I've used the round steels and prefer this one it holds better in my hand and i can manipulate it much better and have better control over it. compared to other round steels. the weight is perfect to I play a lot and after a while the weight can be an issue. overall I would recommend this for advanced players and beginners, though a beginner might find it tougher to use.  I also recommend the jim dunlap picks for the fingers they seem to be the best but I pick with out them. I have long nails on one hand and short on the other  it's a guitar thing :)