I used mine for chair conformations and steric strain and not much else. Start a study group and see if someone else has already bought the models. You can share. Once you’ve flipped the chair (ring structure) back and forth a few times you may be more or less done with the thing.
Thank you guys for your feedback.
I was not going to buy the one for $50 from the campus bookstore. I’m going to try get something used and cheaper online
Kasia
[quoteI was wondering how helpful this thing is and if I’ll realy need it when the material becomes progressively more difficult.
I agree with the others that you should get it because it’s helpful. I’ll add another reason that may/may not be applicable.
My kids loved playing with the things!
Take care,
Jeff
Ok, I bought a used set online. I hope it will work for me.
This is what I got…only cheaper 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/cgi-bin/apf4/amazon_products_feed.cgi?Operation=ItemLookup&ItemId=0205081363