From what I’ve read the products are comparable in quality. I considered both but decided on Esstac. I wanted a smaller footprint (5 round card), they were competitively priced, were helpful and pleasant to deal with, offered a 20% military discount, and fulfilled and shipped the order the same day.
I dislike my 7-round Esstac cards. The pull loop always gets stuck on the velcro and has frayed to hell. It's less rigid compared to the Vang and has bowed into a banana shape after a few years. Part of that might have to do with it holding 7 rounds which is a little ridiculous in length. I know they made it like that to fit in an AR mag pouch, but I think it's a bad trade off. I think 4-5 round cards are more convenient and fit on the shotgun better.
My favorite are the 5 round cards from Ares Gear. Thicker elastic and more rigid than the Esstacs and no annoying loop to get in the way. A bit cheaper than the Vang.
https://www.aresgear.com/index.php?m...index&cPath=34
I have 6rd Esstac cards. I haven't used them for "years", so I can't tell how long they'll hold up. I cut the velcro for the receiver to match the length of the receiver and the card. I place the card on the receiver with the loop toward the muzzle, mostly because I don't like the feel under my fingers if it is at the aft end. I've never gotten between the card and the receiver where it could come in contact with the hook side of the velcro, which is on the card, not the receiver. I agree that the 7rd is too long, which is why I got 6 round cards. I won't argue with someone over their choice of a different capacity.
My rationale is not to have enough to completely refill the magazine, it is to have reloads available. In another thread I advocated for a card on the buttstock as well. I've since decided that is overkill and if I did slap a card on there, even a 6rd is too long. Bottom line, pick what you want. Don't buy too many cards at first. Or, buy some 4, 5, 6 and 7rd if you want to find out for yourself what works best.
The nice thing about 7rd cards is they can be turned into 6, 5, or 4 round cards if you don't like how long they are.
Not sure why that idea never came to me. I'll be cutting mine down to 5 rounds
Just my two cents… buy whichever hood the ammo well and are cheap! They’re kind of a disposable item because the elastic will eventually wear out. I have a bunch of the ESSTACs 6 rounders because they were highly recommended and cheaper that most others. I have a couple 5 round HSGI cards that purchased a long time ago. The HSGIs are nicer than the ESSTACs… stiffer cards and thicker elastic, but more expensive. Both accomplish the same job though.
Based on recommendations from Tom Givens, I purchased mine from Brown Coat Tactical: https://www.browncoattactical.com
I have been very happy with them: https://www.browncoattactical.com/product-p/h-shell.htm