Is it necessary to have long hooks in your equipment? I´ve never seen a lock where I thought that a long hook is necessary. Which locks can only be picked with these hooks (give me the manufacturers?).
Long hooks can be used on warded locks and on combination locks that are mechanically flawed to the technique. Simple lever locks are also susceptible to long hook picks, as well as certain automotive locks. The manufacture's list is fairly long and varied.
Personally, I like to get some long hooks and grind them down to a variety of heights. Its a really cheap way to get a set of picks similar to the Falle set.
DISCLAIMER:repeating anything written in the above post may result in dismemberment,arrest,drug and/or alcohol use,scars,injury,death, and midget obsession.
I have about 13 different types of hook picks in my set and in the field all I ever use is the short hook for most jobs. But at home when I pick locks I have pinned out of MACS rule for practice I like to use my Peterson Gem pick. Helps in setting the short pins placed behind the long pins.
If a lock is a puzzle, then its key is the complete picture
