So Vita-Mix has two home blenders that appear quite simliar. The Vita-Mix 5200 and the Vita-Mix Professional CIA are often confused and its hard to tell the difference. After researching both blenders I found that both blenders have the same motor and are flexible enough to do the same things. They can pretty much both do anything from dry chopping with grains to frozen beverages. Their carafes were the same size,  BPA-free and made from copolyester (Eastman Tritman). The only real differences I found is the appearance, price, and shipping methods. The Professional CIA has a name plate that looks nicer then the 5200. On top of that, the 5200 is sold directly through Vita-Mix so it came out to be more expensive because they charge tax. The CIA on promotional sale has no shipping or tax, so it came out cheaper every time. Plus through JL Hufford, the CIA is normally same day shipping or the next business day while Vita-Mix takes additional days to ship. Overall I would recommend anyone go with the CIA over the 5200 because it is the same product, but the CIA is a better value. On top of being better pricing and quicker shipping, it also came with different recipe books and dvds (over a $100 value) that the 5200 did not offer and the Brushed Stainless Steel color does not cost additional money.