I remember starting out around the 50+ rg like most here it seems. The larger gauges were nice, usually burned cool, and were forgiving if you smoked fast. I just notice how the smaller gauges are just as flavorful, burn just as cool, burn more evenly, and more importantly, are more comfortable to smoke. Don't know if experience is the key, but I just found that the 46 or 48 rg are what works best for me usually with maybe the occasional robusto.