Jim the balance is very similar to the standard one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Hard to tell in the pics but the handle is about a half inch longer and a half inch taller. The hand grip is a little different. In the standard grip on the new one you have to adjust your hand forward to access the choil. I think i read in a post that this was not an RMD proto but actually the intial proto of the Ratmandeaux. I wish someone that has all 3 would chime in. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Edited to say more like 1/4 to 1/2 inch difference on the handles.