I'm really, really glad that Old Country is putting out good quality entry level pits at an affordable price. There is sooooo much pure crap out there these days. I almost, almost pulled the trigger on their Brazos when they first came out. The thing is a tank and at $1K you won't find a better deal on a heavy duty pit of that size. I just had my heart set on a 24" pit and fortunately had up to $3K to spend if I wanted to so I went much bigger. The big Angus just showed up in stores here last year. If they had been available when I was looking I probably would have bought it.
I've seen the new vertical here in El Paso Academy stores. Very solid pit and at $700 I can't get it out of my head ! I don't need it but damn, I know I could put it to good use. Glad to see they continue to innovate and come out with new models and are working on QC. Wish them continued success as they continue to grow with Academy.