PROS: Very heavy duty with thick galvanization throughout, strong buigie cord holds slide tightly closed when not in use, 14 inch slide hammer travel gets the job done (watch your fingers), includes a carry case. CONS: It's very heavy, slide is a bit sloppy when fully extended (shaft is considerably smaller than slide hole diameter, nicely shaped pointy end for fast and deep penetration in most sands/soils, however, it will poke through the carry bag quickly if you don't make some kind of protective cover for the pointed end (no point protector is provided). Overall good value works well, and should last a while, would make a nice gift for any boater.