Some people think they really help and like it a lot. Some say that it increases the sound of the blast. I've not had a chance to shoot two rifles side by side to compare. I have read on ar15.com(Sniff sniff) about I guy who did shoot they side by side and said the break really helped. So, if the idea appeals to you, go for it. I have the 14.5 inch w/ muzzle break and plan on getting a 20inch down the road (After all this Y2K nonsense dies down). That's the nice part of the ar system, you can change uppers.