I haven't read through the whole post, so I accept any, "we said that you idiot" comments, mea culpa.
I like the slimlines, and they can do anything the regulars will do. I suppose they are a bit less sturdy, but if you need that much force use a rotary pick. My inclusion in a set would be a "slim hook" like those that Peterson sells. They are thinner and more flexible. I have found on the Abus Discus, and even some Brinks "shrouded" that they were the only ones that worked.
Is it possible to get a thinner gauge steel, with a bit a flexibility in that set? I would imagine it probably isn't, but I just wanted to put it out there. I literally have over $500 dollars (U.S.) in picks and every lock I have come across (I just pick for fun) I have been able to pop with 3 hook picks (1 FalleSafe (not really a hook in the general sense)), 1 Petterson, and 1 (Petterson/Southord), and 3 wrenches (1 FalleSafe adjustable, 1 Peterson, and 1 Southord)
That set includes no rakes, and as Falle's can't be bought seperatley, its a small problem, but drop that pick and get a similar adjustable wrench (not sure where, make one
) and for about $30. U.S. you have a set that will do most competition and hobby locks no problem.
*p.s. the only pick to break on me so far is a "Falle-Safe" and its the most expensive (they did provide a spare). I like Peterson for their grips, but you can just as easily wrap thinner handles in something comfortable, I found gauze tape actually works very nice if you wrap it tight. I use a permanent marker to color the gauze of different picks/tensioners, so I can grab them easy
Cheers,
Cracks
