If you've never tried the ratchet system, you don't know what you're missing! It may sound too good to be true, but this lopper enables me to cut branches that would otherwise be too hard for me to do. The ratchet system really saves strain on the tendons, muscles and joints. Bought my first one about 20 years ago (they last forever!), and I would NEVER go back to the old type of loppers! Let the ratchet do the work for you (read the directions so you understand the process; otherwise, you might be overriding the system that does all the work for you).