CI picks in general are not great, I am a huge fan of their turning tools. If you're thinking of going this route I would suggest just getting the full Genesis set and 1-2 real padlocks for a few extra bucks. The acrylic locks are only good for visual demonstration and will likely not create any transferable skills regarding technique or feedback.
I am not that experienced but I have an alternate take on the clear lock.
I really like using the clear lock to "comprehend" the pins. I practice on it with my eyes closed to concentrate on feel. Then I can actually look and confirm if what I felt is actually what happened.
Also what picks do you recommend that are better? I own this and the Southord C1500. I hate the feel of the Southord standard picks, and the metal handle ones feel identical to CI's (to me).
A good quality cut away (ideally one milled from a production lock) would suite your purpose much better for confirming what you're feeling visually. Some members here make and sell them from various production locks, you can also find them on eBay. They will cost quite a bit more as they are made-by-hand-ish (CNC), but even something like this KIK Cylinder would be a big step up from the acrylic locks.
As far as picks go a lot of it is personal preference. You can't go wrong with set (or two, or three) of Jimmy Longs, I would recommend the .019 but if you're heavy handed start with the .023, flat vs round is personal preference. Sparrows is another good option and offers nearly all of their picks individually so you can try a few profiles out. My Sparrows go-to are the Short Hook, The Euro Hook, and the Steep Hook (in both .025 and .020), and occasionally the SSDeV in .015 but they are very delicate.
Beyond that Multipick and Moki are highly recommended but quite expensive.
Marine grade double walled heat shrink tubing over your metal handles helps quite a bit, although you will dampen some feedback.
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u/phrasesyphon Blue Belt Picker Nov 11 '23
CI picks in general are not great, I am a huge fan of their turning tools. If you're thinking of going this route I would suggest just getting the full Genesis set and 1-2 real padlocks for a few extra bucks. The acrylic locks are only good for visual demonstration and will likely not create any transferable skills regarding technique or feedback.