Did I make a huge mistake?

[Jay J. McCool]

So I started off by reading the FAQs, and noticed that the MPXS-14 set was the recommended beginner's kit of LP101. (You can skip to the last paragraph in this post for my question if you don't want anymore background on me than this.)

I bought the PXS-14 set, thinking it was pretty much the same thing, but with vinyl grips. I didn't really want to purchase online from an official shop because I was afraid my name would end up on some government list of "potential felons."

So I bought from Omikron. So far, it's been a very pleasant experience - he was quick to get my order shipped out and send me a tracking number. He cut me a decent deal, too.

In anticipation of my toolkit, I've been printing out the MIT guide to lockpicking, binding it, and reading a few chapters a day. I also did research on the MPSX versus the PSX sets.

Apparently there's quite a bit of difference between these two sets within the lockpicking community here.

Is the PXS kit really that much worse than the MPXS kit? Or is it just something like the MPXS kit is the "Ferrari" and the PXS kit, the "Civic?"

[Omikron]

I don't think you've made a mistake or anything. Anyone else can feel free to chime in and correct me, but really the only major difference between the two sets is the reinforced handles. Also, the PXS-14 lacks a double-ball rake and replaces it with a double sided pick.

As far as the issue of reinforced handles go, it really depends on level of experience and personal preference. If this is your first set, then you will probably be hard on it, and you will bend your picks and wear them out more quickly. In this case, you're better off with a cheaper set. Once you feel more comfortable and confident with your skills, you can graduate to more expensive and nicer sets. For now, I don't think you've made a mistake.

[vector40]

The difference, if any, is that of comfort. Different people have different preferences. More seem to prefer the metal handles than the vinyl (the latter was actually my first set), but it's no huge thing either way.

[Auto45]

Yes your are ok, My first set were not vinyl but I dip them in that liquid rubber after using them for over 6 months, (I was dropping the picks all the time) I did not like the fell, I could not fell the pin as I could without the rubber coating and took it off, but if this is your first set your are not going to notice.
Later you can buy a better set or make your own set. The homemade work the best for me.


Left one is homemade

[raimundo]

the one on the left probably gets an edge from the well sanded smoothness the sharp edges on commercial picks can use some rounding methinks

[Jay J. McCool]

Thanks for the support, guys.

Omikron - I received the picks today! I'm pretty excited. Thanks for being a great seller! I think you should be on the quality seller list - it's only been a few days since I ordered the kit!

[Omikron]

Thanks for the support, guys.

Omikron - I received the picks today! I'm pretty excited. Thanks for being a great seller! I think you should be on the quality seller list - it's only been a few days since I ordered the kit!

I think you can PM Varjeal about that. At least that's what the sticky in the BST forums says anyway.

Glad to see you're underway. Good luck!