As someone who has the RetraxOne XR I feel like I have to reply in defense of this great product. To be clear I do not have any affiliation with Retrax, resellers, or have any financial benefit from offering my opinion on this product. I just really like it!
1- I've owned mine now for about 7 weeks (enough time for break in) and it's smooth enough for one-handed operation. I'm not sure what level of smooth you are seeking, but I can open and close it with one hand without too much effort. True it won't open/close with the force one finger can produce, but it is absolutely in the acceptable range. To be honest it's something I hadn't really considered before reading your review.
2- I understand your point here. There are times where I've pushed the handle down and it requires more force to "lock" than other locations. But where it's locked the most, the fully closed position, it locks smoothly and easily. If I recall correctly, the Pro version locks on both rails whereas the One version only locks on one rail. I wonder if that makes the Pro even harder to lock??
3- I have to be honest that I laughed a little bit when I read this. The mental image of me rolling around in the bed of my truck not being able to get out was pretty funny. I guess the mitigation to this concern would be that my key fob will be in my pocket and I can hit the tailgate release button to escape!
My cost for the RetraxOne XR was $1219.88 shipped and I will be getting the Yakima bars and mounting hardware free from Retrax (this was a rebate offered from Retrax if purchased before 10/31). For the price, functionality, looks, and security I would happily buy this again even without the rebate. I hope this helps others who are trying to make a bed cover decision.
