Charging handles really became an item for improved weapon manipulation. As optics started getting more prevalent it started to get more difficult to work the CH without jamming knuckles. First there were extended latches then ambi's. It was not uncommon to have problems with many of the first gen extended latches because it allowed shooters to crank on the latch/handle at angles they were not made to handle. Most of the quality charging handles on the market today have been designed from the ground up around the latch handle interface so those problems are rarely seen any more.....though if they are they tend to be in the cheaper versions that are just mil-spec handles with the latch extended (gen 1 type).
There is no doubt that a newer charging handle makes manipulations easier. They almost never wear out except in extreme cases and as long as you get a quality CH it will most likely never break. I know a lot of guys that change their CH every time the new sexy comes out. I have tried a few as I have acquired/sold rifles and have settled on one that works for me. I use the AXTS Raptor in all of my AR pattern guns. I find the latch to be positive without protruding too much and find off hand manipulations much easier having the ambi. I also find the BCM gunfighter and the Griffin SNATCH to be nice.
The original PRI gasbusters were a huge improvement for people that shot a lot suppressed. There are an number of new designs including the Raptor, SNATCH , and Geissele that are designed to help mitigate the extra gasses.
Find one that works for you and stick with it....no reason to get caught up in the cosmetic "cool" wars. I am friendly with the guys at AXTS who make a great product that they stand by so I will continue to use them.
Chris
