FSA Afterburner Modular 1x Crankset

I got these as I didn't like that shimano cranks our not direct mount and wanted something 3rd party to go with my shimano drivetrain. FSA get a tough rep sometimes but I think these are a great alternative to more common options, despite a few gripes.

They were pretty cheap are pretty light and really stiff with the 30mm axle. They require their own BSA compatible BB which requires its own tool but has been smooth, creak free and reliable so far. 

They also have an adjustable chainline making them compatible with boost and non boost frames which is really handy but there is another proprietary tool needed to remove the lockring to change the chainring or chainline. I find this really annoying as it's just another tool to buy or borrow and they could have used something more common like an order style BB tool or something. there is a proprietary fitment for the direct mount chainring which also means there are next to no aftermarket chainring options as well. 

that said Chain retention on the FSA chainring has been excellent. Running these on my transition sentinel without a guide and i'm yet to drop a chain. The anodising and general appearance has been good after a few crank strikes and some shoe rub. They feel like they have a slightly wider q factor than the shimano xt m8000 cranks on my hardtail but i'm not sure if that just a feeling. 

In general i'd recommend these as an alternative to shimano, race face or sram. I've never been a big fan on mixing drivetrain components and am a shimano fan. If Shimano make an XT level direct mount crankset i'll be on that but until then I have found the bottom bracket more reliable and better value than race face options and I've never been a big fan of gxp bb's.