I had a normal one before, that died after about 1 year, until then it was my favorite tracer unit. Hopefully this one will last longer. For start, it works just like the other, but it has very bright front leds, which are protected well, so I am not afraid of getting them destroyed in the first CQB game I bring it to. Rugged aluminum case, easy to switch it on/off or change modes (tracer mode, flame mode, both). Looks good mounted on everything.