Because it is Glycerol Bonded it accelerates the absorption to fill the muscle with more creatine... The Glycerol helps in keeping your hydration levels up. It helps to leave you volumized (not water logged like regular creatine).
I used Sports One's creatine before I used MN Inc's Creatine GP. I retained WAY more water on the Sports One than the CGP. Felt and looked like a damn blow fish. The CGP keeps you looking leaner!
I bought a new 1200 gram yesterday at the Nutri-Sport in UTC and the $53 sounds about right.... I work right across the street, so it's convenient. Where do you work out?