i went with the apexi ws for sound mostly. you really have no clue about sound with a custom exhuast. most are loud and sound like crap. at least with name brand stuff you can listen friends cars or get comments from people about the sound. as for performance they all about the same custom or name brand catback. quality on name brand catbacks is more consistent and high whereas quality on custom ones depends on the shop and parts muffler/piping/hangers used.