As someone with widespread osteo-arthritis, especially of the spine, time and age have taken their toll and my balance and grip are not what they were. Also, gone are the days when I could stand on a chair or ladder to reach those carefully stored items on a high shelf or cupboard top, so a friend recommended one of these grabbers. I went online, read all the reviews for various brands and eventually settled on the Essential Aids 32" version as that appeared to suit my needs most. Priced fairly, delivery was quick, but first impressions were that it's not quite as sturdy as I'd hoped and I would have preferred the gripper to have slightly wider jaws. Hence the 4*. Having said this, these are early days and so far my worries have been groundless, so I would say that for anyone considering such a purchase, give this version from Essential Aids consideration. They are the experts after all!