I have two traditional stabilizers but there are places where a full length, "square" stabilizer won't work, like when I'm working on a corner (inner or outer) or when I'm working  between windows that are not widely enough spaced to accommodate a full length stabilizer. This one is light weight aluminum, which is good because at the end of an extended ladder, too much weight can prove unwieldy. That said, it would be very helpful if there was a permanently marked center line to help perfectly center the device. Centering is not an issue with traditional stabilizers because the section of the stabilizer that is bolted to the ladder is parallel to the ladder rungs, with this device it is critical or the ladder may have a tendency to twist to the side if it is not centered on the stabilizer. The painted finish is very cheap, a powder coated, durable finish would be much better. Also, the only clear, large picture that shows how to mount device is on the cardboard box that the device comes in. A hook to hang paint buckets and such would be very helpful too. As one reviewer pointed out, in theory the stabilizer could move up and down the ladder as the u-bolts do not engage a ladder rung, as they do on a traditional stabilizer. I have not found this to be a problem, however. Once I have the stabilizer mounted on the ladder, I cannot move it at all without loosening the wingnuts on the u'bolts. Overall, this has been a useful product for me.