I had the original one and just recently upgraded to the 2. I love it. I've had mine about 5 years. It started wearing and the fabric was looking like I was tearing it instead of cutting. I sure like the netural color of the upgrade. Mine was green. I can't imagine cutting without it. The first quilt I ever did I cut on my kitchen counter. Never again. No one will ever regret purchasing this cutter. There are not many things I'm sold on but if I had to I could go door to door with a testimonal about this cutter and one other thing, my Dyson.