I went with a new vertically battened main several years ago. The good: the sail just looks right! The Zen of sailing and all . . . The bad: my battens are full height of the sail, so dropping the sail is awkward . . . the battened sail needs to be laid out on the side deck and over the stern as the sail is lowered. Maybe the battens come apart for an easier 'drop'? I'm not sure. Were I doing serious cruising I might not be so happy, but for my day sailing profile I like mine! In terms of furling in and out, no difference. The battens are thin enough that they have never been a problem. When reefing, you will want to have a batten either in or out, not ever halfway.