The metal side is stronger than I really expected it to be. First time I used it, I was driving some 1/2" bolts through wood and the heads didn't leave the slightest mark on the metal end of the head and it didn't hurt the bolt any either.

Great versatile hammer - red poly side is tough, even on pointy objects. My new go-to

Ecellent deal, made in USA hammer exceeded my expectations, used to replace wheel bearing asembly

Many years ago, my mother got me the "regular" version of this dead blow hammer with the black "rubber" on the sides and one end (other end being steel). With the loose shot inside, that hammer worked amazingly well (my favorite being using it to close paint cans). The only disadvantage is that every so often, I want to hit something rusty or sharp with the "soft" end of the hammer. The regular, black material does not hold up the best to that type of use and seeing the Extreme version as being better able to tolerate that use, this seemed a great purchase. It will be interesting to see the comparison of how this one holds up over time. As a DIY user, most likely, it will be several years before I know for sure - if I find anything negative, this review will be changed appropriately.

I am a tool man and really appreciate a quality USA made tool. A man can never have too many hammers.