Custom backups are not recommended to be shared, due to potential cache data conflict, and leak of private data. Odin is also "safer" than custom backups in that a "clean slate" is easier to get to from there, and it was designed for that purpose.
If Odin didn't work for you once, maybe try again, and see what's happening. Just follow all the instructions.
However, if you really don't like Odin that much, use my Heimdall all-in-one package, and install using that instead. It's an easy "two-click" solution to flashing a samsung phone (as long as you have the Heimdall software, of course)...
