I have always disliked playing fetch with my dogs because I get nauseous when I touch the spit/dirt covered ball. I saw this and I thought it was so silly. But I decided to order it after it sitting in my cart for a month and I LOVE it. It easily picks up the ball without even having to touch it, and it helps me to throw it far. I am a terrible pitcher and my dog loves that she can run more than 10 feet away to get it. I really recommend this. As a bonus, my new puppy LOVES chewing on it, especially the funny shaped ball end of it. Great for his teething. This thing is not just a gimmick or for lazy people, it really improves fetch-playing.