I rarely need a heat gun and if I did I would most likely pay for a higher quality, high-end device. But what is better quality? For my purposes, for a tool I use once or twice a year, this one works. I use it for "shrink wrap" in wiring and it helps. I haven't tried it on old paint or varnish. For the price, it works for us who don't use it "professionally" but as the occasional do-it-yourselfer.