When I was finally able to put the dryer on top of the washing machine, I needed a longer vent. I love it. Everything came compact at about 5 inches and stretched to 8 feet easily, smooth and flexible. The foil is quite thin and brittle, so be careful not to puncture it. It's about as thin as aluminum. It may not be the best choice if you have pets or children who can reach it. But for me it's perfect. Easy to use with a small flat head to tighten, no small screws to lose. I appreciated the simplicity, light weight and ease of use. My old one was made of a stronger material, but it was also more likely to cut on the edges and also wasn't easy to maneuver due to the thicker, stiffer materials.