When I bought my Omega,I handled alot of guns before I bought it.I liked the Knight Master Hunter Disc Extreme but couldn't really afford it,looked into the Encore and CVA Optimas,but I really liked the one piece stock on the American made Omega the best.I am going to try to get the thumbhole stock for mine as it wasn't available when I bought mine.Maybe alot of guys like the lighter synthetic stock,but my personal opinion is that the heavier stock will make the gun all that more balanced and accurate.I also like the looks of it better.