PS3 What is the best version of CFW ?!

[NiQ]

I agree with aldostools regarding the best fw to use.
I alternate between Evilnat 4.88.2 & Rebug/Evilnat 4.84 with Cobra 8.3
If I want to go online to purchase a game, DLC or re-download already purchased items, I'll switch to littlebalup's Dual Boot Firmware.

I haven't tried the 4.89 FW yet...I'll wait until Evilnat releases a final version.

I think that "plagued with bugs" is an overclaim. I've been on Evilnat 4.89 for several months now and haven't run into major issues.

 

[xPsfaNx]

in general, the best CFW is Rebug 4.84.2 modified with Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin + CFW Tools menu by Evilnat.
It allows CEX/DEX and includes the latest improvements included in Evilnat CFW.

Can I downgrade directly from cfw rebug 4.86 lite without risk of brick to this version Rebug 4.84.2 mod?

When I dowgrade firmware the PS3 will lose all games,applications, saves on the internal hard drive, this process deletes all content on the disk?

 

[NiQ]

Can I downgrade directly from cfw rebug 4.86 lite without risk of brick to this version Rebug 4.84.2 mod?

When I dowgrade firmware the PS3 will lose all games,applications, saves on the internal hard drive, this process deletes all content on the disk?

Yeah, just use Rebug Toolbox to QA flag your console then you can install any FW version that's not lower than the one your PS3 originally shipped with. Do NOT install OFW or HFW above 3.55 though or you'll have trouble going back to CFW at this point.
You won't lose anything.

 

[xPsfaNx]

Yeah, just use Rebug Toolbox to QA flag your console then you can install any FW version that's not lower than the one your PS3 originally shipped with. Do NOT install OFW or HFW above 3.55 though or you'll have trouble going back to CFW at this point.
You won't lose anything.

I can use one of these applications ( Advanced Power Options v1.11 (CFW & HEN), CFW Power Options v1.07) in rebug 4.86 lite to enter safe (boot recovery mode) mode and downgrade firmware or do I have to do manual process by holding power button?

 

[NiQ]

I can use one of these applications ( Advanced Power Options v1.11 (CFW & HEN), CFW Power Options v1.07) in rebug 4.86 lite to enter safe (boot recovery mode) mode and downgrade firmware or do I have to do manual process by holding power button?

If you're currently on Rebug Lite you can QA flag your console using Rebug Toolbox.
To check whether your console is QA flagged, go to the settings tab on XMB, highlight the network settings option and press L1+R1+L2+R2+L3+Down (at the same time). If your console is QA flagged a debug menu option should appear.
Once you verify that your console is QA flagged you can downgrade to any firmware version (equal or higher than the one your console shipped with) by installing it as a regular firmware update.