It always amazes me, just how many different ways we use to make a hole! No matter how many methods you have, there's always another that you need....
I've got away from the spade bits, in part because they are useless after you bump into a nail. In general, I find ship augers to be a better choice.
That is changing, though. I have become a real fan of the forstner-type bits.
As for the long 'flex' bits, I have had decent results with them. When making a long reach ... and I have the space ... I have run multiple extensions inside a length of pipe as an assist to keeping things in line and on track.
