I have had my cloud 9 for about two years now and I have had no issues at all.
I bought the cloud 9 instead of the GHD because it was cheaper and I have used GHD's in the past and I honestly cant tell the difference. I have curly, thick hair so it is very hard to tame and it comes down to just beneath my breasts. I can straighten my hair to be perfectly straight with the Cloud 9 within 20 min and it will stay that straight until I wash it again.