This feels very solid when using. The locking mechanism has a positive engagement. I've only used in for short pulling (double mode) but it has worked really well at pulling some old trees over as I evict them from the compound...I mean turn them into firewood. I've been using a snatch block and additional straps and rope so that I'm well clear of the tree. The lever arm works well but takes a lot of movement pull the load in...which is common with this type of come along. If you maintain a property or frequently go off road it's always good to have some thing like this on hand.