Batten systems

[zoidberg]

I'm considering batten systems for a modest mainsail.
What's to choose between the Selden OWS fittings and the seemingly-similar Rutgerson Pressure Absorbing Slides bits?

 

[BabaYaga]

You will need a battcar (Rutgerson) or OWS slider for batten (Seldèn) to take the pressure from the FBs. Pressure absorbing slides are for the intermediates on (I believe) larger mainsails. May not be necessary on a smaller sail.

 

[zoidberg]

Thanks, BY. You're right - I didn't focus enuff.

But.... what's to choose between the two competing systems, in a small slide-size ( 16mm? )

 

[BabaYaga]

But.... what's to choose between the two competing systems, in a small slide-size ( 16mm? )

I don't really know. Myself, I have been using Rutgersons battcars for 6 or 7 years and they have worked fine. I believe Rutgerson has been producing for a longer time and that Seldén is more recent in this segment. Wouldn't expect Seldén to be inferior, though.
I would also focus on the batten receptacle, for instance how smooth is it to adjust batten tension?
Mine is a little awkward (don't know the make, probably US made, came with a North sail). You are supposed to put an allen key into the hole on the forward facing edge (photo shows the receptacle with the lid taken off):