The GHD is the best for a reason.
I have had my second hand GHD for almost four years and although I dont use it daily, when I do use it you can tell the difference. I have naturally thick and wavy hair, so it only takes me 15 minutes or so to fully straighten my hair with the GHD.
It heats quickly, is easy to clean after use, cools down quickly and also easy to hold and handle while straightening.
The GHD is a good tool to use for first timers and for more experienced. Such a good straightener that every girl should have in their inventory.
The best gift I have ever been given hands down. I have straight hair but if it air drys or if I blow dry it, it is really poofy and very 80's big hair. The GHD smooths it down effortlessly and I can get away without washing my hair for a good 3 days if straightened. I did have an unfortunate accident where they fell on a tile floor and one of the plates fell out. However the fixing time turnaround was within a week and they are as good as new. I love how fast it heats up, how fast it smooths my hair and how good my hair feels and looks afterwards. It puts my old Remington straightener to shame. I still can't curl my hair with it though!!
Tips: Rather than go over your hair a number of times, run the straighteners slowly down the hair so its only exposed to heat once rather than a number of times.