I love my GHD! (had it for 5 years now) its the one and only straightener that works, so although its rather pricey it is worth it considering its' effectiveness and quality (it lasts for years). The only problem I have had with it is that it is quite damaging to hair my hair if used often, I have cut down to using it weekends only as I was just getting too much heat damage and split ends. Im not sure if the GHD heat protection products would help with this, I havnt tried them cause they are a bit expensive, I just use Tresemme Heat Defence. But overall this in my opinion is by far the best hair straighter I have ever used.