A smooth face is far more versatile. A waffle face is only for framing.
ALWAYS buy a straight claw. The only thing a curved claw is good for is pulling nails, and that is not what a hammer is for.
I absolutely love the Vaughan. I had my Vaughan for sixteen years until one of the fingers of the claw broke off. I deserved for it to break. I worked that hammer hard.
I bought a Stanley because that’s all that was available when I needed it. I have to say that I like it but I don’t love it. The fiberglass handle of the Vaughan has so much over the steel one of the Stanley.
Somewhere along the way (maybe even at a garage sale) I picked up an old Estwing. I’m not even sure if it’s a full 20 ounces, but it comes in handy for finish work.
In conclusion, don’t buy a girlie hammer!