With the non-syncro trans, if you don't come to a near complete stop it will grind going back to 1st gear. Some will even grind from neutral to 1st at a dead stop if you try to put it in too quickly after pressing the clutch. Someone who is used to driving one can do so without ever grinding the gears, some people even prefer the "crisp" feel of a non-syncro transmission. Like anything else, it's pretty much personal preference. The syncronizer in itself does not make the transmisson any stronger, just easier to drive.
TruckNut
Be kind, courteous, cheerful and helpful - And someone will take advantage of you.
"Quiting smoking is easy, I've done it hundreds of times." Mark Twain
| 
