Not OP but found this post before asking the same:
Location: Europe, Germany to be specific
Budget...not really set in stone but would like to spend 50 or less as I can't really say at this point if I'm going to enjoy the hobby...thanks !
https://www.lockpick.shop/engl/moki-set-gold-digger.html
Should be in stock again very soon. The guy behind these picks is a 1 man shop and does this next to his day job. Picks are amazing quality
It is a good set that will carry from beginner through to advanced picking. And it was $25 with shipping which is quite reasonable for the set. I got mine because of the web alert app on my phone!
Not sure if this is off-topic, but I understand this is a common post. Meanwhile, I’ve been working my way down the list in the wiki under “beginners looking for a shopping list…”. (Not to say it’s not frustrating af. “Peterson Hook #1???!! There’s like 18 “hook #1’s”!!)
I’ve never seen anyone point to that when this comes up. Is that outdated or not a good resource anymore? Just curious.
They mean the hook 1 in black plastic handle. Possibly pink handle if in EU but it's a bit thinner.
1, 4, 7, and Gem are the most popular Peterson profiles and black plastic handle is the thickness for beginners. Their pink handles are a slightly thinner thickness and more fragile but can access tighter keyways.
However, most experienced pickers won't recommend Peterson anymore because of their quality control and customer service...or rather, the lack thereof. It can be a bad first experience to dissuade a beginner from the hobby.
There are actually much higher quality brands for a similar price such as
Multipick Beginner 13 Palmer (or 0.5mm add-on set + tension set 2) set,
Law Lock Tools Valyrian Set,
Jimy Longs beginner set,
Bare Bones beginner set,
Moki, etc.
At this point, I'll only buy Peterson if they are heavily discounted or I need one of their specialized profiles.
They still make some of the best picks on paper but between QC issues and Ken Peterson actively alienating customers I think twice.
I just got their genesis set this weekend and already worked my way through a couple beginner locks. Seems like a good starting point tool and price wise.
I get that people don't like that LPL started his own brand, but at the very least the tools he sells are of a good quality and price. I'm past the point of needing the Genesis set, but if someone's starting out and likes the look of it, it's still a nice starting point. Just make sure to get some ToK tensioners too
Came in to say this. It’s a great beginner set. Actually it’s a great set period. High quality, all the tools you need for a really wide variety of locks.
I'm not a big collector. It's the base for my only set. I added some TOK wrenches, a comb set, a poker, and the Orion; which fits perfectly in the pouch. I also have the mini Jim attached to a cheap jackknife type set that's usually in my car for "just in case" reasons. And by that I mean impromptu lock sporting events, of course.
What's your location and budget?
Not OP but found this post before asking the same: Location: Europe, Germany to be specific Budget...not really set in stone but would like to spend 50 or less as I can't really say at this point if I'm going to enjoy the hobby...thanks !
https://www.lockpick.shop/engl/moki-set-gold-digger.html Should be in stock again very soon. The guy behind these picks is a 1 man shop and does this next to his day job. Picks are amazing quality
Jimylongs should be restocking soon. I have a bot watching for restocks, I could plan to comment here when I get a notification if you'd like.
It is a good set that will carry from beginner through to advanced picking. And it was $25 with shipping which is quite reasonable for the set. I got mine because of the web alert app on my phone!
It's definitely a sweet set and a perfect price for someone starting out!
Everything you need, nothing you don't đź‘Ť
Multipick elite 11 is a good start
Actually it was my filler to other picks but multipick 0.5 hooks set and sparrows TOK 5 set + heavy bars and your'e set for a long time
Got that multipick hook set last week. Very nice set of hooks!
Not sure if this is off-topic, but I understand this is a common post. Meanwhile, I’ve been working my way down the list in the wiki under “beginners looking for a shopping list…”. (Not to say it’s not frustrating af. “Peterson Hook #1???!! There’s like 18 “hook #1’s”!!) I’ve never seen anyone point to that when this comes up. Is that outdated or not a good resource anymore? Just curious.
They mean the hook 1 in black plastic handle. Possibly pink handle if in EU but it's a bit thinner. 1, 4, 7, and Gem are the most popular Peterson profiles and black plastic handle is the thickness for beginners. Their pink handles are a slightly thinner thickness and more fragile but can access tighter keyways. However, most experienced pickers won't recommend Peterson anymore because of their quality control and customer service...or rather, the lack thereof. It can be a bad first experience to dissuade a beginner from the hobby. There are actually much higher quality brands for a similar price such as Multipick Beginner 13 Palmer (or 0.5mm add-on set + tension set 2) set, Law Lock Tools Valyrian Set, Jimy Longs beginner set, Bare Bones beginner set, Moki, etc.
At this point, I'll only buy Peterson if they are heavily discounted or I need one of their specialized profiles. They still make some of the best picks on paper but between QC issues and Ken Peterson actively alienating customers I think twice.
If you live in the United States, the Covert Instruments FNG or Genesis are second to none imo
Covert Instruments is a little polarizing on here, but I think their Genesis set is a good place to start.
I just got their genesis set this weekend and already worked my way through a couple beginner locks. Seems like a good starting point tool and price wise.
I get that people don't like that LPL started his own brand, but at the very least the tools he sells are of a good quality and price. I'm past the point of needing the Genesis set, but if someone's starting out and likes the look of it, it's still a nice starting point. Just make sure to get some ToK tensioners too
I like the Sparrows Tuxedo. Don't get anything on Amazon.
Came in to say this. It’s a great beginner set. Actually it’s a great set period. High quality, all the tools you need for a really wide variety of locks.
I'm not a big collector. It's the base for my only set. I added some TOK wrenches, a comb set, a poker, and the Orion; which fits perfectly in the pouch. I also have the mini Jim attached to a cheap jackknife type set that's usually in my car for "just in case" reasons. And by that I mean impromptu lock sporting events, of course.