My thompson seatpost failed at the clamp after the warranty period. I weigh 180lb and and had much more then minimum insertion, Being by far the most expensive seatpost I have ever bought I consider them very poor value. I think there extra cost is due to their weight savings. I would never buy another under any circumstances. Personally If I were going to the maximum of a thompson I would consider something with more mass. I would buy a knock off from china before I would buy another thompson. At least if it fails I haven't lost so much money.