I have tried spirals, and I find they feather way too much for my liking, and I don't like trying to control them. Unlike most others, I'm an Olson guy all the way. I cut mainly 3/8' thick oak, maple, cherry, and ash. I pretty much use the #2/0 scroll reverse blades, and every once in a while I use a #2r if ti's larger cut outs, but I love how glass smooth and crisp corners I can get with the $2/0 blades. Never broken one myself yet.