Depends. I think the beam types are best for lower torques where you can watch the pointer. The reason I like them is that they start at zero, whereas the click type always start somewhere above that, ae my 1/2" click type starts at 40 ft. lbs. Rendering it useless for anything below that. I like the click type for the higher torques where you have use some serious muscle, and trying to watch a pointer or dial can be difficult. The beam type are accurate and cost much less than the clickers, not to mention electronic
. When they start to show wear (the pointer doesn't rest on zero), they're cheap to replace, but for the casual torquer, they should last a very long time.
