I use a DMT xcoarse on all my waterstones. also the 400 Bester. I didn't know that could be bad. Until now, no problems though.

The diamond plate is so easy. It's small zo takes up no space. It's always ready. No running out of sandpaper. I just walk to the bucket of water and flatten the stones. I've used it now for something like 5 years and it is still going strong.