I picked up one of the new versions last week and tried it last night on a Upmann that just wasn't drawing right. Mine is the new design and having never used the old design I'm not sure what the functional difference is. I will say it worked way beyond my expectations. Over the years I've tried rods, sticks, drill bits and all manner of things without much success. This little guy worked without splitting the wrapper or otherwise damaging the cigar, turning a marginally smoke producing cigar into an enjoyable smoke. Well worth the money.