Sacagawea vs. Magellan vs. Perfect 10 vs. Visionary Designs

Comparing Four Hybrid Display Systems from Classic Exhibits

About a week ago, I conducted two webinars on Exhibit Design Search, called EDS:  Tips, Tricks, and Techniques. The feedback was extremely positive, especially the section where we compared the Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, and Visionary Designs hybrid display systems.

Well, I’d like to think I’m smart enough to take that as a hint. So, before too much time passes, I’ll share a written version of the hybrid display comparison. It’s actually fairly straight-forward (and it makes a lot of sense). Please understand that these distinctions are broad-based, and there are always exceptions.

In order, from the lowest to the highest starting prices . . . .

Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays

Sacagawea is the entry level portable hybrid line for Classic Exhibits. Introduced about a year ago, it is our most successful product launch. The reasons are obvious:  three attractive design series, compact and versatile displays, and terrific price points.

• Sizes: Table Tops, 10 x 10, 10 x 20, Pedestals, and Workstations.
• Kits: 65 standard kits.
• Straight Extrusions:  Mostly straight extrusions with MODUL S40 uprights and Z45 horizontals.
• Graphics:  Primarily one large tension fabric graphic @ 7.5 ft x 6.75 ft with a smaller tension fabric graphic and/or direct print graphics. Velcro tension fabric.
• Assembly:  MOSTLY attached knobs with some hex key connections. Individual numbered parts with setup instructions.
• Colors:  (9) Sintra/Plex Wing colors. (1) Standard extrusion color:  Silver (clear satin anodized).
• Packaging:  LT-550 Portable roto-molded case(s) with die-cut foam inserts.

Bottom Line:  Least expensive, mostly straight extrusions, primarily knob assembly, medium-large graphics.

Magellan Portable Hybrid Displays

Magellan Hybrid designs vary from straight-forward to complex. Anyone who loves curves, loves Magellan because the kits are all about curved metal and large tension fabric graphics. The most popular have been the Miracle and MOR, which not surprisingly are also the most affordable.

• Sizes: 10 x 10, 10 x 20, Pedestals, and Workstations.
• Kits: 62 standard kits.
• Curved and Straight Extrusions:  Curved and straight extrusions using MODUL Z45 and S40 for horizontals and verticals.
• Graphics:  One, two, or multiple large tension fabric graphics. Example: 7.4 ft x 7.8 ft and 2 ft x 7.8 ft (Magellan Miracle) with possible direct print graphics. Velcro tension fabric.
• Assembly:  MOSTLY attached knobs with some hex key connections. Individual numbered parts with setup instructions.
• Colors:  (9) Sintra/Plex wing colors. (1) Standard extrusion color:  Silver (clear satin anodized).
• Packaging:  LT-550 Portable roto-molded case(s) with die-cut foam inserts.

Bottom Line:  Inexpensive, mostly curved extrusions, primarily knob assembly, large graphics.

Perfect 10 Portable Hybrid Displays

There is nothing on the market remotely close to the Perfect 10 and Perfect 20. It defines sexy for a portable hybrid display. It assembles without tools and comes in a mind-boggling assortment of color and shape options, all included in the standard price. The P10 is protected by multiple design and utility patents.

• Sizes: Table Tops, 10 x 10, 10 x 20, Banner Stands, Pedestals, and Workstations.
• Kits: 38 standard kits.
• Curved Extrusions:  Mostly curved extrusions using MODUL S40 for verticals and custom Z33 horizontals.
• Graphics:  One or two large tension fabric graphics. Example: 8 ft x 5.8 ft and 8 ft x 2 ft (VK-1507) with possible direct print graphics. Velcro tension fabric.
• Assembly:  ALL attached knob assembly and hinged components. Individual numbered parts with setup instructions.
• Colors:  (9) Sintra/Plex wing colors. (7) Powder-coat extrusion colors.
• Packaging:  LT-550 Portable roto-molded case(s) with die-cut foam inserts.

Bottom Line:  Competitively priced, mostly curved extrusions, all knob assembly, large graphics, more options.

Visionary Designs Hybrid Exhibits

With Visionary Designs, anything is possible – portable, modular, custom, and custom-hybrid designs. As the saying goes, “form follows function,” and the amorphous design capabilities of Visionary Designs allows you to create simple, complex, large, or small displays.

• Sizes: Table Tops, Inlines, Islands, Counters, Pedestals, and Workstations
• Kits: Over 300 standard kits
• Extrusions:  Hundreds: Depends on the design and the function.
• Graphics:  From one to multiple tension fabric and direct print graphics.  Velcro and silicone edge tension fabric.
• Assembly:  Hex key assembly. Individual numbered parts with setup instructions.
• Colors:  Standard Sintra/Plex colors. (1) Standard extrusion color:  Silver (clear satin anodized). Powder coat and anodizing options available for an addition cost.
• Packaging:  Roto-molded cases, tubs, and jigged wood crates.

Bottom Line:  Extensive extrusion options, hex key assembly, small, medium, and large graphics (including SEG), unlimited designs, inlines, islands, and table tops.