I can only comment on my experience. I have had BigJon Sportsman electric downriggers on my boat for years. I had manual Invader riggers before and there is no comparison. With only a 2 foot boom, hookups to the release on the balls are easy. And I only use 6 lb. balls. Easy on the riggers and easy to retrieve and handle. These downriggers are easy to install and have never given me any trouble. With the digital counter guesswork is gone and with the proper presentation the fish come fast and furious even in the shallow waters of the western basin.