However today I will talk about HPC, Paterson, Bogota, and A-1.
These were sourced from various distributors, but the HPC, can be found on the shop link, along with Peterson picks.
First let me say I can't say enough about bogota picks. They are well designed, robust, and work in European, and American locks very well. The average set while capable of single pin picking, probably wouldn't be my frist choice, but for a jack of all trades pick set, these can't be beat. I have been told that 1095 steel is used in the picks, which also is a common knife blade steel. This allows for some flex, while still retaining its shape. I know most people wasn't 50+ picks for there beginner set, but if I have just one set to sell these would be the only ones. Various different designs are out, and generally you see these in the hands of professional people beginning the road of lockpicking as a side asset (E&E etc) because frankly they get recommended a lot in the circles I talk to. Add to that they are there own tension tools. This is great for size but the only draw back is really they are both identical, which precludes ease of use in a few locks, but tension tools in the states can be made easy, and one of these could easily be modified, by the end user.
The next set I want to talk about is the A-1 set. Frankly I know little about this set other then they come with a combo pack for learning how to lockpick. The original intention was to buy the lock, get the picks and hand them off to a friend, but I moved to a new FOB before that occurred. As a beginner set honestly this is everything you really need to learn. I will say the picks handles were comfortable to use, and not to poorly constructed, but I fear the metal is to soft, and springy for optimal feed back. To be fair I think this set is cheaply produced so people get interested without breaking the bank, and the number of picks for the price would look great to new people. I will say the picks themselves weren't all together straight. The shaft was slightly off on a few, nothing not easily fixed due to the soft steel. Although frankly I can't see a newbie snapping a pick. Also the tension tool that came with it is kinda junky, but functional. It has to different widths which I guess is a plus, but after trying it I switched to the HPC while messing with the picks.
The last two sets will be HPC and Peterson picks(Left HPC right Peterson). These are two small sets, as I don't really intend to be diving into exotic picks (working on learning basic safe cracking), and figured these would be economical for basics. With these being standard style picks, and not the slim Bogota's it took me a bit of work to understand the different approach. I will start with the HPC, as it kindly attempts to boast 7 picks, and 2 tension tools. While this is true basically the tools are just repeat designs in either griped, or what I would term blank format. I think overall the HPC are probably some of the stronger, and better crafted picks for the price. The metal seems very rigid, and seems a bit thicker then the Peterson picks. This lends to a perceived strength I hope not to need. Also the grips do still give you great feedback with comfort, which was very nice. I will say though they do have some very nice tension tools considering. One is short and thin, which does create some flex, but also prevents new people from over tensioning. There is also a longer pick which you can see twitch when you set pins, also a great plus.
Lastly we have the Petersons which are purchased up at the shop button and you can also snag the HPC's as well (got other stuff as well). Frankly put the difference between the HPC, and Peterson comes to some finish and grips. They seemed to dp a better job sanding the picks, which I appreciate. They also seemed a little bit thinner, while still not being fragile feeling. The grips are hard plastic, and while nice I feel less in contact with the pins. Basically this is a 3 pick, two tension set. The nice thing is they give you a flat tension tool, which I didn't have, and that is nice. The other tension bar was poorly made in my opinion.
Overall I still lover my Bogota's and plan to get some more titanium ones (another excellent metal in my opinion), as they come off back order so flying is easier. The Steel ones though are just as good, a bit cheaper and can take a beating. My next choice would be either HPC, or Peterson. Honestly its a toss up, but the HPC kit seems to give you a bit better feel, while the Peterson has a better tension tool, and maybe a little less feel.
