runningDoc
Double Eagle Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2014
- Messages
- 1,595
having had both the Grip C-14 and the UPD The Shift for a while I have to say that the Shift is the better value and smarter design.
the Shifts' inherent advantage is that it has so much more storage compared to the C-14, but is actually a less bulky bag.
The way the disc storage/slots work is so flexible (the outside 4 pockets can hold 8 but also have the ability to easily hold 12 - three in each pocket). The inside pockets can hold 6 easy, but you can easily fit 8 or even nine spread out in the three slots. So you have the ability to carry 15 discs but also go up to 20 discs if you want (and thats not even using the main storage compartment yet).
Then there is the bulk non-disc storage. You can easily fit a large thick hoodie in the storage. I've fitted a shell and a down hooded jacket in the storage space. More water? There are even side nets to hold things securely that act like internal side pockets (so you can hold your extra beverages/stuff in the side to have the middle larger storage remain intact) so you can put at least 48oz MORE of your favorite beverage in the main storage and a hoodie. The side pockets attached to the shoulder straps can hold your valuables (keys wallet cellphone and little things like a small bug spray bottle/balm/ect).
The 2nd biggest advantage, which is difficult to prove, since there are probably a low amount of people who have had a chance to use both bags extensively is that the Shift is a more comfortable bag to use compared to the Grip C-14. With the Shift the discs are located on the outside and upper part of the inside of the bag. The side pockets act as stabilizers as well as smart storage. So essentially its just a nice backpack with smart/evenly distributed disc storage layout. The shift is almost a half pound lighter (because there are fewer rigid plastic panels). Its personal but I think that the shift is a more comfortable bag having used one compared to the Grip C-14 for multiple rounds).
I bet that the Shift owners in this thread can attest to the comfort of the bag over a prolonged period of time.
The other big advantage that is more personal for me is that I like how understated the logo/labels are on the UPD bags. I blacked out my Grip logos because it was a bit much/gaudy for me. I'll freely admit that the Grip C-14 or even their A series bags are great looking bags (sexier bags than their competition if you will), and would be even without the large "look at me!" logo prominently plastered not only the main panel in the front, but even the side's drink pockets.
Some disadvantages the Shift bag has compared to the Grip C-14?
The material on the C-14 seems more robust. Grip uses what feels like luggage grade material (which likely adds to the weight).
The integrated top/quick handle into the back straps works better for quickly picking up your bag to move to a nearby tee (there's a great handle on the shift, but it often collapses or gets stuffed/caught behind the main flap or top discs in the top slot of the inner storage).
The bottom of the shift only has three feet which work good, but you could easily bulk it up by using a longer bumper/rail system like grip's or other bags.
As of now the Grip C-14 has an available excellent rainfly (sold separately). The shift doesn't.
Some players still like the straightforward disc storage accessibility of the grip bags. Sometimes I have my discs organized neatly in my shift per area/storage pockets then I'm in a little hurry and I start putting discs back into different pockets and it turns into a whole jambalaya of discs to where I sometimes forget I had a better disc for a specific situation (the grip has the putter quiver and all your discs right there).
Overall the Shift has to be the best/most versatile/best value bag out there if you want to hold 14-18 discs have space for a jacket/hoodie/beverages/even more discs. Its super comfortable, light, and functional. You have a lot of options with the Shift, but the Grip there seems to be more compromise.
the Shifts' inherent advantage is that it has so much more storage compared to the C-14, but is actually a less bulky bag.
The way the disc storage/slots work is so flexible (the outside 4 pockets can hold 8 but also have the ability to easily hold 12 - three in each pocket). The inside pockets can hold 6 easy, but you can easily fit 8 or even nine spread out in the three slots. So you have the ability to carry 15 discs but also go up to 20 discs if you want (and thats not even using the main storage compartment yet).
Then there is the bulk non-disc storage. You can easily fit a large thick hoodie in the storage. I've fitted a shell and a down hooded jacket in the storage space. More water? There are even side nets to hold things securely that act like internal side pockets (so you can hold your extra beverages/stuff in the side to have the middle larger storage remain intact) so you can put at least 48oz MORE of your favorite beverage in the main storage and a hoodie. The side pockets attached to the shoulder straps can hold your valuables (keys wallet cellphone and little things like a small bug spray bottle/balm/ect).
The 2nd biggest advantage, which is difficult to prove, since there are probably a low amount of people who have had a chance to use both bags extensively is that the Shift is a more comfortable bag to use compared to the Grip C-14. With the Shift the discs are located on the outside and upper part of the inside of the bag. The side pockets act as stabilizers as well as smart storage. So essentially its just a nice backpack with smart/evenly distributed disc storage layout. The shift is almost a half pound lighter (because there are fewer rigid plastic panels). Its personal but I think that the shift is a more comfortable bag having used one compared to the Grip C-14 for multiple rounds).
I bet that the Shift owners in this thread can attest to the comfort of the bag over a prolonged period of time.
The other big advantage that is more personal for me is that I like how understated the logo/labels are on the UPD bags. I blacked out my Grip logos because it was a bit much/gaudy for me. I'll freely admit that the Grip C-14 or even their A series bags are great looking bags (sexier bags than their competition if you will), and would be even without the large "look at me!" logo prominently plastered not only the main panel in the front, but even the side's drink pockets.
Some disadvantages the Shift bag has compared to the Grip C-14?
The material on the C-14 seems more robust. Grip uses what feels like luggage grade material (which likely adds to the weight).
The integrated top/quick handle into the back straps works better for quickly picking up your bag to move to a nearby tee (there's a great handle on the shift, but it often collapses or gets stuffed/caught behind the main flap or top discs in the top slot of the inner storage).
The bottom of the shift only has three feet which work good, but you could easily bulk it up by using a longer bumper/rail system like grip's or other bags.
As of now the Grip C-14 has an available excellent rainfly (sold separately). The shift doesn't.
Some players still like the straightforward disc storage accessibility of the grip bags. Sometimes I have my discs organized neatly in my shift per area/storage pockets then I'm in a little hurry and I start putting discs back into different pockets and it turns into a whole jambalaya of discs to where I sometimes forget I had a better disc for a specific situation (the grip has the putter quiver and all your discs right there).
Overall the Shift has to be the best/most versatile/best value bag out there if you want to hold 14-18 discs have space for a jacket/hoodie/beverages/even more discs. Its super comfortable, light, and functional. You have a lot of options with the Shift, but the Grip there seems to be more compromise.
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