I've used compression and downdraft heads from all the major manufacturers as well as nameless budget heads. Some of them are almost double the price of this bit. But this one gave the cleanest cut on the front and back of the material I use. I ran through two 3/4", one 1/2" and one 1/4" maple veneer 4'x8' MDF filled with pieces cut through with the same drill and it's still holding up great. Wear and tear you hardly notice I think I've found my new workhorse.