Very good points @fractal and @Wavegem. I will use an F1 male from time to time but my preference is using an F2..... or higher F3, F4, etc. but I prefer finding males within the F2 gen because of the way the genes have combined to produce offspring carrying dominant traits AA, BB all the way down to the recessive ones aa, bb! Going thru F2s I've always found gold whether males or females. I do sort of a mix of what both you guys have stated, I 1st look closely at the mom(s) and decide what I'd like to add to or improve upon, then I use smell and structure.... if the male exhibits a certain trait e.g. PM, disease, or mite resistance, big yields, excessive trichs, etc., when I find one of those I'll roll the dice most of the time and use it! I've been working some of my crosses to F2 for the purpose of finding my very own males to use in future projects!