This roller has two rows of bristles compared to the original which only had one row. I didn't know if my old roller was worn out, but after so many years I figured it probably was. When I compared the length of the bristles to my old one, they were the same, but the originals weren't as stiff. I changed the old one and put on the new belt while I was there. Wow! This reel has MUCH more grip than the old one. The vacuum tried to jump forward out of my hands as I turned it on. It definitely cleans the carpet better than the old one! So far, so good!