I have three Xikars now (the original, and two Xikar3s (both the redwood and the rubber)...I really like them a lot!..I have to day I am extremely impressed with the Palio also!..I use Jack's (Jcrimmins) whenever we herf and it is flawless!..Occasionally it seems as if the Xikar will grab a bit, but only on a rare occasion...Xikar has impressed me with their lifetime guarantee policy!...I recently sent them my original Xikar that I had for FOUR years and the button to open it broke off...They sent me a nice letter apologizing along with a NEW Xikar, and several nice gifts including a Xikar lapel pin (very sharp!) and a ceramic Xikar mug!...I am a lifetime customer now...C-Bid, if this violates the TOS on this site, please feel free to delete or XXXXX out whatever you need to...I recommend that all of you bid on the Xikars here at Cigarbid or buy one (or several) at Cigars International...LOL...Keith