Many describe the F-hole mandolins are being able to cut through the mix better and they have the punch necessary for a good chop chord in bluegrass. I personally fell hard for the Oval hole mandolin by Collings. I haven't had the same experience with gibson ovals and others I have tried, but Collings does it very very well. I wouldn't personally get a F style with an oval because I detest the way they look, but it works for the A-Style.
In an ideal world get both. But the general census seems to be that if you want to play bluegrass than get f holes, if you want to play folk or Irish or anything else really an oval hole or round hole might be for you. Keep in mind there is also a very different sonic pallet between flattop mandolins and Archtop mandolins.
You will never get the bluegrass punch with a flattop. Hope all that helps.
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My Therapy:
Martin 000-18GE 1937 Sunburst MFG
Martin 000-15
Kevin Enoch Tradesman Open Back Banjo
Collings MT2-O Honey Amber
Royce Burt #560 5-String Fiddle
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