This is just an all around better brush then the SM Arnold, short handle, green brush. Yes, it is more expensive, but its all about Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The handle has a rubber stripe that is very comfortable as well as a rubber bumper in the front of the brush. Plastic is softer than metal, but the rubber bumper is a nice touch. The overall arrangement of the bristles are taller, but slimmer, which I prefer. This gets in between narrower spaced spokes. For spaces with tighter spacing you'll want the other Vikan wheel brush.