[labatt]

SD - I don't disagree on the spreader boots. The Edson design is kind of nice. It's a leather boot that has holes pre-punched. It comes with thick waxy thread. You put the boots on and then stitch them up, but they let plenty of air through. They aren't like those molded plastic ones that get taped on and close the spreader tips to any oxygen (and the stainless steel rigging along with them). We'll probably have our rig down in the spring again (IF we buy the HR53 and IF Pelican doesn't sell over the Winter) and I'll take some pictures. I think they are a nice compromise of looks vs. function.