This thing compacts decently. For the price I have zero complaints. On semi-dry DG I'm getting a real-world compaction of about 3 inches. Which for a vib plate I can lift in and out of my truck myself, I can't complain. We've used this so far for our DG driveway, sidewalk concrete pour prep and artificial turf sand compaction. I would say we've got our money's worth out of it and will continue to as we run it. I would recommend this compactor for anyone who can't afford or lift a larger commercial one.