If you are really into geneology, then this kit is for you. It follows either paternal or maternal lines. It gives you an idea “who you are” going back to as recently as 10,000 years ago. They also have a service that can tell you names of others that match you genetically to within a very high percentage. Even if it is not a known blood relative. I was surprised to have more than a few Scottsmen in my father’s bloodline, despite that side being 100% Prussian. So there must be something to the Saxon tales of raiders coming from Germany. Worth it? Yes. But only if one is willing to make it a serious pursuit for more than just a day or so.
I read something a few years back about a man in England who discovered his paternal ancestry came from a place in Croatia where the same surname is still found--evidently he had an ancestor from there who became a mercenary in one of the wars and eventually settled in England.
>> this kit is for you. It follows either paternal or maternal lines. <<
No, no, no. You’re describing the Genographic 1.0 kit ($99.00). That test indeed is confined to your straight paternal or your straight maternal line. It’s especially good for males who want to trace their surname back for hundreds of years.
On the other hand, the new Genographic 2.0 kit ($199.00) uses “autosomal” DNA — that is, DNA from ALL of your ancestors, not just the unbroken male-to-male and female-to-female lines. In this respect, this new test is similar (although not identical) to FTNDA’s Family Finder test.
There are some very good features of the G 2.0 test, but also some drawbacks. If you’ve got the money, you may as well go for it, especially if you’ve already had Family Finder or the similar autosomal tests from 23andMe or Ancestry.
But if you’re completely new to autosomal testing, you need first to study up on the pros and cons of FTDNA’s Family Finder. It’s on sale until December 31 for $199, and it can beat G 2.0 for some applications.