You're definitely not wrong about that, you're just not right. :D Totally kidding and I agree with you, it is an extremely simple design which probably doesn't cost much at all to manufacture. I guess I'm paying for the idea and not so much for the product. They are however the only reliable...
But can you really put a price on lust? :D I think ours were about $180 each, not too much more than the Spinlock XTS but about double the XAS so yeah agreed, there are more economical options depending on your needs and what loads you see on your boat.
I've finally given up on the spinlocks, they slip and often need frequent maintenance which requires taking the entire clutch off. I used a Ronstan constrictor clutch as a back up to a spinlock on my last boat then realized I didn't even need the spinlock, just the constrictor. I replaced all...