For me, this is one of the best stair/safety gates on the market, especially when you take into account the price. It has two way opening, which can also be restricted to one way opening if needed. It has the clip at the bottom for use as an extra lock if need be. They generally fit quite easily and can be opened easily with one adult hand (but it proves tricky for even older children). In my opinion, this one is better that the next model up, which does have automatic close, as this one forces you to ensure the gate is closed securely behind you rather than relying on some auto mechanism, which could potentially fail at some point. Also when you have your hands full with baby and other items, it is a bit inconvenient to have it keep closing on you. You can buy extention kits that make the gate wider, which I have done for my stairs top and bottom to make a tighter fit. The only suggestion I would make is that they should invent a similar connection section that joins a couple of the gates together for use on french windows etc. I have modified 2 of my gates to allow a gate in the right position at either door, but a specially designed connector would have been very helpful.