If you really like dog slobber all over your hands then this isn't the tool for you.  However for the rest of us, this thing works GREAT. No more touching that slimy dog ball then trying to find something to wipe your hands on.  The dog stays happy and so do you.  It also gives you great leverage and saves ones shoulder/arm from overuse.  You can really throw the ball a long way if you want to.  The only downer is that this comes with a fuzzy tennis ball which aren't particularly good for dogs.  Get the ChuckIt whistler balls instead. they are smooth rubber and make noise as they fly through the air, making your dog go even more nuts.  Well worth it!