This is the first Chuckit! I've ever used, so I can't compare the quality of earlier versions.  I love this thing, it grabs normal tennis balls, so I don't have to get my hands coated in slobber & dirt.  The distance you can launch the ball is incredible.  Whenever I took my dog to the dog park, my shoulder would be sore for days, but now with chuckit, I never have a thrown out arm/shoulder.  For the price this thing can't be beat.