Like so many other sailors, I have come to expect less every year from the vendors with whom I do business, both personally and professionally. Less staff, more cost effective materials and manufacturing processes, (read cheaper and less durable) have generally translated into more frequent frustration and disappointment. I recently had an experience that is the absolute antithesis of this trend, and I wanted to share the experience with my fellow cynics. My Hunter 410 has a battened main and a Seldon rig that work beautifully until the wind blows. Please don’t misunderstand me, I love the boat, and have logged more than two thousand miles on her during the first ten months of ownership. Unfortunately, the main was difficult to raise, reef, and shape, (even with a powered winch). In April of this year, I decided that the situation was beyond McLube, and began seeking a mechanical solution. I contacted Seldon and priced out their roller track system. At 3K plus, the Seldon system was more than I was ready to spend. Along with several others, Seldon suggested that I consider a Strong Track. The system was widely available through area riggers, but for comparison sake, I looked up Strong Track on the web and went directly to the manufacture. The rest is history. Jeff Strong is one of the best people I have ever worked with. In spite of a heavy schedule that puts him on the road (and regularly in the air) he was extremely helpful. He carefully answered all of my dumb questions, followed up immediately with product literature, and walked me through the installation process. The complete system, (track, slides and installation hardware) were included in a price that was less than a third of the Seldon system, and infinitely less complicated. Once ordered, the system was manufactured and delivered on time, with all of the correct components, for the agreed upon price, (when did that last happen to you?). Better yet, it performed beyond my expectation. In fact, it performs so well, I cannot understand why it was not offered by Hunter as an accessory, in lieu of the power assist on the winch... With the Strong Track system, the main is easily raised, reefed, shaped, and stowed with or without the benefit of the power winch. The battens refuse to bind, even with wind in the sail. I would recommend the use of this system for anyone using a traditional main with full or partial battens. I would also recommend that anyone interested in using the Strong Track system, or getting further information regarding the system, work directly with the manufacturer, they are quite simply a delight. The web site for Strong Track is: www.tidesmarine.com/sail.htm Terry Fields Raconteur