Just curious on your thoughts. Personally I use a Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter pedal and it serves its purpose nicely, but I'd hesitate on calling it the best...

Why? I've never tried it, but have heard it called the best many times. What are its faults?

I use the Dynacomp. I like the coloration and sustain, but extreme settings are unusable do to either "pumping" or hiss, or both (depending on settings). The switch gave me some problems initially, but maybe that was just some corrosion as there haven't been any problems since. I wish it had an 'attack' control, but it's got decent attack characteristics as is. Overall a classic sound.

Sometimes I'd like something more transparent as an alternative. I tried the Maxon, which is transparent and quiet, but found it's attack made it completely unusuable with humbuckers and a pick. Obvious clicking noises every time you pick a note.

two that dont get much mention-- the art levelar (no on/off switch but great if you leave it on or in a Loop- probably the smoothest undetectable compressor under 200 bucks) also the Tech21 baSS compactor-- this is made for bass but is a great compressor for guitar too.......

Well I DO like the Carl Martin a lot actually. Don't get me wrong it's a terrific pedal.
I can't even think of anything wrong with it per se...I just wouldn't call it the best simply because I haven't tried half of 'em out there, and I'm curious about other opinions

The CS-2 Boss is pretty good I think.

The Ibanez CP-9 is another winner too, moreover used by Dave Gilmour !

i was convinced the Saffron Squeeze was the holy grail of pedal compressors for a few months until i finally got a gray ross compressor. it is worth the hype.

...just goes to show you that for everyone it's different. I found exactly the opposite to be true for me. I sold my grey Ross because my Saffron Squeeze sounded better to me and was dead quiet. As with all pedals I guess it just comes down to opinion...

To me its the Ibanez CP-9 works well with bass also...

EBS and if you can believe it a , DOD " milk box " .

I'm relatively content with my Carl Martin Comp/Limiter. It's transparent and the limiter function is great. The compression works very well.

I need to fiddle more to nail a rapid attack sound like Andy Summer's intro notes to "Don't Stand So Close to Me."