As a beginner upright bass player (playing with amateur ensembles) I started with a French bow. I wanted to try the German bow to see how I got on with it, without spending a load of money.
After a couple of days use I am getting familiar with it. The German bow feels much lighter than the French bow that came with my current (borrowed) Gewa bass. This is probably a cost thing, but for £100 I am happy to now have a German bow as well a good French bow. If I stick with the German bow, and once my playing improves, I can always upgrade.
Pros:
The bow is the same length as my French bow and the width of the hair is about the same.
Price is low enough to try and see how I get on with it
Cons:
The hair feels a little thinner - like there are fewer hairs, and not the same quality.
The tensioner is quite long but is a smooth round shape. I prefer the typical hexagonal type adjuster.