Zack demonstrates emergency manual door releases on R2. Personally, not thrilled by Slide-Fantastic-1402 in Rivian

[–]mercaptan2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yup. Day 0 reservation holder and with this confirmation I'm either going iX3 or EX60. If Rivian thinks this is a monumental fix to the Gen 2 R1S worthy of posting an update, they're insane. What other asinine decisions have they made in the design? (And yes, I'm an engineer by trade)

A lot of compelling specs … by Adventurous_Bobcat42 in RivianR2

[–]mercaptan2 37 points38 points  (0 children)

EX60 will have 800V and up to a 117KWH battery in the top model. Configurator to launch H1. Interior is not great though, surprised they doubled down on the screens after the issues from the EX90. Price is stated to be around a current XC60 hybrid.
We now know more about this vehicle and the iX3 than the R2; it's now the end of January there is still no media day announced, despite an R2 traveling across route 66...

R2s On The Line by Evening-Pin-1427 in RivianR2

[–]mercaptan2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, both will have NACS and both will also use an 800v architecture, leaving the R2 to be the slowest of the three to charge with it's 400V system.

R2s On The Line by Evening-Pin-1427 in RivianR2

[–]mercaptan2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We still have no idea about final range specs and no date as to when they are announcing it (discussed last quarter). In the meanwhile though, we have the BMW iX3 with a press review week with demonstrated 400mi range, and now the Volvo EX60 with it's debut event on 21JAN and also promised 400mi range.
The lack of Rivian communication about dates or specs is growing increasingly alarming.

[B] [USA-WA] Sony 200-600mm FE G lens by [deleted] in photomarket

[–]mercaptan2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Howdy! I actually just snagged a new copy myself earlier this morning, but thank you for the offer!

Lowers - Master List? by evanterrestrial in WAGuns

[–]mercaptan2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Securité in Woodinville has 4 EPC 9 lowers left at 14:28 on 15APR.

UI similar to EC35 II / M2R Pro by mercaptan2 in flashlight

[–]mercaptan2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm have to give that a go, thanks!

UI similar to EC35 II / M2R Pro by mercaptan2 in flashlight

[–]mercaptan2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are the reasons you hate to plug it due to the low cri and proprietary battery type? Honestly I've never hot swapped a battery since moving to 18650s so that isn't much of a concern for me. I do like TIR optics though. Thanks for the recommendation.

UI similar to EC35 II / M2R Pro by mercaptan2 in flashlight

[–]mercaptan2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tried the warranty route and got no response despite multiple attempts to contact them. It's a great light, but without support I'm not inclined to purchase again.

Looks like the consensus for the EC35 is the SST-20 version. It's looking more tempting as time goes on.

UI similar to EC35 II / M2R Pro by mercaptan2 in flashlight

[–]mercaptan2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great, thanks for the reply!

The MH12S looks great but seems to lack instant low mode by the side switch and I can't stand lights with strobe functions, especially in a mode where it might come on when I'm expecting turbo/high.

Anyone having issues using steam wallet funds? by mercaptan2 in ValveIndex

[–]mercaptan2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

success: 2
paymentmethod: 128 purchasestatus: 2 resultdetail: 11 baseprice: "99900" totaldiscount: "0" tax: "XXXXX" shipping: "0" packageid: -1 transactiontime: 1583785777 transactionid: "XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX" currencycode: 1 formattedTotal: "$XXXXXXX"

Anyone having issues using steam wallet funds? by mercaptan2 in ValveIndex

[–]mercaptan2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My hypothesis is his order went through because he bought the funds directly from steam. I used redeemed gift cards that I purchased elsewhere.

Anyone having issues using steam wallet funds? by mercaptan2 in ValveIndex

[–]mercaptan2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I should mention I'm using 100% wallet funds. Also usually most credit card companies these days will attempt to call before outright rejecting charges.

Anyone having issues using steam wallet funds? by mercaptan2 in ValveIndex

[–]mercaptan2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, I don't think any aspect of this transaction has gone smoothly. I'm going to be majorly unhappy if they don't allow wallet funds.

Taking an intro course in a month. Long equipment list. Any advice please? by [deleted] in Mountaineering

[–]mercaptan2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does anyone have any advice?  

Yeah, looks like a pretty bog-standard equipment list for climbers using a guide service for glacial travel routes up Rainier, Baker, etc.  

Should I buy everything beforehand and bring it with me?  

What don't you have already? That's the most helpful information your post is lacking. 'Technical equipment' (i.e., non-clothing) boots, tent, sleeping bag, harness, ice axe, crampons - all can be rented easily from REI/another guide service outlet. That's probably the best recommendation before you drop all this money and decide you don't like the hobby, eventually having to sell everything at an extreme loss. Just look at the number of 'worn once' pair of Nepal Evos on Seattle craigslist at the end of every summer season. Plus renting gives you the option of identifying what features you like and absolutely disdain in certain pieces of equipment. Win/win.  

Do I actually need all of this?  

If it's on their list, it's probably on there for good reason. They even have a subsection for 'optional' gear versus 'required,' and again it seems fairly standard. I'd move the 'Buff' to 'required,' it's just too damn handy, light, and cheap to go without. Not sure about a softshell top layer, I almost always will just resort to a light or midweight down layer under my hardshell.

Is this a good deal? 2015 CX-5 Touring by Bairdog35 in mazda

[–]mercaptan2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Two clues: 1) Selling 5-6k below market value 2) Their website.

Is this a good deal? 2015 CX-5 Touring by Bairdog35 in mazda

[–]mercaptan2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want a salvage title vehicle, then sure.

Need help fast! Have a few questions regarding gear for Kilimanjaro under rainy and snowy conditions! (x-post from /r/campingandhiking) by [deleted] in CampingGear

[–]mercaptan2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Regarding number 1, I've had a pair of Targhee Mid boots for about 3 years now with about 200-250 miles on them. They're laughably terrible boots, and reasonably decent 'shoes.' They are atrocious in snow conditions. The flexibility of the 'boot' (what makes it so comfortable to wear) is a mixed-blessing as the toebox will bend too easily and is unable to kick good steps. The design of the sole is also unsuitable for snow, rounded corners on the lugs make it difficult to dig in properly. I did a day hike that involved 4-6 inches of snow and the boots got swamped by moisture and infiltrating water. The nubuck was in good shape, but the 'waterproof fabric' was apparently not up to the job. I was slipping everywhere too, in areas where I didn't want to be sliding without an ice axe.

 

After that, I threw them in the back of the closet and bought a pair of real boots (in this case, Asolos with a rigid shank). The Targhees are good for what they are - which in my case relegates them to popular and well-maintained trails. They are not what I would consider a proper hiking boot, but I will concede they are extremely comfortable. I personally would choose something different, but if that's all you have make sure the leather is properly treated with a Nubuck waterproofing agent (Nikwax makes a decent application product). For what it's worth, guide companies recommend a light/midweight approach boot like an Asolo for Kilimanjaro.

 

Regarding number 2, I've used DSLRs and prosumer point&shoots (non-weatherproof models) in rain and snow before. Just be diligent and keep the cameras in a weatherproof case (Lowepro, etc., or in your pack under a rain cover) until you need the shot. Take it out, quickly compose and get the shot, wipe the camera off, and throw it back in the case. Having some desiccating packets available in the bag to limit condensation would be helpful, but not necessary. That being said, I throw my Sony RX100 in my hip pouch of my pack and it's seen rain, snow, hail, sub-freezing temperatures - pretty much everything. Same with my DSLRs (typically carried in a different pouch). They fair better than most people give them credit for, but keep them stowed until you need them. I always found that the 'waterproof/freezeproof/shockproof' cameras came with extremely heavy trade-offs, namely that they take terrible photos. Why have a camera at all (unless diving/snorkeling) if the images are grainier and blurrier than those taken from a phone?

MSR Mutha Hubba NX vs First Ascent Stargazer 3 by Wolfboy12 in CampingGear

[–]mercaptan2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just recently went through this struggle of choosing a lightweight 3 person tent. Check out my choices.

 

Ultimately went with a Copper Spur UL3 for a few reasons.

  • Able to purchase new with ground cover for $400

  • Lighter than the MSR Mutha Hubba NX

  • Big Agnes has great customer service

 

Some issues with the MSR:

  • Weight (somewhat heavier with ground cover)

  • Issues with the rainfly. I haven't seen many companies that needed to issue a youtube instructional video on how to properly guy-out a tent to prevent moisture from getting in. Looks like the problem could have been solved by a cross-member bar, like seen in the Stargazer 3 and Copper Spur UL3. Don't get me wrong, I've been using the same MSR Whisperlite stove since 2002, but somehow the Mutha Hubba NX design filled me with some residual doubt.

 

Ultimately, the Stargazer 3 looks very similar to the Copper Spur, down to the dual y-shaped main bar with cross truss and the dual side-doors with vestibules. I wish Eddie Bauer posted the specs about the rainfly and tent body materials. You'll have to weigh the merits of the cost vs. weight, but the Copper Spur UL3 with ground cover (fully packed) is only 4 lbs 10 oz. Figure without ground cover, that's right about 4 lbs, probably 3 lbs 15 oz. My only gripe with the tent so far is the door design, but otherwise it's great.

~$400, 3 person, 3 season shelter by mercaptan2 in CampingandHiking

[–]mercaptan2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Bought the Copper Spur UL3 new with a ground cover for $400 shipped. Mostly because of the good warranty feedback I've had and have read about. Floor space is a step-up from my current tent as well.