ultimate direction vest comparison

FEATURES. We are confident that the Ultra Vest 6.0 will hold up to the most demanding races, adventures, and daily use for years to come. The Salmon ADV Skin 8 Set, for instance, is designed so that the water bottles ride belowrather than on top ofthe chest. But the TNF is the better value and the lightest of the bunch, making it our favorite minimalist race vest of the year. Capacity: 40.0 litres. Picture Information. Its components are made with durable rip-stop mesh and nylon that is high quality and long lasting. Unless otherwise specified, product prices already reflect discounts. The mesh overlay on the back panel is narrower than the main pocket but equally long. Like the Pinnacle above, it features side stretch panels that arent adjustable, meaning that you either nail the fitor you dont. We preferred the sensation of running with the flasks, but if you prefer a bladder, you'll be perfectly comfortable. In this article, weve chosen to lump hydration vests and packs under one umbrella and often refer to both as vests due to the front-of-the-body storage that they have in common. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Category: Performance/recreationalCapacity: 7L (women's: 7L)Included hydration: 500mL soft flasks (2)What we like: Affordable, lightweight, and well-fitting.What we dont: Storage is limited. If youre headed out for a full day, you might consider carrying an ultralight water filter or purifier so that you dont have to shuttle more water than necessaryour favorite for running is the Katadyn BeFree. Each one is made to cater to a certain running style and distance and is, more than not, made with rip-stop materials. The Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 is UD's latest version of their mid-volume mountain running pack. It is easier to adjust while on-the-go and offers T-hook adjustments in the sternum and waist. Our product designs improve performance and enjoyment for self-propelled adventurers of all levels. Having won several awards from well-recognized sources, this vest is a clear winner for any woman looking for a perfect ergonomic fit. Ultra Vesta 6.0 (Renee) Intro, Tech, Features. Having won several awards, you would think that this vest would be more expensive. Ultimate Direction Ultimate Direction Dog Vest Dog Jacket - Black HK$323.35 HK$492.05 (Save 34%) Loading Live Stock. If you want a comfortable super-hauler vest that will be with you for the long haul, this breathable superstar is for you. The piping around the whole vest has a fleece-like feel, which further adds comfort and prevents chafing. Year after year, Ultimate Direction has refined its hydration systems making them more user-friendly and efficient. HK$850.00. But it is worth mentioning that this vest has some waterproof pockets. Inside RunnerClick Pro, runners of all strengths come together to meet and support one another, get answers to burning questions, learn from experts, participate in personal challenges, and more. Compared to other packs on the market, the Ultra Vest 6.0 stands out as durable, functional, and lightweight. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. This Mono and MicroMono mesh material adds support as well. To help provide clarity among the various options, we've broken them down into three distinct categories: recreational, performance, and fastpacking. These secure pockets are easy to access with the vest on your back and stretch to accommodate a surprising amount of gear. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. You will feel confident that you have everything you need when you wear with this vest. For a bit more capacity and support, trekking pole bungees, and soft flasks rather than a reservoir, REI Co-op also offers the 7-liter Swiftland TT Hydration Vest for $120.See the Men's REI Swiftland 5See the Women's REI Swiftland 5. We have the right to end or modify any promotion at any time. No matter how you choose to stow your trekking poles, the goal is that theyre comfortable, out of the way, and you can access or stow them without removing your vest. Custom Fit. Our gripes are few, but the ADV Skin does fall a bit short in breathability: On hot days, weve been known to drench our vest with sweat, and you can get more ventilation by forgoing rear storage (as with the TNF below), or by going with a mesh-heavy design like the Nathan VaporAir 7L. . This is a combined review comparing two Ultimate Direction hydration vests: my long-lasting UD PB Adventure Vest (2012) and my brand-new and my quickly-failing UD Adventure Vest 5.0 (2020) Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest (2012) 454 grams / 11 L / size Large Winner: Worked great, right off the rack. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Its hard to beat the Salomon ADV Skin 5s balance of quality, performance, and features, but the Active Skin 4 here might just win out in terms of value. But if youre easy on your gear and dont mind the organizational quirks, theres no denying that the Slope Runner is a very comfortable vest, and at 6.2 ounces its one of the lightest options here. Blending trail running and backpacking into one ultralight and extreme activity is the growing sport of fastpacking. The real value of a pack only gets better with increased use and continued quality performance; if that sounds appealing, this vest is the best option for you. The whistle lives behind a small pass-through panel on the shoulder strap, but there is actually a small loop to further secure the whistle to prevent bouncing so smart. OK. Footer. Osprey might not be a household name among runners, but as one of the outdoor industrys most popular pack manufacturers, their running lineup is worth a serious look. If youre in the market for a race-ready vest, its also worth looking at the Nathan Pinnacle and Salomon Sense Pro below, which are also streamlined for speed. A t Ultimate Direction, we believe creating sustainable products and processes can help shape a better future and outdoor experience for everyone. Reservoirs range in size from around 1.5 to 3 liters, which is the maximum we recommend for running. How long you will be trecking versus how much space and water storage you have will also play into the most versatile options. We often turn to CamelBak for recreational designs at good prices, but their Ultra Pro is a well-built running vest that competes with many of the more performance-oriented models here. 5 7 jours ouvrables. Weve also found the Slope Runners side pockets to be prohibitively shallow. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Ultimate Direction Trail Vest. CAMP Be Safe Pack. $99.95. Very few hydration packs for running can stand up to the harshest terrain and scrambles like this vest. Over $400 free shipping in Hong Kong. Ultimate Direction - Ultra Vest 6.0 - Sac dos trail - 10,3 l - S - onyx. Quick and easy access to water is one of the biggest incentives for wearing a vest, so it goes without saying that hydration compatibility should be a key consideration. New . Here are a few things I've learned and want to share. The streamlined, one-size-fits-most build makes purchasing easy, and ample adjustment at the sides and sternum accommodates most body types. It is also great to know what the weather is like and how the materials are going to paly into the elements. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! Upgraded Comfort Cinch 3.0 gives extra strength and durability, without undermining the long distance comfort. Compare; Search; Cart; Toggle menu Search. Running vests are lightweight and often streamlined but pack a big punch when it comes to organization. Ice Tool Attachments 1 Review Based on 1 review. This huge comfort feature is part of what allowed us to run so comfortably in this pack. FREE SHIPPING. Choose from 6 options and Find the best price for Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Men from 18 offers. They shouldn't rip under the pressure of a few water bottles and energy gels. This is why we really look hard at materials, we want your best option to last you as well. The Adventure Vest 5.0 is Ultimate Directions largest-capacity running vest, with a whopping 17 liters of space to fit everything you need for big (and possibly overnight) adventures. Its fairly typical to see bigger price tags on higher-capacity vests, but there are other factors at play here, too. The small clips and fleece-like piping help add comfort to the front of an already-comfortable hydration vest for running. Some runners will use a hydration reservoir (also referred to as a bladder) for longer runs with less potential for resupplying, as they can accommodate more liquid than bottles. The Distance 15 is their popular running pack, which brings alpine-ready features to a lightweight vest design. Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0. Comfort Cinch 2.0 - more minimal, lightweight, and adjustable. This bungee is threaded to the lower exterior of the vest, where you can loosen or tighten it for a customized fit. Also, keeping the vest just snug enough to prevent sliding around without restricting the runners movement helps with durability as well. Depending on your hydration style and capacity, empty bottles or a reservoir will add roughly 2 to 6 ounces to your load. This vest carries a lot of gear with limited bouncing or movement and does so without sacrificing too much weight. Earn up to 10% back in Moosejaw Reward Dollars on every order. The Ultra Vest 6.0 is outright capable of storing all of the essentials in addition to a light down jacket, and it still doesn't feel cramped for space. Each flask pocket has an upper bungee to help secure the short neck of the bottle in place. Ultimate Direction FREE delivery Wed, Dec 21 . It's worth noting that Ultimate Direction's sizing guide is based on a measurement around the bottom of the ribcage, not around the torso. Second, while the two vests feature similarly form-fitting designs, the Flight Race Day forgoes the rear compartment, which results in better breathability and less bounce while moving quickly. Further, vests with stretchier fabrics are likely to have more storage than their capacity spec suggestsUltimate Directions FastPack 20, for example, can accommodate 23.4liters of gearand the smallest size of a given pack will almost always have less space than the largest size. Ultimate Direction Mens Adventure Vest Signature Series 5.0 for Trail Running, Night Sky, Large. Most bottles are compatible with straws as well (the Nathan Pinnacle 4L even includes these), which bring the water close to your mouth like a reservoir hose. . Shop for Ultimate Direction Running Hydration Vests at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Ultimate Direction Marathon Vest V2, Marathon Running Vest for Men & Women. Inside that is where the teeny-tiny pill pocket for the whistle lives. True to its intentions, the Distance is a capable companion across a wide variety of terrain: we purchased it for an FKT (fastest known time) attempt of a technical mountain traverse and have ended up using it four summers in a row, oneverything from a 50-mile trail run to a two-day ridge scramble in the Sierra. The Ultra Vest 6.0 comes with two 500mL soft flasks and is compatible with a 2.0L reservoir for bigger mountain adventures. Rounding out the build, the Sense Pro comes with Salomons updated Speed flasks, which feature a wide mouth (compatible with modern water filters like the Katadyn BeFree) and a semi-rigid base that makes them easier to load when full. The left panel has a waterproof phone pouch with a vertical zippered closure. Lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric with a ripstop pattern for added durability. Ultimate Direction used this space to incorporate a cinch suspension system instead. Week after week, Ultimate Direction's latest Adventure Vest accompanied me through swamps, waterfalls, 20-mile runs, alpine scrambles, and so much more. We had a great and comfortable time running with a bladder in this pack, but much prefer the flasks. While adjustment straps help dial in the fit, this suspension system also contributes to the vest's fit as tightening the entire load compresses more material against the back. Finally, the majority of backpack compartments have a built-in reservoir sleeve, and some are even insulated to keep your water cold and separated from your back. Returns of any portion of the purchase will require equal forfeiture of offer or amount equal to offer. The vest features a zippered cell phone pocket, the aforementioned reservoir with a functional open/close valve, two cavernous flask pockets for additional bottle storage (sold separately), and highly breathable mesh that keeps air flowing when you break a sweat. There is much to be said about a pack that doesn't show signs of planned obsolescence. If youre looking for one vest to accompany you on short lunch runs, full days on the trail, and everything in between, the ADV Skin is one of the most versatile and well-rounded options available. That said, for those who already have a set of flasks or a reservoir, the savings of the UltrAspire or similar vest are undoubtedly enticing and make a lot of sense. We will dive deep into all of the details about the pockets on the Ultra Vesta in a bit. This pack can carry weight and stay secure, so it won't affect your gait. Ultimate Direction included six small plastic hooks along the pack's trim, allowing the runner to adjust the load carrying even more. Some gear is built to last, and the construction of the Ultra Vest 6.0, the material choices, and the pack's functionality build confidence that this item will be with us for a long time without stretching out or breaking down. For anything from short jogs in hot conditions to half-day adventures, the QuickStart is a solid budget option. Some designs feature loops that can accommodate any ice axe with a standard pick head, while otherslike that on the BD Distancefeature metal dogbones that only work with tools that have a hole in the head. Its also important to keep in mind that the way a pack feels against your skin when you first try it on will be different than how it feels with a full load and once youve built up a sweat. While slightly heavier, the tops of the soft flasks also have a great design. Our male tester in particular has had difficulty dialing in the fitwith no cinches at the sides youre relying solely on the sternum straps for adjustmentand the many Velcro pocket closures catch on clothing and have a rather cheap feel. Ultimate Direction running vests are loaded of features that make the best running vests for mountain biking, trail running & day hiking. Ultimate Direction Access 500 Hydration Waist Belt with 500ml Bottle UD Blue. This waterproof phone pocket is much appreciated, but considering it is against the chest, vapor from body heat quickly fills the pocket. This material is soft against the skin and promotes airflow and breathability, which kept us dry even during high aerobic output. The less a vest moves, the less likely it is to have added strain. No sponsored content. Below we break down our favorite running hydration vests and packs of 2023, including budget-oriented models for recreational runners, performance-oriented designs, and adventure packs built for fastpacking and technical mountain missions. If this is what you are looking for, you should also consider the Black Diamond Distance 15 and the Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set as these two packs also stand out for versatility, carrying capacity, and durability. Get an Ultra-Dry Towel for Half Price when you spend 30 or more on your order. Lightweight perforated micro-mesh is used inside the pack along the back, ribcage, and shoulder straps. Free shipping offer is valid in the US lower 48 states only, and is not available for PO Boxes or Military APO/FPO addresses. Of course, with such a large vest, you dont get the same close fit as you would with models like the Salomon ADV Skin and Nathan Pinnacle above, and the Adventure lacks speed-focused features like a rear stuff pocket for easily retrieving an extra layer. Promotions have no cash value. Ultimate Direction managed to include a waterproof zippered phone pocket, shoulder stash pocket, and a large water-resistant rear compartment without adding much weight or impacting the volume-to-weight ratio. Ultimate Direction. Some reviewers even used it for overnight adventure races and carried food, a sleeping bag, a hammock, and extra clothes. Our petite female tester, for instance, has to make sure that a vests water bottle holders dont end up in her armpits when cinched tight. . + 17.67 P&P. Salomon ADV Skin 5 Hydration Running Vest. Shoulder-strap shaping promotes weight distribution and a comfortable fit. Performance running vests range in capacity from 1.5 liters to 12 and span the gamut from minimalist race-oriented models to fully featured designs ideal for unsupported missions. See the Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance. Category: RecreationalCapacity: 4,8L (women's: 8L)Included hydration: 500mL soft flasks (2)What we like: Incredible value and ample features for recreational runners.What we dont: No side storage and slightly less premium fit and finish. Ultimate Direction Race Vest 5.0. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Compare to other Backpacks : Related Products. Others larger ones accommodate more Ultra style runners, hikers, and even light outdoor travel. We're constantly innovating, collaborating, and testing our products with athletes around the globe. In previous models . Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of atreadmill). When deciding which running vest is right for you, capacity should be one of the first considerations. Limit one discount code per order. Not to mention, this vest is a steal at $90 for runners who already own hydration flasks. We hope that this is a sign of things to come, and look forward to seeing more manufacturers expand their size ranges. About Us Policies Reviews How To. We love running vests for longer missions and carrying a liter of water or more, but for shorter pursuits or well-supported races, you may be able to get away with a running belt or handheld water bottle instead. But the downside for most is that the Circuit comes in just one size. Toll-Free: +1-800-504-5897 Live Chat Help Center Check Order Status. Best for Ultramarathons: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0. . One of the best-selling hydration vests on the market today, the SJ Ultra Vest 2.0 is an extremely popular product, and for good reason. See questions and answers Customer reviews. Add Highland Hydration Vest to Compare . more than the larger 5L Salomon above). No matter the mission, this vest is at the ready with accessible food, water, and gear storage. For starters, we wish the zippered pocket for the phone were higher on the chest (where it sits on the ribs can be uncomfortable), and the Ultra Vests pack-like design means you dont get side entry into the rear compartment. Perhaps one of the most well-featured hydration vests that we have tested to date, the Ultra Vesta 6.0 is chock full of goodies to make distance running comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Considering that HydraPaks UltraFlask Speed 500 soft bottlescost $22 a piece (reservoirs run around $30-$40), youll probably end up saving a lot less than initially expected. In the end, we dont recommend the Circuit for experienced runners, but if youre not pushing your speed or havent yet been spoiled by a more precise fit, its perfectly serviceable and a superb value.See the Men's CamelBak Circuit See the Women's CamelBak Circuit. They did add side adjustments to compensate, but you still dont get the tailored fit available from many of the options above. Some reviewers even used it for overnight adventure races and carried food, a sleeping bag, a hammock, and extra clothes. But if youre willing to trade a little convenience and comfort, the QuickStart delivers a fair amount of bang for your buck. Items need to be easy to access when youre on the go and stopping isn't an option. At 13.4L storage capacity and up to 4 liters of hydration, the Mountain Vest 5.0 is an excellent choice for longer, single day, and ultra-light trail adventures. One of our favorite safety features, the whistle, is comfortably tethered to the upper left shoulder of the pack, and the slight curvature produces a loud sound. Further, you get 4 liters of capacity (with an included bungee to compress light loads), and its one of the only vests at this price to come equipped with a set of soft flasks, too. We may earn a commission after clicking links on the site before making a purchase. This vest is able to carry a 70-ounce bladder and still have plenty of room for larger supplies such as jackets, gels, and food. New Highland Vest. Some vests even have built-in sleeves along the lumbar or vertically on each side (as we see in the Black Diamond Distance 15). We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. All delivered for FREE! These straps can be repositioned up and down depending on runner preference with T-hooks that connect through looped p-cord. Moreover, many runners prefer to have their gear and food items along the front and sides for weight distribution, comfort, and accessibility (although this is partially a matter of personal preference). Ultimate Direction. For All Athletes. Shop Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5 - Men's | Be The First To Review Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5 - Men's + Free Shipping over $49. Honestly, with the versatility the Ultra Vest 4.0 offers, it was made to take the challenge further and all that means extra durability. All trademarks property of their respective owners 9 global ratings . Once youve found the right size and shape, youll want to dial in the adjustmentsnot just the first time around, but every time you wear the vest. Finally, recreational vests will often have unisex or one-size-fits-all sizing, which is great for accommodating varying layers or those who want to share with a friend. Below we break down organization by the three main storage options: shoulder pockets, side pockets, and the rear compartment. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Ultimate Direction Women's Ultralight Tee . From its breathable ripstop nylon and rugged mesh to its genius pocket placement and external compression system, this is our favorite race day vest. Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta 4.0. It's big enough to be used for hiking as well as running. Winning the Best in its Category in Ultra-Running Magazine, the Ultra Vest 4.0 has it all. We expect to see a fair share of tradeoffs at this low price point, but gripes are surprisingly few with the Active Skin. The front pockets on the Ultra Vesta are accessible and easy to secure, which makes this pack a trail running favorite. $149.95 (1) Lightweight, bounce-free fastpacking or long-distance running perfomance. Great storage improvements compared to the previous SJ vest, Extremely comfortable and well-fitting vest, No complaints regarding the FlexForm 600ml bottles, The underarm pockets can be inconvenient because anything larger than a gel is going to rub against the arm. What do I need to have versus what the vest offers? Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. The large cargo pocket in the back perfectly fits an extra layer of clothing. Well, technically, my first pack I got as a gift from a friend who also signed me up for my first 50 km was a CamelBak. The TO Race Vest 3.0 is similar to the AK 2.0 Race Vest, except that it doesn't hold as much water. Rich with features and pockets that are a breeze to access, this is a great option for most any . Front Pockets To make matters worse, the Distance 4 is only available in four unisex sizes (compared to the Pinnacle's fivemens and sixwomens options). Ultimate Direction FASTPACK 40 Vest Backpack [ Ultimate Direction : FASTPACK 40 ] 'Dry-bag' style multi stage pack with a roll-top closure that is very lightweight and expands for big loads or contracts to stabilize small loads. While were on the topic of fit, its important to note that many vests also come in womens-specific models. However, we found that the bottles' position is slightly low for our preferences the hydration sleeves position the soft flask just out of reach from a natural crane of the neck. Promotions have no cash value. First off, the front features just one stash pocket for gels, and the zippered compartment is too small to accommodate most modern cell phones. Rather than the adjustable straps typical in a pack, these use stretchy materials that sit close to your body and hug your torso. $69.95 . The Ultimate Direction FastPack 20, for example, has a crisscrossing compression strap on each side, while the Salomon ADV Skin 12 uses bungees in a similar configuration. As the name suggests, the Endurance is built for races or fast, weight-conscious forays into the mountains, with a streamlined feature set and strong focus on comfort. In our opinion, sleek and minimalist belts are super functional for carrying small items, but larger loads on the waist can get unwieldy and awkward. 4.4 out of 5 stars. Compare. Black, medium. With the Ultra Vest 6.0, Ultimate Direction hit the sweet spot by retaining the durable construction their brand is known for and adopting more user-friendly pocket designs and highly adaptable features. Let us know! Our product designs improve performance and enjoyment for self-propelled adventurers of all levels. The advantages over hydration reservoirs are clear: Bottles are much easier to refill and dont require that you take off your vest to do so, and they allow you to monitor how much remaining liquid you have far better than a reservoir. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Up front bottle pockets can hold up to a Body Bottle 500. It isn't quite as soft to the touch as many other hydration packs, but this durable material truly won us over. Along with a nice array of front pockets and a close fit that rides high on the torso, you get burly fabrics and technical extras like ice tool attachments, trekking pole stash pockets, and a cavernous rear compartment that can even accommodate a minimalist climbing helmet. At 16 ounces its not the lightest vest on the market, but most consumers agree that the sizes for this vest fit well, and it's worth it when you want to carry lots of gear. When it comes to anti-sloshing technology, the Ultra Vesta 6.0 is one of the very best on the market. Category: PerformanceCapacities: 4, 12L (women's: 4, 12L)Included hydration: 20 oz. Starting from 99.99. The bottles on the front of the vest can easily be reached without having to remove the bottle from its pocket, The sternum and side straps really do lock this vest in place so that little to no bounce occurs, Some consumers claim that the mouth on the bottle is a bit hard to open while in the vest pocket. Not everyone is interested in ultra or trail races, and for those sticking to the more casual end of the spectrum, we prefer an option like REI Co-ops Swiftland 5. Those with a slider across the top are easier to fill without removing from the pack, and we find that they also provide the most secure closure. Here, the defining feature is typically affordability: At around $70-$100, recreational vests are often half the price of those in our performance and fastpacking categories, and ideal for those who dont need to spend up for a high-performance design, precision fit, or ultralight materials. Brands; Ultimate Direction; Filters . We tested a few vests that weighed less, but it is rare to see such a well-featured vest weigh so little. Weight: 715 grams. Discount codes are not valid on prior purchases, cannot be used after their expiration dates, and do not apply to taxes, shipping and processing charges. Often, vests allow you to customize the straps to configure trekking poles to suit your preference. The rear cinch suspension system makes tightening down gear in the back pockets very easy, keeping the entire vest moving dynamically with your body instead of bouncing. We wanted to like the Black Diamond Distance 4, but in the end felt it has left a lot of room for improvement. Returns of any portion of the purchase will require equal forfeiture of offer or amount equal to offer. Category: PerformanceCapacity: 6LIncluded hydration: NoneWhat we like: Contoured fit is comfortable and rides close to the body.What we dont: Smells terrible and doesn't come with bottles. Ultimate Direction takes a . Before we get into the nitty gritty, its important to note that even the lightest, softest, and best-fitting vests will still be a slight burden on your stride. Whats more, you can easily tweak the vest to suit your needsincluding front and rear hydration, numerous pockets of varying sizes, removable straps, and multiple stash configurations for trekking poles. For a very reasonable $65, you get a basic, mesh-heavy design that ventilates well in warm conditions, a 1.5-liter reservoir and easy-to-access drink tube, and a zippered water-resistant shoulder pocket for securing a phone. While this is more of a pocket design shortfall, we included it in the rating of the hydration system, as many competing hydration packs offer a kangaroo pocket, making water storage for longer outings more convenient. Two static sternum straps ensure the soft flasks and weight on the shoulder straps are secure and don't bounce, while two directional lateral stretch fabrics give a snug, hug-like feel without billowing or altering the position of the vest on the body. The vast majority of running vests are built with air-permeable materials (like mesh or other thin, well-ventilated fabrics) along the backpanel, shoulder straps, and underarm panels.

Bailando Tejano Music, How To Remove Dried Polyurethane From Clothes, Mother In Law House For Rent Renton, Wa, How To Tell Your Parents You Bought A House, Voir Un Hibou La Nuit Signification Islam, Articles U

ultimate direction vest comparison