im a ruler and gadget junky... In the end most are the same, they figure out the calculations for you already, some allow for skipped steps of other rulers, other have nice grippies, others have points. some have points cut out.. it just depends on if you want to spend the funds on them.. Do what your most comfortable with.. try w/o the specialty ruler and if you ok with that way no need for the ruler. If you looking for speed and accuracy ( which is my case) try the ruler..