The Makita R9911 works extremely well for sanding large flat areas. It is 10 3/8" long and weighs 5.7lb, so it feels quite bulky if you are not using is on a horizontal surface. However the tool is very well balanced, and it is also relatively quiet (rated at 82dB, which is much quieter than most power tools). The only difference compared with the slightly cheaper R9910, is that the R9911 has the advantage of a variable speed selector (250-900 ft/min). The trigger mechanism can be locked "on" for extended use, just like a variable speed drill. Changing the belt is accomplished very easily via a single lever, and once the new belt is in place it locks in well and seems to stay in place during operation. Makita describes the dust collection system as "highly efficient": it does work a bit better than similar systems I have used on other sanders, but it still spreads a fair amount of dust around. My major complaint about this offer is that there was no indication at all that the manufacturer had done anything to "recondition" the tool I received. It arrived covered in oil and sawdust and its dust bag was about 1/4 full. It took quite a while to clean the tool, but once clean it did look almost new. There was no replacement label - it still shows "9111" as the model number, not "R9111". There was no factory packaging of any kind, and no user manual or warranty. It is like buying a used tool, not a reconditioned one. Nevertheless in my case the item I received is in great condition and works flawlessly, and it cost substantially less than a new model...