FOX Transfer SL Performance Dropper Seat Post - 27.2, 70 mm, Internal Routing, Anodized Upper

Four stars not five because of the price. It is not a great value compared to the 50 mm budget dropper it replaced.After several months on a completely reliable Tranz X Hot Lap 50mm dropper, I found myself sometimes wanting just a little more drop. The 70mm drop of the Transfer SL hit the sweet spot for me without giving up too much pedalling efficiency while dropped. I'd opt for a 50mm dropper for a gravel bike or XC race bike, but 70mm is nice on my hardtail MTB for descents and moderately technical trail obstacles.The Transfer SL is light, but only neglibly lighter than the Hot Lap. Not a significant weight reduction on my 25 lb bike. Can barely tell a weight difference holding them both in my hands.A nice benefit of the mechanical Transfer SL is that, unlike air/oil droppers, you can safely pick up the bike by the saddle without damaging the system. No separate air and oil compartments to breach and get spongy from negative pressure created by pulling on the saddle, or from hanging the bike by the saddle.The SL has a bit of lateral and rotational play right out of the box, similar to other droppers I've owned and rented. Not noticeable while riding.The SL is easy to drop, and it returns very quickly. Some reviewers say they had trouble getting used to the minimal resistance and fast drop of the light mechanical spring system. I had no issues adapting to this. It does return with a very fast and hard snap that makes the whole bike shudder. If you happen to obstruct the seat on the return stroke, the post may not lock in the up position, but it does have enough pre tension to fully extend and lock itself once you get out of the way. I've had a few instances where I obstructed the seat just as the post reached the locked position,and it sort of half locked and then dropped as I put more weight on the seat.The two positions of the Transfer SL work better for me than a short travel dropper with infinite adjustments. I don't use any intermediate positions on my rides, and it is easier for me to find the fully dropped position when going fast on a rough trail. Infinite adjustment droppers sometimes lock in a partially dropped position if my timing is not perfect with the release of the thumb lever. With the Transfer SL, you don't have to keep pressing the thumb lever while the post is in motion. Just a quick stab of the lever to unlock it, then it slides and locks in the down position once fully compressed.