treal512I think it mostly depends on what you're after, the Zero 1 is a few ounces lighter but provides less protection. For example, in extended rain the Zero1 would be challenging to use because it is a single wall design, has doors that let the rain fall in, quite a bit less spacious, uses nylon that sags in the rain etc. Likely a soggy experience but that also enables it to save weight and is a lighter option for friendly climates.
So for someone who doesn’t camps in harsh conditions this could work well. For about 4oz more the X-Mid offers a lot more functionality (more space, dual doors, dual vestibules, simpler pitch, no sag fabric, functional vents, doors that don't let the rain fall in, no poles in the way of the doors) but the important thing is for each buyer to understand what their needs are, so they get the right amount of protection.
[Note that this comment was in reference the prior version of the Zero 1 being sold within this same drop. The current version Massdrop is selling is lighter and different]
dandurstonI agree- it seems to be a great tent, looks nice as well, but the turnaround time is something that can't be forgotten. Then you have weight (+) and price (+). I don't think there is anything overly wrong with this drop here. Inferring MD and anyone who would purchase this tent to be nuts though seems a little foolish, but that's just me. I am very interested in your future 2/2+ version of the x-mid, btw. PNW hiker here and I am still on the fence with my current choices minus "The Two."
gnarledcouleeThe hope is to continue to offer the X-Mid and have it as in stock item. The 2019 production sold out pretty fast so those 300 last week sold out quite fast and now there aren't any more available for a while. We are working hard to make more available, but it's not entirely clear right now when that will be.
dandurstonBoy considering the success of the pre-sale and selling out of extras in a matter of a few hours, 500 seems like a misstep for another batch. I mean unless initial users start giving horrible reviews or the tents fall apart like cheese in coming weeks, I'd bet that 1,500 would not be an unreasonable amount even if they arrive during/at the end of the main season. Curious, did they set back some units for warranty fulfillment and such...I don't suppose massdrop is offering any in-house repair for minor things...?
StepbystepI'm not sure what their warranty plan is (e.g. replace or just refund?). They did hold about 5% of the tents back but that might be for sending out for reviews etc too. Maybe a bit of both. I'm not sure .
tanyacwoodIt's amusing that the X-Mid discussion has sprawled over into drops for not even the X-Mid. We're working hard on the DCF and I hope it's ready in time for use next year. I don't have a good sense of the production timelines.
ozedudeYou can't buy the x-mid so there is no sense in making this comparison. I'm not shopping for a tent for 2020 or whenever the hell they decide to manufacture that tent in reasonable quantities.