I've just been really unhappy with the quality of the steel in my cheap trimmers. I can't say I've tried the Fiskars though. The cheap ones just won't hold an edge for shit and I'm a blade nut, I know how to sharpen stuff the right way. The spring for me is an issue because of my medical problems, having to constantly squeeze it I think causes more work than having it return the handle helps but I'll find out once I start using them I'm sure. I'm hoping the extra sharp blade will reduce the pressure needed to cut and therefore reduce the overall effort needed to finish the job. For a difference of 20 bucks between these and the El cheapos I usually get that break the springs every two harvests I'm betting they're worth it. If not they'll be good for the roses