While watching pros, it seems that they will use a bridge as a very last resort, I have found that for myself, the bridge is my first resort. I actually like using a bridge and feel very confident with it. Yes some of the bridges in pool halls are not in the greatest of condition, or where I mostly shoot, do not have one for every table, and because of that we just bring our own bridge head and stick it on our break stick when needed. It's much less trouble for me just grab a bridge, than what I see other people do digging through their case looking for their extension every time needed.