Just got the Shift 3.0 today, still to try on the water. Here are my observations on the changes compared to 2.0:
- the biggest improvement is the QR(Gen9): the cap now stays in position no matter the angle at which ones activates the QR. You just have to click in the loop to reset. The amount of force required is less than 2.0 QR(GEN8?), feels easier and smoother. Still not on the level of modern day QRs where the cap returns immediately in locked position and you can hold it when clicking back in the loop. The loop itself is also smaller, so will bring the bar closer to the rider.
- the bar itself is thinner, with softer, less agresive grip - both changes are not to my liking, but have yet to see how it will feel while riding. They kept the same size of the bar end(s) where the winding mechanism is, so that it is same size and the same spare part can be used in case one needs it.
- the below the bar swivel seems smoother, but yet to try it in water when unspinning. The 2.0 was really stiff and the shape was also not comfortable, digging in my palm.
- the guards at the end of the floaters are nice additions, so one does not over tighten the mechanism.
- I don't like the color scheme and in general - every manufacturer should keep red, orange, yellow on the left hand side!
- the safety leash attachment point is changed and I don't see what all these bit and pieces they added there are for? The short leash that comes with it is also changed, cant say it is better as I don't like neither this nor the old one. Still using my Cabrinha 2017 leash.
- everything else seems the same to me.
All in all I think the improved QR makes 3.0 better, but otherwise if one can find 2.0 at good price - go for it, you will not be losing anything major.
One complaint I want to add - as I am using rope slider spreader bar I wanted to remove the chicken finger from the loop. I found that instead of push out pins as on 2.0 OR uses now hex key screws to attach the loop to the QR - great! BUT - you need a "fin key"(between 2.0-2.5 mm) to unscrew it, while all the other screws on the bar use eitrher 2.0mm or 2.5 mm hex key! Why you need to mix imperial and metric sizes on the same product?! Hope OR will address this in the future!
Anyway Shift 3.0 is still the best backline trim adjusting bar on the market for me!