Ok, now OBJECTIVELY this time---without the subjective declarative statements.
The yamaha is not easier or more versatile. It's also heavier than the v rack. Durable? That's to be determined, it's too new to make that call, so that statement is illogical.
They are both systems of clamp interlocking tubes that allow more tubes for equipment to be secured in multiple directions in some degree around the radius of the tubes. They both have stable footing and can be set up in almost infinite combinations.
Therefore, if anything, a smoothed tube has more available positions. Since clamping force prevents slippage, then the "hex" surfaces actually reduce positions by acting like stops along the 360 degree radial. This allows yamaha rotational memory clamp advantage in that the stops are more precisely where you left it, but it's not entirely necessary. Markings work just as well.
Not a fan of the more expensive yamaha, it's paying more for nothing special when looked at objectively.
Ok. First off all, im playing the Hex Rack for over half a year and Yamaha products (hardware, kits etc) for over 16 years. So i'm quite experienced and objective when it comes to Yamaha products.
When something is wrong I (and I hope all other drummers to) will let the company and other drummers now, like the cl945a tom clamp (where a bolt got worn off within 2 years) the carbon nouveau lugs (that are broke off to easily) and the LC930W locking clutch, where the locking part broke off after 2 months. Just because it helps the development of the products.
Im using the rack (sometimes quite intensivley) and it haven't has a scratch (fingerprints will attatch, but go off easy with a soft towel) So the things I say about the rack is based on experience.
Also I have some hardware from 15 years and older laying around, and still all working perfect, so my view is also based on a longer term experience with Yamaha hardware.
One of the advantages mentioned, they really are lighter than the Gibraltar/pearl/PDP/Yamaha Super Rack System etc. (also based on hands on experience, I had a Gibraltar, Dixon, Pearl ICON and Yamaha Super Rack before the Hex) And thats just beacuase the rack itself AND the clamps are lightweight stainles steel (I'm using 6 clamps of the older Super rack and you've noticed the amount of extra weight by tha clamps)
Not to mension that you don't need any memorylocks (for stop unwanted twisting etc) so only that advantage (lets say 6 clamps on the hex for 6 clamps AND 6 memory locks on a Gibraltar or PDP)
You say that marking is enough, but i'm not talking about marking. im talking about the advantage that you have with the free positioning ball clamp:
(and the fact that you don't need any extra ''heavy'' locks and marking, is a nice + to)
And, when you using a ballclamp tom holder you have even more positioning options (IF you would wan that, I have enough possibility's with the ''L'' rod)
Now ALL the Other racks are great to and it depends on what you're favourites are, I just point out the pro's/speciallity's (altough you don't seem to feel like that) from the Hex Rack. its all a mather of personal taste.
I don't mind a good heavy discussion, but I do mind bashing when you don't now jack about the subject of bashing or his/her thinking