If you don't own a Pullman tamper with a Bigstep, then please do yourself a favour and buy one. I purchased the version with the African Padauk handle. It's a quality tool, looks great but even more importantly, it made a huge difference in the preparation of my puck. My shot quality has improved significantly, just because of the Pullman tamper. I use the VST baskets and the Pullman fits the baskets perfectly. Because of the excellent fit, I get a more level and even tamp, with no exposed areas around the edges where the water can squeeze through. This tamper tamps the entire surface area of the puck. Expensive yes, but I'd buy it again. It exudes quality.