I used to use a 2009 Proto SLG UL and it was awful, so I was offered a second hand smart parts vibe by a friend. Technically it should have been a straight downgrade from a SLG UL to a vibe but that wasn't the case at all! The vibe shot great, never breaks paint and is very reliable, I still use it today
Honestly can't say enough good things about them for a beginner / recreational player