I purchased this product to replace a heavy folding extension ladder. I expected the ladder to give a little when extended since it was such a lite weight product and surely it did. However, the give wasn't as much as expected and it was most certainly easier to use than my older folding extension ladder. It was easy to carry, quick to extend and easy/quick to retract. The only caution would be to hold the section above that section retracting so you don't pinch your fingers as the section comes down. Even than, there is a release on each side of the section being retracted, and as such the section doesn't retract until both releases are pulled back (in other words one release doesn't retract the section). Every ladder has a specific use. This one is good for quick/easy carry, quick setup and quick relocation. What makes it better than typical ladders is that it can quickly be retracted to a small size for relocation. No need to relocation a longer/heavy extension ladder. You do need to understand that there is some give as you go up the ladder, but you get use to that rather quickly. Since it is a lite weight ladder be sure that you put it at the right angle (ground to ladder angle) so it doesn't tip backwards on you, as you should with all ladders.
Gary 
