RubberBanned wrote:I suppose this would fall under the "bogota" category.... Do the "flats" work as effectively? Or is the handle integral to its effectiveness? I'm in the market for bogotas, but want to make the right choice. Any feedback is much appreciated, thanks!
Working effectively is more dependent on your technique. However, Rai's curved handles are designed to limit the amount of pressure you can put on the pins as you rake, as well as adding some bounce/spring in the motion. In short, they are designed to prevent the user from getting into the habit of applying too much pressure. This makes them very effective.
Getting used to the curved handle takes some practice since it's different from everything else, but once you've perfected your technique they work extremely well.
The flats don't provide this, and I've found that once I was used to the bogota curves, I wouldn't want to go there either. Saying that, I feel a lot more control of tension when I use a regular tension tool (my preference is a
Peterson Pry-bar) rather than using the second of the pair as a tension tool. Since the bend is not 90' I find they can slip.
One other thing even though it's not connected to your question, I'll say it nonetheless. Unless you're buying from Serepick or directly from Rai, I won't recommend them to anyone purely because I have a strong opinion on established companies ripping-off the original designs of the creator. Rai does sell his picks through Serepick as well as giving them permission to make the non-handmade versions, and there's also couple of resellers I can't recall. My 2 cents = Do Rai a favor and buy directly from him.
