I've always used pecan and cherry. Are you using a blend, or stacking them? I usually start my cook with all cherry and then move to all pecan. The cherry definitely gives more color. Starting with pure cherry seems to accentuate the smoke ring.
I started out trying hickory, sugar maple, cherry, well the whole lot... But I have settled with oak for every thing. I get the smoke profile I want plus I can get to the higher temps for steaks and such... And best part to sticking to one pellet.... I don't have to remember what I left in the hopper.
For you guys who forget what flavor you left in the hopper, Traeger makes a set of magnets that have all the common flavors written on them. I saved mine off my Traeger. T minus 2 days on arrival of 2 star. The magnets are available on the Traeger web site.
I can go with any flavor of pellets pending the product I am applying them to except mesquite... I just don't care for it. I also like mixing wood flavors.
I'm with you on the comp blend. I like a titch of Black Walnut on the brisket, super ring builder. We use hickory at the shop when were cooking for samples. Customers love that aroma.
I am using: Hickory & Apple mainly (often mixing the two), Sugar Maple when I want lighter profile, Black Walnut for beef when I want a heavier profile & Cherry occasionally for poultry (gives a great color).
Straight oak is hard to beat for grilling with the FlameZone.