I think he means that compared to the Bo Staff, using the Pantograph Gauntlets will leave your other hand free.
Edit: ninja'd
It seems quite me bad to me, compared to other monk weapons or stances ( Have no idea about flavor ).
I wouldn't call it bad: it's got Deadly d6, Monk, Reach, Shove vs a scorpion whip's Disarm, Finesse, Reach, Trip. So it's free reach from 1st level which is something useful as #1 reach monk attacks require either focus spells + a focus stance [8th level] or a feat from an AP [6th level] and #2 better reach weapons require 2 hands. As such, it has a niche. I can see keeping it around to give you more options when using stances that don't require specific attacks as a way to have more options when attacking.
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Interestingly enough, the weapon flavor text/description HEAVILY implies that the weapon, while it is wielded in 1 hand, is actually strapped to the arm thereby making it impossible to simply drop or put the weapon away without spending additional actions. There are no mechanical descriptions for that, much like the issue with the description of how Shields are strapped to the arm.
Not exactly pertinent to this current conversation but I thought it was interesting to note.
Interestingly enough, the weapon flavor text/description HEAVILY implies that the weapon, while it is wielded in 1 hand, is actually strapped to the arm thereby making it impossible to simply drop or put the weapon away without spending additional actions. There are no mechanical descriptions for that, much like the issue with the description of how Shields are strapped to the arm.
Not exactly pertinent to this current conversation but I thought it was interesting to note.
Well impossible to drop saves actions if you get knocked out so it's not all bad. And I'd say it's more than implied: "A pantograph gauntlet is a heavy, fist-like weight, mounted on an extendable frame and attached to your outer arm with a series of leather straps.
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Interestingly enough, the weapon flavor text/description HEAVILY implies that the weapon, while it is wielded in 1 hand, is actually strapped to the arm thereby making it impossible to simply drop or put the weapon away without spending additional actions. There are no mechanical descriptions for that, much like the issue with the description of how Shields are strapped to the arm.
Not exactly pertinent to this current conversation but I thought it was interesting to note.
While the weapon tries to sell the fantasy of giant robot fists, its functionality seems more like those joke boxing gloves that spring out.
Which is not bad either. Or it wouldn't be, if Paizo didn't continue to design monk weapons that are almost universally inferior to a level 1 stance mod. If this thing could hit d8, then it would be golden and everyone would love it. Maybe if they made it d6 and finesse, this would have a place. But as is, I am forced to always ask myself "Why would I use this over a bo staff?"
This is quickly being relegated to cheese that you throw on and ignore while focusing on your actual build, much like monks with shields.
Maybe if they made it d6 and finesse
Good luck with that... They are VERY conservative with finesse weapons. The Elven Branched Spear needs 2 hands to get a d6 and reach. Allowing the Pantograph Gauntlet would just make elves way too sad. :P
"Why would I use this over a bo staff?"
I'd say if you wanted to have a hand free: for instance if your monk has battle medicine, having to switch up grips with the staff could eat up several actions. Or if you want to switch between ranged and melee. I don't think anyone is going to argue it's ever going to be amazing but I could see some situations where it'd be better to have it than not.