Hi Jason, I have found since trying the water bath method that the consistency of the cheesecake itself is much creamier and I get absolutely no cracks on the top. (browneyedbaker.com)
I used the water bath method to help prevent cracks — if you do as well, wrap the outside of the cheesecake pan tightly with at least two layers of tin foil. (gottagetbaked.com)
For this cheesecake recipe — I highly, highly recommend using a water bath method. (justsotasty.com)