SPP with Bogota Entry or get a hook?

[subver]

Hey guys,
Quick question... I got the Bogota Entry Toolset from Serepick.. I love it, and I have been SPPing with it pretty successfully so far (but I'm new... hardest lock I've picked in Masterlock 140)

Anyway.. should I get a medium hook to pick with instead of the bogota half diamond? I held the bogota up to a template and it's about the same exact size and shape of a medium hook except obviously it's a diamond shape.

Someone told me the bogota set wasnt made to SPP...

So if I were to make one or 2 more tools, which would they be? Would a medium hook the same size as the bogota half diamond be redundant or better for SPP?
Maybe a medium hook and a long hook?

Thanks!

[fgarci03]

Well, if it works, it works!

I do use a short hook for my pickings, you should at least get one, so you have different tools for the job. But stick to the tools that serves you the most!

[phrygianradar]

Well, if it works, it works!

I do use a short hook for my pickings, you should at least get one, so you have different tools for the job. But stick to the tools that serves you the most!

I agree, as they say, "If it works, it's not wrong". Having a larger set of tools to choose from is always good, but I have found that 95% of the time I go for the same two picks for spp'ing. I have many to choose from, but have gotten used to and good with a couple of them. For me I started out using Southord picks, but as soon as I used a black rubber handled Peteson Govt. steel hook, I was sold! My favorite hooks are the Peterson Jem and hook. I also have the Serepick Bogota picks and use them very frequently. If I can't rake a lock open with just the Bogota, I will get it close and then switch it up with a hook. You just will have more control with a bigger handle. The bogotas are made to finesse a lock open, not for spp'ing. It has been discribed like keeping all the pins in the air as juggler, until the lock comes open; it should be very unforced.

If you have only been using the Bogotas for spp'ing, I would deffinately suggest getting a medium hook and/or a half diamond. Once you start picking trickier locks with security pins or high-low pin configurations, you will be happy to have some more tools. Althogh some people are so good with a Bogota that they may dissagree; just my oppinion. Have fun!

[fgarci03]

As Gordon said once around here:

If it works, it ain't wrong!

It's on someone's sig too

Yes, a nice assortment of picks is always good. I don't mean to have a bag full of pics that you will never use. But 3 or 4 hooks is a nice option. I have 4 hooks, 2 short hooks (1 slim, other regular), 1 medium and 1 long. I use the short hook most of the time, but the others are usefull on occasion! The long hook is very rarelly used, but has saved me on a crazy bitting once.

About using the bogota for everything, all I have to say is: Squelchtone has a nice video on youtube using a bogota to open a lock with just one hand. Won't go into details, search his channel