Handled or Non-Handled Picks?

[IZ41N]

Which one do you prefer and why? The reason I am asking is because I am about to purchase my first pick set and would like some opinions on both before I buy.

Are the handled picks much harder to break than the non-handled ones?

[rakemaster]

Get the cheaper ones w.o. the handles. You don't hold them
by the handles anyway, and besides when your starting out
your more likely to break your picks so why start with the
more expensive ones.

If the edges are uncomfortable, you can sand it down to smooth
it.

I don't like picks with plastic handles at all because they interfere with
feeling. Heavy metal handles I don't see the point of.

[Eyes_Only]

Some ppl say picks with handles are more comfortable to use and work with but that depends on how you hold the pick. I hold them in a way that it doesnt matter if its handled or not, it still hurts my fingers after a while. The only reason I perfer handles is cos they look cool. And I dont think handled picks will make the tool last longer, they'll still bend and break just the same as non-handled picks depending on what material the pick itself is made out of. In the end its all just personal pereferance, Ive personally never seen a pick with a handle that out performs a non-handled pick.

[salzi684]

I'm going to say this very confidently

GET THE HANDLED PICKS!!!

If you are just starting out it will be so much easier to learn with the handled picks. The first set of picks I ever bought were the SouthOrd non-handled picks and they were so hard to use when I was still a novice that I bought the Petersons and have never looked back. The non-handled picks present two problems when you are just starting out, they are uncomfortable to hold and they are a little too flexible. Neither of these issues matter once you get the hang of it but for now you will be infinitely better off with the handled picks.

[mcm757207]

Not only are handles an important factor in confort, it also plays an important role in the balance of your pick (at least for me). I would definetly get the handled picks. It's a must.

[CycloneJack]

You can buy southord picks that come with optional rubber sleaves that "slip" over the pick handle. These are comfortable and removable.
*Tip*- It is a pain trying to get the handles on without lube, due to friction. Dip the rubber sleaves in hot water for about 30 seconds befor sliding on the pick.