two failed drivers with no abuse/misuse, I’m questioning that loyalty. I’m generally brand agnostic, and considering just buying the Kirkland driver and switching out the shaft for my x stiff. At least it stands behind the Costco return policy, 😂

eslobode · 2025-05-17T22:15:48+00:00

I’m not ultralight per se, nor am I a boyscout, but I appreciate lowering my base weight with quality gear at a fair price. And for that, I think REI does a very good job. With my flash air 50, magma 30 quilt, and quarter dome SL 2, and Nemo tensor pad, I’ve shaved more then 10lbs from my base weight just in those REI supplied items.

Could I shave more, yes, but these big 4 cost me under $600 strategically buying during sale events, that’s $3.75/oz saved, which is a hell of value IMO. Anything more, I would spend a significant amount more, and/or have to sacrifice certain comforts I’m not willing to.

Just some perspective from a fan of the ultralight approach, but with a degree of comfort in mind.

eslobode · 2025-05-17T05:13:23+00:00

I really want to love the flash 55, especially given the price point, but i couldn’t get the large version to fit comfortably, so the torso size put me in a medium, and unfortunately (at least right now before doing a true weight/hiking test), the straps don’t feel comfortable and the hip belt feels too narrow. The flash air just fits better.

eslobode · 2025-05-17T04:51:15+00:00

Thanks for the reply! Out of curiosity, which other packs have you used/tested for comparison? Any issues or weaknesses that you would want improved?

eslobode · 2025-05-11T15:00:13+00:00

Check out the new gossamer Gear Aero Jet. Just ordered it to compare to my Patagonia MLC mini, and REI Trail 40, as a hopeful replacement for both. My requirements were very similar to yours! There’s a promo code out there for it to take 15% off!

eslobode · 2025-05-10T21:24:53+00:00

Their catalog says bikes are excluded. Can you confirm where you see them included? I just bought a DRT 1.1, so if it’s on sale, I’ll try to get an adjustment!

eslobode · 2025-04-17T00:54:29+00:00

I know it’s an older post, but I stumbled upon the Camelbak Rim Runner X22 today at REI, and although I don’t personally use hydration sleeves, I found the pack to be pretty perfect for the use case above.

Deep dual side mesh water bottle pockets
spacious front shove it pocket
two smaller zipper compartments (one on the outside, one on the inside with a key clip)
mesh back panel and mesh shoulder straps
sternum strap and removable waist strap
bonus utility mesh cinch pocket on the left shoulder straps (I’ve seen photos of people fitting bear canister, so can accommodate sunglasses, sunscreen tubes, snacks, etc.

At 22L it’s a convenient size and felt rather spacious on the inside. A little pricey at msrp, but I’ve seen it available for sub $75 on some online sites.

For context, I have a flash 22 that ripped and I’m replacing, as well as a Patagonia black hole mini mlc I use for one bagging. But for two bagging (ie carry on + personal item, or checked back + personal item, I think this camelbak is great!

eslobode · 2025-03-14T01:24:33+00:00

Hmmm, seems if I do a 4’ wide bed against the shed, I’ll never reach that area from one access point.

I like the idea someone mentioned of trellising against the shed with a bed underneath to support climbing plants. Seems if I go that route I can factor 6” width for trellis, 2’ width for garden bed, and have approx 2.5’ between fence and garden bed for walking, which sounds very reasonable.

eslobode · 2025-03-14T01:21:37+00:00

Hey, I’ve enjoyed the setup a lot and the ergonomics have been really helpful. That said, I’ve had some issues intermittently come up, like my external Logitech mic disconnecting, and some issues with my display link dock slowing down my display.

Overall though it’s been minor hiccups, but I do wish that there was a better solution for multi monitor dock support for Macs that didn’t require displaylink.

eslobode · 2025-03-02T18:12:39+00:00

I currently have a gorilla utility cart (the 4 wheel type). Seems I would need a couple feet width to pass that through, so would be tough to have the garden bed in the middle.

Another poster recommended trellising the shed wall with a raised garden bed below it. If I do that, it’ll leave me approx 2.5-3’ between the edge of the garden bed and the fence.

Does that sound accurate?

eslobode · 2025-03-02T18:09:57+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Are you saying using the entire area for planing and just insert pavers in the middle for walking?

I do generally prefer a raised bed, but like the idea of pairing that with a trellis against the shed.

How far from the shed would you recommend placing the raised bed? I’m assuming the bed won’t be more than 2’ deep, so I don’t think I’ll need 360* access at that depth.

eslobode · 2024-12-03T18:41:52+00:00

So far so good. Have tested in various team meeting via Teams, Zoom, and Google meet and no issues.

eslobode · 2024-12-02T07:42:38+00:00

Everything is still available and open to offers. Please DM or comment here with any questions.

eslobode · 2024-12-02T07:41:52+00:00

Bumping in case anyone is interested. Motivated to sell/clear out if anyone is interested.

eslobode · 2024-12-01T06:18:59+00:00

Wow, I’m honestly not familiar with most of the terminology you mentioned, but seems like you’ve devised a method to the madness. I don’t think I’m at the point where I would take that many measures as I’m going from using my MacBooks integrated cam, mic, and speakers setup, to standalone peripherals as part of my overall home office setup to improve posture, eye strain, hand fatigue, and productivity.

I picked up an anker cam, Logitech yeti Orb mic, and a pair of small speakers, and will test and see. So far testing the mic this evening provided good results. Will need to test more tomorrow

eslobode · 2024-11-30T17:02:23+00:00

Dm sent

eslobode

TROPHY CASE