08-07-2011, 09:23 PM
I can confirm they did change their valve between years, not just a specific retailer. The first Arrow Backpacker I got had the old style, same as what the OP is referring to. Later when I had to warranty my toon they sent me a new one that was the following year model. That included a relocation of the valve (from inside the pocket to outside and just in front of the pocket) and the use of a new valve. The older one was larger diameter though it worked in a very similar fashion (the insert and twist your adapter to lock it in). Due to the relocation of the valve use of a new bladder would not work with the older pontoon cover as well. I think the OP has similar issues with his colorado model with the valve relocation.
Part of the issue here is that classic accessories has outsourced the manufacturing of their products and the result of that is they really end up being just a distributor of imported boxed products vs knowledgeable vendors that can respond to a customer need in any meaningful way other then to send a full new replacement in box (presuming your under warranty). They offer a cheaper price in some situations but you might walk away saying I sure got what I paid for.
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Part of the issue here is that classic accessories has outsourced the manufacturing of their products and the result of that is they really end up being just a distributor of imported boxed products vs knowledgeable vendors that can respond to a customer need in any meaningful way other then to send a full new replacement in box (presuming your under warranty). They offer a cheaper price in some situations but you might walk away saying I sure got what I paid for.
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