Before Speed Week, I had called ESS to get a fire system. I told them I was doing, told them I needed a 5lb (suppressant weight) system, and asked if it was SFI. They answered the question "Yes". I get the product, then read the label, it was not actually 5lb, but a few ounces under. I noticed the bracket was bent a little and wiggled on the bottle. I assumed that is how it was supposed to be.
So I called and told them it was supposed to be 5lb minimum and SFI labeled (it wasn't). I was in a time crunch, so I ordered the next size up, and shipped the first unit back. I get a call and I'm told that the unit was damaged in shipping, and I would not be credited for the return. So I told him to ship it back.
Today I open the box (cleaning up), and the "5lb" product appears exactly like it had when I shipped it. Except he drained the bottle, and included a container of concentrate with it. Apparently his "shipping damage" meant he sent a me a damaged one to begin with. The box was intact, with no noticeable mishandling.
When the "10lb" kit arrived and did have some box damage, because it was soaking wet on one side. I weighed the bottle, checked for leaks, AOK, and installed it.
It was not as well made as my engine kit (Safecraft). The fittings were lessor quality, cable shorter, etc. But it was complete and workable.
For quality, I'd give the kit (10lb) a 3 on scale of 1-10, with 10 being perfect, and 5 being average. Obviously the 5lb system gets a 1.
For functionality, I'd give it 3. The way the cable actuates, is primitive, kit is not long enough to rear mount, and some of the nozzles are mis-machined and need cleanup with small file.
For customer service, I'd give them a 2. Product was delivered promptly, but apparently QC is poor as well as packaging. Return policy was unacceptable. 5lb product was misrepresented, either intentionally or unintentionally.
