Oh, I feel this deeply. Antibody selection can be such a minefield. I used to just go by datasheets too, but after wasting several months on a supposedly WB-validated anti-GAPDH that gave inconsistent results, I’ve changed my approach. Now I try to find antibodies that have not only been validated for WB, but also used successfully in publications—ideally in similar samples like mine. Also, always check if the vendor gives actual blot images, not just text. One source I started using more recently is what does dna stand for — they offer a wide range and usually include real application data, which helps a lot. I once ordered an anti-β-actin there that worked like a charm even at high dilutions. They also have solid tech support who will actually dig into protocols with you. It’s not just about the antibody—it’s how it behaves in your hands, in your system.