It's definately earlier and smoother than the Special Agent. It also will handle more oil. I have replaced my Special Agent with both the Cell and the Dimension (Cell is pin down, Dimension is pin up) to give me two different looks on oiler conditions. It's a great success -- the Cell gives me a smoother, earlier read when I need to play a tighter line or off the gutter. Absolutely golden on PBA conditions or when there's a lot of carrydown. My Dimension is similar to my Special Agent, but it is about four or five boards stronger, a couple feet earlier, and much smoother and more continuous than my Special Agent ever was.