I've been painting with one of these for years. I also have a knockoff model, and have to supplement its inability to hold itself together when fully collapsed with 2 strategic bungees. I think about the shiny, pro model, but oh well, this one was cheap (or free?) and it works fine. I have used it repeatedly at a county fair paintout competition and took a blue in watercolor 3 times. All due to the easel, I'm sure! 😄
