I have to say that I first dindn't fully know what to expect from this pedal. I was familiar with the Boss brand before, of course, having had a Boss ME-70 Multi-effect board, but i hadn't tried out a single distortion stompbox before this one. However, I am happy to say that it lived up to my expectations.
It is easy to handle and the middle boost gives you enough options to play everything from Bluesrock to the shredding guitar solos of both Heavy- and Thrash-metal. If it's combined with a sustain pedal the distortion value also goes to another level.
The only not so positive thing worth mentioning is the sound quality, which sounds a bit digital at low volume level, but when turning it up a bit it creates a powerful distortion, worth playing with at your band practice, live and in the studio (Yes, I have made some home recordings using the Boss DS-2 pedal).
So, the conclusion is that; if you want a distortion pedal that is easy to handle, has a good tone for live playing and practicing etc. and still affordable, then the Boss DS-2 is one for you.