IMO if you need a muzzle brake to shoot a rifle comfortably then you need a lighter kicking rifle.

I feel it does matter at the range. I absolutely hate to shoot next to a person with a brake on their rifle. Even with double hearing protection on. Be curteous the those around you and let them know when you will be firing a group and/ or move to the far end of the firing line if you can.

As far as brand goes they all do the same thing. It's just a cylinder with holes drilled into it. You should definetly have it installed by someone that knows a lathe. It isn't something you want to do if you are not experienced. If your buddy is experienced with a lathe then he should have no problem installing a brake.