I tried this hammer shortly after it arrived to test it based on the reviews I had read and found it did what it said it would. It has great feel and balance, and the large head is a plus as every hit hits the nails confidently. However, I would wear light gloves when handling this hammer, especially if hands are not calloused enough as the handle can cause tingling. Of course, that's not a problem, because this grip ensures that the hammer remains within reach when swinging. Nice hammer too! I