Personally I prefer the standards as I like them better when I'm "grabbing" rocks, etc. while holding the boat for casting. Lots of guides out this way are running the magnums though and have been happy with them ... I think it's more a matter of personal preference, they enter the water differently and to each his own. Best bet would be to try to borrow some of each and see what you think ... frankly, I don't think you can make a "wrong" choice.