pick preference poll, whatchu like?

[atticRR]

Just wondering what is the first pick you pick. I'm a hook man myself, probably in the medium range. I move on to a trip bogata if i'm not sucessful first, just to confirm the lock is 'pickable', lol.

To me the bogatas are magic, often i can feel the lock giving it up as im working, then, open! The hook is where i get intimate with the lock though, learning about the inside through touch and feel. Tougher locks i usually end up raking first, then i get serious and really figure the lock out with my hook. As far as hooks go i use homebrew slimlines.

So, share what works for you. I'm hoping that the variety of answers will help the newer members understand that the 'right' pick is the one that works.

[Solomon]

I voted medium hook. Anything about the same size/dimensions as the peterson DCAP hook is champion, I love the sharper feedback and the fact that you get extra reach with the same maneuverability makes it perfect. I prefer a shorter or more gradually curved hook for when I'm using BOK tension though, as it scoops under low pins easier.

[Phantom1016]

As a newbie, I wont vote, but I am very interested to see the results and why. So if you vote, if you could, also reply as to why. Very interested to see how people mentally assess any given lock.

[FarmerFreak]

Hook pick!

Actually my go to pick for the last year or so is a cross between a hook and a gem. But for manufactured picks a hook is the way to go, as it far more reliable at picking more locks than the other choices.

[Wizer]

Deforest, its not on the list.

[atticRR]

ach, i know... i realized i missed a few after i posted the list is the deforest your preferred pick, weiser?

[Wizer]

yeah, I use it most. It fits good in small keyways, and when I get frustrated I can rake a little with it too.

[zeke79]

I added deforest to the list.

[atticRR]

Thanks zeke!

[Jedilocksmith]

It depends on what I am doing. Sometimes I just like to SPP and for that I use a short/med hook. But if I am going for speed I will grab the triple bogota 1st; If that doesnt open it I use my hook to set the rest of the pins.

[atticRR]

Pleas repeat your vote as the addition of the deforest category caused the poll to reset. It only takes a second and will ensure that the poll is accurate. Sorry about the mistake, and thanks!

[zeke79]

I had no idea adding that would reset the votes. Sorry about that guys.

[Solomon]

Re-voted. And I'm sticking with medium hook, although I wanna add that in the field I never go straight for SPP. I'll try raking/scrubbing/rocking with a half diamond first, then the same process with a city rake, and if it hasn't opened quickly with either of those then I'll bust the hook out and go for SPP. Plenty of locks will rake open easily so it's good to try first just in case, as it can save you a lot of time.

If I had to carry JUST one pick though, I'd definitely take the hook.

[GWiens2001]

While a deforest is great, and use it frequently, I prefer the medium hook for most picking. Used to rely on the half diamond for 90% of my picking, but as I got into more advanced locks, the hook has been my primary tool. Will try a quick rake with a Bogata or half diamond, but then out comes the hook.

What, no selection for half-ball???

Gordon

[atticRR]

Lol, half ball. A describe pick just begging for cosmetic surgery, to join the ranks of the cool picks.