Elites have a lot of pawls which have more springs and pawls. This is great for quick engagement but might have a bit more resistance (drag). I haven't ridden a Merrit but I have seen them in the shop and they seem well put together. Odyssey hubs don't engage as quickly as an Elite but run well. I've got cassette hubs from King, Profile, Eclat and Joytech clones. Honestly, much of a muchness, they're all just hubs after a couple of cranks.