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Mark's picture is very much my experience with boxes of 94840s I've purchased between 1981 and 2007. Size 12 would be short in the shank compared to size 14, with both being very similar in length. Same story with sizes 16 & 18. The "proportionally correct" Signature series (e.g., R50) addresses the inconsistent hook:shank ratios across the size spectrum.
In my own use, I commonly use size 14 & 16 hooks, and the 94840 in these sizes have proportions that work well for me. While the bulk of my selection is of "superior" hooks, these have been more than up to the task more often than not. For me, they're a highly functional and less costly hook for knocking about on small waters. (In my experience) the barbs smash easily, the points sharpen readily, they're reasonably strong in these sizes, and they don't break if they tap a rock on the cast. My biggest issue with them is the corrosion-prone finish. Ah well, I can't say I'm more of an angler than the 94840 is a hook.
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I started using Mustads in the early or mid 70's. I still have thousands of them and I still use them. I have found that they are generally among the more modestly priced hooks. I have not seen the brittleness problem on any Mustads that I have bought since the late 70's or early 80's. If anything I think they are less hard and brittle than some other brands. I AM tired of having to sharpen the hooks fresh out of the box. That tedium is moving me away from Mustads and to TMC hooks. If Mustad hooks were sharper and I could get the barbless hooks I want from them, I would be back in the fold.
Regards,
Ed, who feels as reheated as this thread.
;)