I got the battlestar on Monday and have used it every day so far. I would say its an upgraded version of the PVC pipe.Its similar to a barbell but a lot more practical and easier to manipulate. I wouldnt say its better than the rumble roller or lacrosse ball tho just different. A good analogy I have is comparing the tools to what part of the arm a massage therapist uses:

Battlestar –> Forearm

Lacross Ball –> Elbow

Rumble roller–> Thumbs and Fingers

I actually prefer the rumble roller and lacross ball over the battlestar although I will continue to use the battlestar as its still pretty good and works in somewhat different ways.