Most spade bits only have a flat tip that prevents the bit from turning in the right direction when you start turning the bit. These drills have a threaded tip that is threaded all the way around that grips the wood and literally pulls the drill through the wood. This saves you almost having to push the bit through the wood. The shape of the drill also cuts through the wood better and throws the chips out of the hole, while other drills simply grind the wood and create a fine powder from the sawdust. It's the same chainsaw test: wood chips = good. sawdust = bad. I bought these after struggling with a set of Ryobi paddles and I wonder why I've ever settled for anything less.