Go for it!!! If I have any criticism, it is that the handle, while shaped nicely to fit my hand, is a tad too light. I'd rather the wing thing weigh more, as it makes it hard to really thunp it. I've replaced the feathers in mine since I got it several years ago with my own shot bird feathers.

I use it for:

Flydowns
Leaf scratching
Fighting sounds

I carry mine with at all times, on a nylon cord attached to my backpack a la Wilbur.

Oh yeah, I think they work well.