Rumor has it that the original jib is ever so slightly larger, since you don't have to clear the auto-tack track. I'm not sure about the merits of this, however.

Around the cans, I can see a clear advantage in my case, as the deck gets littered with lines "old style", but I agree that the non-self tacker gives me that (probably mistaken) feel that I can adjust it more.

Of course, my jib(s) are pretty old, which probably detracts from the performance. Do they still sell new "old school" jibs?