Practice lock: UCL or MrWizard's Super Max (Australia)?

[SEIRAN]

Hey guys, brand new picker here. I only got interested in lock picking recently and the most I've done so far has been watch a few videos, read the newbie guides (MIT & Detail Overkill) and lucked open a cheap padlock with a paper clip. I've ordered some lock picks which should get here next week, but I'm interested in getting a good practice lock to work with. I've lurked on the forum for a while and read that both MrWizard's lock and The Ultimate Challenge Lock are good, but I'm trying to decide which would be better for me as I live in Australia. Do both ship here, and would customs be a problem? (Side question: is it possible to import lock picks or would customs snatch them? I ordered mine from a domestic retailer). How similar are the keyways to "native" locks? Would MrWizard's Super Max be more useful in the long-term because of the additional pin chamber?

Any help and advice is appreciated.

Thank you.

[Divinorum]

As a recent purchaser of one of MrWizard's Super Max Security 7-pin Practice Lock I can tell you that it is worth every penny. I have never used the ultimate Practice lock, but from comparing the specs MrWizard's 7-pin Practice Lock is the better choice in my opinion. The Super Max Security 7-pin Practice Lock has the available 7th pin chamber, comes with spool and serrated top pins, and features a Schlage C keyway. From what i have read (and see from pictures) on the The Ultimate Practice Lock website, the lock has 6 chambers, comes with spools (no serrated), and features a less restrictive keyway. I guess it depends on how much you want to challenge yourself in the long run.

The Ultimate Practice Lock goes for $64.43 with international shipping included. I''m not sure how much MrWizard's lock would come to total. I suggest sending him a PM and I'm sure he will give you all the details. As far as customs is concerned, I don't know too much about how Australia regulates these things.

[teamstarlet]

Check out this thread... for a number of glowing reviews on MrWizards kit.

I've been more than happy with it

[ARF-GEF]

I don't have his practice set, but I "met" MrWizard though the internet, and I can say he is a very nice and helpful person, so I'm sure deling with him will be a positive experience.

[GWiens2001]

I also highly recommend MrWizard, as well as his practice lock. Have never heard of a dissatisfied customer. And he will ship overseas.

Gordon

[phrygianradar]

I have both, and I think Mr. Wizards practice lock is an overall better quality product. I'm not sure how it compares to Australian key ways, but it is a good one to practice on nonetheless. That's just my opinion...

[GWiens2001]

I also have both, as I should have stated above. There is nothing wrong with the Ultimate Challenge Practice Lock, but I feel that MrWizard's lock is a better product allowing for more growth when picking.

Gordon

[MBI]

Another vote for Mr. Wizard.

I received mine last week. You can tell he's taken time to make sure every component he orders is good quality, to hopefully give the product a long lifespan and give you a good experience with it. It also included a nice set of instructions and more spare pins and springs than I expected.

[KPick]

I have heard alot of good things about Mr. Wizard's practice lock. On the forum, and off the forum.

[SEIRAN]

Looks like we have a clear winner. Thanks for the input guys.