I absolutly adore my 'pearl' I have had them now for about 4 and half years, they broke this morning (i cried). Had to get my OH to go to shop for a new pair. They are the only ones i trust with my hair. Never have a bad hair day with these.

First of all my hair type is VERY thick, coarse, long, wirey and bushy with an uneven wave that has a mind of its own. VERY hard to straighten and a complete nightmare!
My expensive brand straightener decided to die!! after 4 years the ceramic plate degraded in the middle and snagged my hair ripping it to shreds...it was past the warranty so had to buy new. Hubby wouldnt buy another pair of expensive ones so had to research the cheaper alternatives...so glad i did!

I bought this straightener from Argos at £53! BARGAIN! Its stylish and girly-but not too girly!
* Digital controls.
* Variable temperature control.
* Maximum temperature 235 C.
* 10sec heat-up time.
* Ultra-fast heat recovery.
* Ceramic plates.
* Length of plates 110mm.
* Worldwide voltage.
* Swivel cord.
* Cord length 3m.
* Automatic safety shut off after 60mins.
* Locks for storage.
* Heat-proof pouch.
* Heat-proof mat.
* Manufacturer's 5 year guarantee.

They were easy to use and didnt get hot on the handle, they also have a little lip at the end so u dont burn your ears etc! lol
My hair was silky shiny and super straight in only 25 mins...half the time it usually takes! All the little snapped sticky out peices on the top of my head dissapeared! and to top it off, i tied my hair up in a bobble when i went to bed, expecting to have to go over it today and there is no bobble kink whatsoever!! still super straight and shiny!

I would say it was just as good as the expensive ones we all compare against!

the only down side i can think of, which isnt really a problem, is for my hair length, i would have liked the plates a little wider for straightening, but then i wouldnt be able to curl as easy with them....so not really a negative i suppose!