I searched the internet and some local stores before settling upon the Replogle Carlyle globe. I found that Replogle and Cram seemed to have the most variety and availability. I was able to find 2 different Cram models locally but I felt they looked cheap and "toyish" so I opted to order the Replogle and am glad that I did. The globe came well packed and only required mounting the globe to the base. (I saw 2 reviews on the internet that implied the two halves of the globe had to be assembled but that is not the case.) I picked this particular model because of the coloration and the amount of detail. I found the antique colors of this globe to be more to my taste than those of any other globe on the market and I am well satisfied with my choice. But, more importantly, this globe has an ambundance of named locations and major ocean currents which is meaningful to me as an arm-chair circumnavigator. I was not looking for a lighted model but couldn't find a standard model with the same coloration. The light is sturdily incorporated into the globe unlike the lighted Cram model I was able to find locally. It should be noted that the lighting does not reveal any other map details like some lighted models do. I was also neutral concerning the "raised" effect but, now that I have it, I find it does create a quality improvement over the smooth surface models that look to me more "toy like." The only drawbacks to this model are a matter of size and not quality. Print has to be small to cram all the locations listed on a 12" globe. I keep a magnifying glass nearby. Also, the subtle colors tend to blend nicely together creating an appealing (to me) look but a look that makes it a little harder to distinguish political boundaries than bright colors do. The Replogle globes seem to cost a little more than their Cram counterparts but I feel the cost is justified in the quality and looks. So if you are buying for a globe that will be on display go with the Replogle. If you are buying for a student who will toss it in the corner with his other expendibles, go with a cheaper unit.[...]found this to be a very satisfying buying experience."..." Read more
- DelphEast in New Orleans, LA