I had the chi straightener. I loved chi, but then after a year one of the plates got loose and started to fall out. I did research on different straightener. I wanted another chi, since i have always had one. I went out on a limb and spent the extra money on this Paul Mitchell Pro Tools. I have to say, it is actually BETTER than a chia! It heats up in seconds, I don't have to use as much heat and I still get the same, if not better, results than the chi. My hair doesn't feel so dry, its smoother, silkier, softer. I have had this straightener for about a month and it is going strong. I think this is a great straightener.