I'm not a professional, but I wanted something to use on occasion for a hobby. This is perfect for someone like me. I've used it a handful of times to form small pots. I have not used any other wheel ever, so it's difficult to compare and I'm really not one to ask advice from. Sure, if you press too hard it slows the wheel down... so don't press hard. I'm happy with it!
This came very quickly and it was a gift to my wife. She has not actually used it but has been playing around with it. She likes the variable speeds that it spends.
Melissa Triebwasser 
