IMO, you're better off ported with that particular sub. How "low" a sub goes depends alot on port design. With a sealed box, not as much air will be moving, which means shorter wave lengths, which means tighter more accurate bass. I wouldn't be concerned too much on what your friends say...there's so many varibales that are probably contributing to what they consider "better" (ie, vehicle, box, amp, hu, etc.).