Feedback from the units I bought and passed around, both narrow and wide. Summarized with my words, in no particular order or value assigned unless noted. Some got reminders to consider ETQ in its intended context, not as a direct competitor to others. As expected, this was mostly an issue with those with existing training or product preference.
- Functional as TQ.
- Better than nothing.
- Better than some of the elastic options. (Usually followed 1-handed self-applications.)
- Favorable comments on the QR code, easy to find product video, and the 3 printed lines of instruction.
- Plenty of reps and applications, tension and duration varied. TQs held up. Hook and loop still good.
- 1” is too thin, wide is preferred width.
- "Felt cheap", other comments on overall perception of construction.
- Glo-stick comments range from indifference to gimmick. A few thought it was some sort of level. Only one user enthusiastic about it. Possibly advantageous if activated prior to an event (training, hit, etc) and if red rather than green.
- Glo-stick is replaceable, not sure when/why you'd replace it on a single-use item. Instructors recognized it could be replaced on training units for classes/reps, but wouldn't.
- Windlass “feels small.”
- Windlass trouble: Gate/clip too tall, got in the way of windlass rotation sometimes. Center of windlass and rotation point is too close to the gate, windlass is too short for best leverage especially one-handed.
- Windlass trouble: Spring bar inside clip could be pushed down, but sometimes not enough room inside for windlass to clear it and allow it to pop back up.
- Both windlass troubles exacerbated by the windlass (rolling?) to the left relative to the gate. As it was rotated clockwise the tension band passing through the windlass gathers material underneath, even when strap is properly pulled tight.
- Because of above, one-handed applications were more complicated/difficult than other similar designs (CAT/SOF/TMT).
- Some had seen ETQ already, a couple tried to order, but gave up when constantly out of stock.
- When EDC context considered, not enough smaller/thinner/lighter to replace CATv7 or SOF.
- No advantage to the ETQ over SOF or CAT when in a kit, pouch, or bag.
- CAT fans: leave the gate/clip open, make the wings on the top of the gate same size.
- SOF fans: lots of plastic, plastic used in ETQ is suspect.
- Common: not necessarily a bad TQ, but “why?”
- Questions about any tests of durability after longer term heat & cold cycling or extremes such as in a car or on kit.
- Questions about UV exposure testing.
- ETQ is same price as known-good SOF and CAT, would consider ETQ if cheaper. Suggested price point of $25 or less.
- Package a live and trainer combo "value-pack" at $40.
I won't add these to my kits, no gain over my current preferences. I'll use the ETQ wides as trainers and exemplars and see when they appreciably wear or break. I have no use for the narrows.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by SouthNarc
