Since I'm a dealer and support both lines, here's my opinion, YMMV
I've found that the dealer support network to be better from NC compared to LA as a pro installer.
I think from an installation standpoint, especially in a takeover or changeout, elk wins hands down, because you can easily remote the boards and aren't stuck piggybacking on the main. The databus runs faster as well. With the exception of having to maintain proper 485 protocol or installing a retrofit hub, I like being able to drop an expander anywhere I need it or where one was already existing for the majority of the older installs out there. I also like being able to have 2 panels on the same platform, and barring a couple of minor things, be able to maintain the same parts inventory to be used across the product line.
I think the engineering that went into the Elk is more thought out than HAI, examples being the elevator terminals and being able to swap a component in seconds, rather than minutes. The troubleshooting menu and being able to view voltages, current, etc. makes installation and troubleshooting a heck of a lot easier. While I originally didn't like it, installing Elk's boards in their can really allows a very robust and large system to use a small footprint. I don't like how HAI's terminals are packed on top of each other with the 2 rows, makes cable management a PITA. I like how Elk's outputs are PTC protected and I don't need to hit a reset button if something goes wrong.
The HAI, while getting software updates, the hardware is still based off older designs and circuit boards. I originally didn't like the kidney bean keypads, but once I had a few more complex installs with multiple partitions, the F keys being programmable and easily seen/used sold me. Also like how 90% of the time, with the exception of disarming, you don't have to even open the keypad door, but it also makes for a nice, clean look.
The main thing, as a pro, is my hand is forced out of the box to pay for a panel with all those ports out of the box, even when 9/10 installs never use all of them. I like Elk's modular setup, buy what I need and easy to add when needed. HAI's panel is twice the cost of Elk's and Elk still comes out cheaper when you configure them the same. I also like being able to choose 2 different RF device manufacturers, and worst case scenario, I can also use GE's 48 zone receiver if cost is an issue or I only need a couple of points.
Sure, there's a few things that HAI has that Elk doesn't, like multiple 2 wire fire zones or slight differences between the two, which I'd love to have Elk level the playing field on.
I'm just at the point where I believe Elk has the more robust offerings from a pro install and flexibility in the burglar definitions, because HAI reminds me of the old archaic Radionics panels with their definitions and 4 choices that basically do the same thing....who uses latching perimeter zones? What about needing 4 delay time zone definitions?
I truly believe, with a few tweaks and additions to suit things like humiditiy or the ability to view and analog value easier on the keypad, like windspeed, % full (tank monitoring) or little things that irritate me as a pro, it's a minor thing, but the big thing is you can't change the architecture of the panel itself without a complete redesign of the unit. I'm a larger fan of how modular the panel itself is. The touchscreen offerings are equivalent, but the thing that is nice is being able to install the RM software on any compatible machine, and not be stuck with the OEM tablet option for automation being done remotely, like in a home theater, etc.
I've worked on the whole Moose/Aritech family tree over the years, from the old Aritech Attenders and similar, up to the 1100's, 1100E's, 1250's and all those, the panel design with the trigger outputs, relay contacts on the board...the whole deal, has been pretty much there and the same for almost 30 years. You'd laugh at how close the M1 looks to the 1100's and Attenders with trivial changes.
