Never used that particular brand but I do use locally produced rape straw as a base for my beds. It is very absorbent but I find it quite spikey and sharp so I put small flake shavings on top. Works really well as a deep litter system, makes good solid banks and there is very little smell when dug out.
I use it for my dirtiest horse- its really absorbent and tends to clump together when wet (brilliant when he drags his feet through the bed and stirs it up) but as said above- it isn't as soft as shavings, sometimes you get small twig-like bits in there- doesn't bother my huge irish lump, but some might appreciate a mix with something softer. Also he's really greedy but won't eat this bedding even when desperate, and he eats pretty much anything!