The Alt-Azimuth Super Half Hitch is not a lesser mount design than GEMs.  It is a different mount design — with its own unique set of advantages and tradeoffs.

The Super Half Hitch was specifically created for mobility.  It packs into the nooks and crannies left by other activities.  Whether headed to the backyard or a distant mountain, the Super Half Hitch provides the freedom to observe without being burdened.  Its easy portability means the chance to engage in observing when any other equipment would be left at home or left inside.

The Super Half Hitch was created for simple operation.  It assembles quickly, requires no latitude adjustment or polar alignment, no big batteries, no clutch adjustments, and works without fuss or failure.  Moreover, there is no cumbersome meridian reversal needed, and the Super can easily be manipulated by hand (often the fastest and most intuitive method of all).

The Super Half Hitch was also created for versatility.  The alt-azimuth Super Half Hitch (unlike equatorial mounts) is compatible with large binoculars, bino-viewers, and other instruments which require the viewing orientation not become tilted sideways.

The nimble Super Half Hitch offers many advantages compared to equatorial mounts:

• Provides maximum capacity for the least size and weight

• Damps vibration faster than equatorial mounts weighing considerably more

• Does not require polar alignment and is ready to use immediately

• Simpler and more intuitive to operate

• Combines the virtues of manual and electronic control

• Does not have the meridian reversal problem

• Carries much more easily and can be moved quickly to see around trees

• Does not rely on temperamental clutches or tedious axis locks to hold the scope on-target

• Is generally more reliable and essentially maintenance-free

• Has quiet, neighbor-friendly operation

• Does not become unusable when a battery goes dead

• Is much more travel friendly

• Costs considerably less than equatorial mounts of comparable quality and capacity

• Zero periodic-error drives are perfect for unguided, short-exposure, stacked-frame imaging

• Can carry large binoculars and other instruments requiring a constant vertical orientation

• OTA or star-diagonal rotation not needed to cope with changing angles

• Generally provides more comfortable and constant viewing positions

The Super Half Hitch also outclasses consumer-grade GoTo alt-azimuth mounts — which rely on cheap electronics, plastic or low-grade stamped metal parts, cheap bearings, poor cast-metal structures, and sloppy fits to compete in the bell-and-whistle, mass-market wars.  Instead of flash and dazzle, the innovative Super Half Hitch delivers solid, enduring performance.

Today there are many exciting choices for compact OTAs.  The pioneering Super Half Hitch provides an equally exciting, optimized choice to complete a versatile, high-portability telescope.