First of all I love hammers....and have a large "collection "......lol.  as a remodeler....my work varies daily.  On a recent job requiring alot of nailing.....I brought along several of my favorites.  The best performers were estwing and vaughan.  The Vaughn hammers were very comfortable and we'll balanced for all day nailing......but with the fiberglass handles....I didn't want it for demo.  The estwing hammers truly are wonderfully balanced and simply indestuctable.  If I had to carry just one hammer......it would be the estwing.  The grip is comfortable and I can go from demo....to framing.....to finish ......without changing hammers.  Either a 20 oz or 22oz.....smooth face hammer is really all you need to carry.  I also prefer the rubber handle.  Although I have the leather handle.....and it's gorgeous.....it's just a little too slippery of a grip for my taste.  The balance and toughness of estwing is unequaled..........and a very reasonable price for a professional quality tool.  If you are shopping different brands.....save yourself some time and go right to estwing.  If you have a 16oz.....a 20oz.....and a 22oz......you will never have to purchase another hammer for anything.....and you will get a lifetime of good performance from estwing tools.