Bought a kask in August and prefer it over the petzl which I have had 2 of over the last 6 years. Visor takes some getting used to, I use the salamander beek in the summer to protect my nose and face from the sun, I don't have a lot of skin left on my nose (layers) due to skiing and working in the sun for so long, sun screen runs off my nose on hot days and always forgot to re apply, the salamander beeks been awesome! Looks like I will be getting a few more kasks at the tcia expo when I buy the ropetek comm system from Paul. Marquis I think they changed the fabric up on the inside of the kasks and solved the problem you talked about.
We sent two of them back for an "update" kask did repair them at no charge, but they didnt seem to last much longer then the first batch. The kask is a very well marketed product that is following the new trend in arborist equipment. Very cool must haves that are expensive and dont last very long. When they came out half of our guys wanted them, tried a few now no one wants one here.
I had the same experience with saddles, there are some very cool, lightweight saddles out there. You can easily spend $400-$500 on one. Tried a few. I have also bought a handfull of the more traditional buckingham deluxe saddles. I have a couple that been used daily for 3+ years, they have no visible signs of wear. We havent had the same luck with the newer lightweight ones. Leg straps are usually the first thing to go 6 months to a year, plastic snaps next...
I love new products and innovations for our industry, but I am concerned about too much from the rec rock climbing sport coming over to the professional arborist work climbing equipment. Too many of these products arent built rugged enough for our industry (all the rope bridge failures, the zig zag are good examples)..
Sorry wondered completely off topic, in buying all the gear for 20 guy I have noticed trends in the longitivy of certain things