I'm always looking for the tool that will help me get it done easier, faster, better, this hammer is my current favorite! The Stanley does everything well, I can punch in trim nails, knock in 3-1/2 duplex with relative speed and ease(It doesn't beat a two foot framing hammer, but it's also not an anchor hanging off my belt fit only for framing either)bash masonry, and demo old walls. I find that it really helps absorb the impact well and one of the biggest advantages is the handle provides FANTASTIC traction and grip! After having hammers fly out of my weak, sweaty hands after marathon framing sessions, this is a tremendous boon. The magnetic starter works very well, but don't expect it to hold anything larger than a 10d. It's also nice to have a hammer that isn't almost a short-sword smashing your leg in with every belted step.Having used this for a couple of months, i'm going to buy a waffle faced framing model.