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AND THE WINNER IS... Recently I wrote about my foray into DNA based Genealogy. It has been quite an interesting journey and I thought those of you who have not ventured thus might appreciate the insight. Those of you, perhaps in large numbers, who have already figured it out… feel free to jump in and keep me straight. It is not a simple subject to understand.
I have actually submitted tests to all of the following DNA testing providers and my experience with them has been quite varied. If you want a simple recommendation, I would have to go with FamilyTreeDNA. But if you want the gory details, read on…
The four providers I tested are:
Please understand as stated in my previous article and as is often cited. There is no free lunch. These tests all cost a significant amount and measure very different things. Know what it is you are looking for before you buy. In other words know which kind of test you need, what your goal is in testing, and how you plan to utilize the results. *In the case of the SMGF test, you will receive no test results back directly.
DNA Tribes
DNA Tribes is an excellent place to go if you are interested in a statistically sound probability based indication of world population centers and geographical locations that most closely match your DNA profile. Restated, your DNA is matched statistically with population centers, geographic centers, and cultural regions for commonality.
If you are interested in matching your specific DNA with someone in your GEDCOM file more than a few generations back, you will likely be disappointed using DNA Tribes. It does not focus on near relatives, but more generalized associations with regions, cultures, or tribes
Their testing delivery was prompt, but I had to do a retest in spite of nearly rubbing the inside of my cheeks raw in the testing process. I was obviously overly concerned about getting a good test.
Retesting was less painful and apparently more accurate. I received my test results in about 3 weeks from the retest. Their customer service seems to be good and responded promptly to inquiries.
Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA has a full range of DNA testing and I emphasize “full range”. They do Y(Paternal), mt (Maternal) testing, autosomal (Biogeographical or Cultural/Regional) testing, and claim to have the largest database of Genetic Genealogy in the world. They have a comprehensive network of volunteers who help with Surname matches and results. It is these Surname projects which bring the greatest value and interest to the comparison.
The Family Tree DNA Surname projects are a collection of individual test results, published alongside Pedigree chart’s (of varying quality), organized by Surname. A volunteer posts your test results then groups your results according to markers discovered in the test. This allows you to quickly narrow down what is often an endless appearing list of possibilities in potential Ancestors or Family Lines.
I had some difficulty navigating their website and my order rejected the first time. The second attempt appears to have been successful and I received the kit. They have good customer service and keep you informed on the progress of your test results.
GeneTree
Gene Tree has the most clever website including a unique social networking aspect different from any of the other services, which you can use for free. In theory you can search from within their database for specific individuals that match your DNA. But I emphasize “in theory” because I was unable to successfully utilize this feature.
I cannot recommend purchasing a test from Gene Tree; however, because of their unwillingness to deliver on promotional testing which they advertised to those of us who participated in the SMGF study. My repeated attempts to persuade them to honor their agreement was in vain. In fairness, a point of clarification is in order. My testing done at SMGF was supposed to be released to Gene Tree if you paid for an "Upgrade". That never happened as promised and I am still waiting (it has been 10 months). So technically, I have not tested with Genetree directly and will likely not do so until they do what they say they will do.
GeneTree’s association with SMGF is a real plus, but you can also deal directly with SMGF by visiting their website and www.smgf.org. Please note that there are limitation on using SMGF testing. And although you will not receive test results back directly, you can eventually identify yourself in their database. This however will take some time and research.
Summary
The best service for researching a specific name or family line is Family Tree DNA, and be sure to obtain the Walker Family Surname Project discount. The DNA Tribes site is a fascinating investigation into your likely origins in geographical or cultural terms, but we are talking thousands of years ago… or millions if you are inclined to think in those timeframes. And Genetree while connected to SMGF offers more of a Social Networking twist on Genealogy .
If you have had a different experience in your DNA testing or have additional insight please feel free to contact us.
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