This is a great topic!!! I have Lanard, BBI, and Power Team. The Lanard guns that came with the non o ring figures are realy over sized but are still cool. BBI I have a few of their figures and their gear is neat but you have to be careful that it doesn't break. They had some weapon packs which I got but I don't know if there is any more of them out in stores but if you see one it wouldn't hurt to snag one. BBi's figs are made differently than the Joes and it takes a little getting used to. Lanard has some cool vehicles and if you are on a tight budget Lanard can work. Power Team figs have great posibility and I know you can maybe get 3 figs in a pack. Alot of people use these guys as mercenaries, bad guys, hostages or even on the Joes Team. I think if you have a use for them as a named charecter, custom foder etc.. then their value increases to the person who uses them. If you want to use SW figs by all means. They got some great detail and cool gear though there posibility as figs are not as great as the Joes. When I was younger I used some SW figs with my Joes and it worked out fine. I think what it all boils down to is what you want do with your Joes, what kind of budget (if you have one), and your imagination. There might be other factors that play out for other people but these are just the ones off the top of my head. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Now you know...