My beautiful yellow 3" came signed and dated inside by the master! Don't have much basis for comparison, but I love the shape and feel and heft. The fine outer surface texture reminds me of a diffraction grating. It's nice to the touch and gives the top an interesting sheen in the right light. Guessing it might be good for string traction, too.
As an erratic throw-top beginner, I should probably play it safe and give mine the epoxy treatment. Can't wait to play it, but Plan A is to hold off till I can boomerang the already beat-up Saturno Larry kindly sent me. Upright landings are still hit-and-miss, and unlike you guys, I can't bet on soft landings.