$50 less but missing some of the features that John explains well in the video posted here and in literature. There is a reason, a true purpose, behind each little thing John does. So I wouldn't dismiss this over $50. The man has been using almost an identical set up for 40 years and has tweaked it along the way until it became the ESS. $50 for 40 years of wisdom - yeah, I'd buy that. Just because all of these are based off the original Anderson - Does Not make them all equal. Like I said, everything John does is very intentional, don't underestimate it.
Mautypsu,
I'm not sure I grasped the features you say John explains well in the video. Please note that these comments are made to help me better understand the features of the ESS compared to the Recon or Anderson slings.
First, the D-rings on the ESS appear to be a non-factor among the ESS, Recon and Anderson. The bridge is always going to settle opposite the webbing, just like the Anderson and the Recon. There doesn't appear to be a need for the bridge to slide all over the D-ring when it is just going to settle in the same exact spot every time. In the ESS video the bridge is always in the same position, opposite the webbing. To me, it's a feature that doesn't seem to have a functional advantage over the Anderson or Recon. Perhaps I'm missing something obvious which wouldn't be the first time. John's comments regarding the rings are in relation to the single panel saddles, not other slings. See the 23:07 to 23:24 marks of the ESS video. So it doesn't appear to be a functional difference with the Recon/Anderson slings, but with Tethrd's own products and other single panel saddles.
Second, the leg loops. For clarity, in chronology, the ESS video was shot before the Eberhart Outdoors prior video (note that the ESS video ends with a discussion of tether height and the prior video awkwardly starts with a comment on tether height). In John's response to VTbow's comment on the leg loops barely hanging on as shown in the prior video, John said he did not properly connect them. In the ESS video at the 7:59-8:00 mark, you can clearly see that the leg loops are fully connected properly and then subsequently become loose almost to the point of falling off the connection. This needs to be clarified or improved as the ESS video shows that the leg loops do not work as intended.
While the belts are different among the ESS, Recon and Anderson, it is a feature that is not focused upon in the ESS video as most saddles/slings have appropriate belts. All appear to be functional. As John has stated in the past, you can't fall out of these types of slings.
Lastly, I would like to know where the ESS is manufactured as certain products from Tethrd are manufactured in China and not represented as such on their website. (In fact you could say they are misrepresented as there is a "Made in the USA" logo at the bottom of every Tethrd product page). If it is in fact made in China/overseas, I think it is curious to have the American Flag on the ESS (albeit in Tethrd colors) as shown at the beginning of the ESS video. The Recon is made in the US and sewn by a company that manufactures parachute gear. It is my understanding that the question has been asked, but to date, no one has answered the ESS manufacturing question. Hopefully someone who purchases an ESS will post its country of origin. While this may not be important for some, I know it is important to others, especially if there is an American Flag attached.
Does the ESS come in different sizes? I think the Recon comes in three sizes, whereas the Anderson was only one size.
I look forward to some comparison videos. Perhaps John already has some videos to help better explain the ESS features.
