Long gauge bits are generally more stable than short gauge designs. Although it is possible to steer long gauge bits, they are inherently less able to be tilted in the hole and because of their increased length, lead to an increase in the radius of the three point contact of the BHA and bit. Thus the maximum build rate obtainable with such bits is limited and therefore long gauges are often avoided by directional drillers.

Another approach to enhance stability is to increase the circumferential contact of bit design. This can be achieved by the introduction of spiral gauge pads. In order to achieve full circumferential gauge pad contact, the spiral angle required is high. This is particularly true for bits with fewer blades and shorter gauge lengths. For example, a four bladed bit with a 2" gauge length would require a 75° spiral angle to achieve full circumferential gauge coverage.

An eight bladed bit with the same gauge length would need a 48° spiral angle with 2.5" blade width. The cost of such high spiral gauge angles is poor cleaning of the gauge area. This leads to balling issues in waterbased muds. In general, spiral angles greater than 30 degrees should be avoided. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) testing clearly shows the stagnant flow zones at gauge. A Full or Part Ring Gauge is both less likely to ball and gives more stability than the spiral gauge configuration.