Grilling season starts and my brisket still sucks

I've been smoking briskets for like 3 years now and I still haven't nailed it. Either it's too dry or the bark isn't right or the rub is off. My buddy brought his brisket to the neighborhood thing last Fourth of July and it was perfect. Now he's messing with me about it. Anyone have a go-to recipe or method? I'm thinking about trying low and slow for longer next time but I'm open to advice. I know it's not impossible but man it's frustrating.