Is this worth it? I am unsure how these speedlites compare to other brands...

i wont go for refurbished camera product..bacons better to spend extra buckz to get a new one. just my own opinion...

if you have to ask then get a Yongnuo

Have to agree with not wanting refurbed flash, no thanks, for less money you can pick up a yonguo 565 and have almost all of the features 430exII.

The Yonguo 565 is fantastic flash for the price. I've only had it for about 3 weeks and haven't had time to do much more than play with it, but using it as a wireless ettl slave with a 430II as another slave and 580II as on camera master, the 565 performs remarkably well. It also works well with the 7d's built in master. The previous yonguos do ok as on camera auto's, and work fantastic as manuals, but lacked off camera ettl which is good for the lazy folks like me. Having to race around to change the power on the slaves while your model is bored to tears really sucks.