Vx3i Glass is WAAAY better than vari-x III and vxiii. I also think it's better than vx3, but only very slightly. While I prefer the looks of vx3 over 3i, the 3i has an easier to turn power ring. I got mine today and it is a SCREAMING deal at $231. Lots of people complained about the USPS packaging materials, but this one had Styrofoam peanuts, which are about the most annoying packaging material there is. I'll take repurposed USPS packaging any day over peanuts.
