Any thoughts?

This looks like a similar mounting system to the Ortlieb, true or false? Why?

https://www.rei.com/product/733813

Pretty close looks like to me. I have a slightly different REI pannier with the same attachment as the above link. Works fine, though these look like they might be nicer. Mine are relatively thin, these look like they'll hold their shape better.

so, does it lift off the same as an ortlieb or do you have to fiddle with the clicking mechanism to get it to release? How many seconds or how would you rate its ease of release on a scale of 1-10?

Can't compare them to the Ortleib, but I have used them for the past year all-seasons:

• The rain covers work well, and I've never had anything get wet inside.
• They're pretty rain resistant without the covers, and I haven't gottent anything wet in winter or light rain without the covers.
• They're pretty durable, as I lay them on the pavement every morning, and they haven't worn significantly.
• The mounting brackets work really well on my Delta Mega rack with no rattling, but are a bad fit on my other rack, where the side has an extra hoop that is layered on top of the main strut.
• Best fit is with a rack of any diameter where all side tubes are welded on the same plane, not over/under.
• One of the pair has organizer pockets and key clip that I actually use often.
• The compression straps are very useful for compressing light loads and reducing bulk.
• They're small enough to use on a front rack if you want.

I'm happy with them.

You have to fiddle with a locking mechanism, which is a single button that retracts two wedge shaped stops. I can do it with one hand if I twist the strap handle around my finger a bit.

Is there an arm strap? or is it just a handle? Is it really "fiddling" with the locking mechanism or is it just pop and go?

Just a handle, no shoulder strap or way to attach one really. I'd say the locking mechansism is pop and go. You have to push down on a button and pull up on the handle, which is the only reason it's tricky to do one-handed. Not difficult. All the mounting hardware is very adjustable, so you can align the stops around struts and get the hook placed "not too loose, not too tight".

Worst case, you can just take them back. After all, it is REI.

That's a Rixen and Kaul KLICKfix attachment system - very easy to get on and off, I've got the same system on a different pannier bag. Just press down on the red button whilst pulling up on the rubber handle, one-handed no problem, grab and go. No fiddling around at all.

I can't see any fittings for a shoulder strap on those panniers though (mine has little d-rings in the corners for it to attach to). Nor does it look like the compression straps can be used as a shoulder strap as I believe is possible with Ortleibs. Worth an e-mail to REI to check, perhaps?

EDIT: Forgot to mention, the hooks that hold onto your rack can be used for any diameter tubing by way of little plastic shims, which have three positions - one way around, the other way, and removed, all of which give different diameters. I've found it to fit much better on a 'layered' rack as legot73 puts it than the fitting system on my carradice bag, which is older Rixen and Kaul and relies on each hook being able to wrap around each rack tube, which doesn't work if there're two tubes on top of one another.

The Transfer is on sale at REI through 7/4, $74.99. I picked up a set yesterday.

Yep...that's why I'm asking!

I've been using the Transfers for a few months, now. I like them. I can second a lot of Legot's bullet points. I got mine on sale for $100 or so, but $75 is a great deal.

I think the Ortlieb release is a little slicker -- when you lift up on the handle/strap to lift the bag off the rack, the little catches on the mounts retract. The same motion of pulling up on the handle releases the catches and lifts off the bag. Now, whether that little bit of convenience is worth spending the extra $$$$ is another matter entirely. I would say not, if it comes down to just this feature alone, because the mounts on the Transfer work well enough.

I picked up a set of Backrollers at first. The lift 'n' remove mechanism was pretty sweet, as was the mounting system in general, but the closure system of the bag itself and the lack of any external or internal pockets was kind of a pain in the ass for commuting use. I ended up taking the Backrollers back and replaced them with the Transfers.

I also saw the sale and picked up a pair of Transfers his week. I got them mainly for front use since I have REI Keystones (which I like a lot) for the rear.

I'm using with Blackburn Custom low riders and the top clips seem a bit loose for the diameter tubing I have but the spacing adjustment between the clips is great. My only gripe is with the lower clip. The lowrider is single tube in the front and it is welded as double thickness in the back. The back is too thick for the clip to handle. There is enough adjustment with the clip to catch the front of the rack but I'm not sure how stable that will be on bumps. I wish there was a way to attach some type of bungee and hook to the bottom of the rack.

Otherwise I think they are a steal at $75 - and they match my rear bags!

I picked them up too, on bike to work day of all days! I'm gonna have to fiddle with teh adjustments but my initial feeling is that they are dead on. WHen I work my way up to touring I could use them as my front panniers and get something completely waterproof for the back. But for what I use them for these things are going to be perfect. Nice mounting system, easy to access small pockets, plenty of big pocket space, and a pull out rain cover in case things ever get really rainy. Nice...

Thanks for the input all, you were critical in this decision.