So I live in New Orleans and have owned a lot of boas over the years. This one is definitely not the worst. Definitely not the best. It is kinda skimpy in volume compared to others I've had and it does shed. Like, when you open the package expect to have feathers all over. Maybe open it outside. I expect to get one or two uses out of this one and know it'll leave feathers around. But I got this just for Mardi Gras day so that's a -ok. If you want a quality durable boa that will hold up for many uses, get an ostrich feather one. They run about $20-40 but will last. This one is good enough for a cheapie one day one.