its like ghetto mandrel bent, smooth bends but a decreased area in the turn. it is more restrictive than a true mandrel. i have my 2.5" exhaust done like this, i am gonna weld in some real mandrel bends in the corners when i get a chance. it will flow fine right now for my low psi, 10 - 12ish.

thats a good price!! only $10, exhaust shops around here jack ya. i paid $25 just to have 2 diff size pipes welded together.