Two thumbs up on Doug's tools!!
I do have a number of his chisels. Spindle gouges, bowl gouges, bowl bottom gouges, 1/8" parting tool, skew, and a handful of scrapers. I do have a variety of other brand tools that I use regularly that work very well.
As for his handles, for me, they are wonderful! They fit my hand very comfortably. I like the weight as well. Most are 16" with a couple of 20" handles.
A friend tried a couple of my Thompson bowl gouges and thought the handles were too heavy for her. Handles are a personal fit item....just like buying a hammer or a cordless drill....or a pistol....they need to fit your hand for you to be comfortable using the tool....same with lathe chisels.
Find a friend, turning club near by and ask to try them out. If there is a wood turning show near you, Doug may be there as a vendor. He will engrave the handles for you as well as grind any chisel however you like.
Bottom line, great guy and superior products. Many of the professional turners use his tools and have him customize a grind to their liking.
Tools for penturning....spindle roughing Gouge, parting tool and a skew will do most anything you need to do.
Remember, it is the user of the tool who will make it do what they want it to do. Study, learn and practice the cuts you will use....become proficient with your tools.
Good luck!