Looking for a utility to move data between databases (prod to dev) SQL Server 2012
Since you mentioned you want to copy table data only I guess SSIS would be perfect. I have been using it and it works just fine for me. It also depends on level of competency you hold with SSIS. You can go for backup restore but it would also restore tables whoes data you dont want to change. If you want complete refresh then of course no better option than backup restore.

You can go for import export wixard as well and its more easy than SSIS because it almost does all data conversion(if required) for you.
You should use OLEDB provider always when data transfer is to be done within SQL server.There are tools but personally I found SSIS more relaiable than tools.

Have a look at below link

http://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/2684/importing-sql-server-data-using-ssis--which-option-is-fastest/

Best practice for SSIS packages

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sqlcat/archive/2013/09/16/top-10-sql-server-integration-services-best-practices.aspx