When it comes down to it there is nothing better than manual tools for your Lock pick Set, whether they be retail, homebrew, macgyver style. DIY'ers look here.
They feel more substantial in your hands. They take some of the sensitivity of feeling the pins away, but i believe they add some life to your pick. I prefer anything that is more substantial.
I prefer the plastic handles on Rytan picks. Especially when it's cold. I put my pick case on the defrost vent and get them toasty warm since I pick sans gloves, even below 0. On my home-made ones, I like a round wood dowel handle 1/4"-3/8" and epoxy them in. I work on a lot of boats as well, so it's handy they float.