Everybody has different taste. I do not care for competition blend. I like hickory, pecan and charcoal pellets. I like charcoal for steaks and hamburger. Pecan for turkey, chicken and almonds. Hickory for ribs and pork. Next experiment will be classic blend of PB pellets. I like the PB pellets and price is nice. I suggest you get an Amazen smoke tube for more smoke. I use it for ribs with hickory to get a more pronounced hickory smoke. Light it and lay it on the grill. Quite simple. As I said we all have different taste. I am having fun experimenting.