I own two Oom Pauls. One I bought maybe 35 years ago, and probably didn't pay more than $10 for it (Lloyds brand, Italy). Nonetheless it is well-made, smokes nicely, and has very interesting grain. Recently I made one from a kit by Kim Kendall (penguinbriar.com) and it also smokes wonderfully well. I love to fill it with a good Balkan and keep my hands warm this time of year. I also rest it on my chest while reading, and I like being able to see what I am lighting/tamping.
Many are put off by the shape, from a purely esthetic standpoint. Others complain about gurgling. As for gurgling, a properly made example will have a moisture trap in the shank that is easily cleaned with a Q-tip. Neither of mine will pass a cleaner while smoking, but I don't mind. I just use fairly dry tobacco, and smoke slowly enough that it does not gurgle. Weight is not an issue for clenching, as even the heaviest Oom Paul will just hang from the jaw easily without effort. This shape is a classic example of function over fashion.