I know people say this but I used the above spade for pretty much exactly what the OP said, then at my allotment digging ground where people have snapped all sorts of forks and spades and some even resorted to pick axes the ground is that hard below the top surface. I guess I just got lucky, but i think when digging they are great and they certainly went through turf far easier than the smaller carbon one we had.
I wouldn't use it to start prying stuff though as I think thats where people bust spades/forks a lot digging under bushes etc.
If your really serious about you spades and forks follow this guys advice.
http://www.fredshed.co.uk/forksandspades.htm
"Garden or digging forks are designed for soil and are most commonly damaged when use to lever roots and rocks which is a task more suited to a crowbar or pickaxe"
it was on half price a little while back too - made it the same price as the cheapies