^
It combination of material grade and hardness treatment that makes or breaks the socket almost literally lol.
example being HF pitts pro impacts that cr-mo, these don't wallow out as quickly as truck brands and other favourite cr-mo sockets mainly as molybdenum content in the alloy they use lower so it closer to impact standard cr-v . I assume better brands adhere to a current manufacture spec classification that results in almost useless soft cr-mo sockets, have asked my MAC man for more info on the curent cr-mo trend of impacts and what manufacture standards/classifications they adhere too .
Cheap design/machining, like tapered nose, short necking rather than full length, no necking drive end on larger sizes, no groove and no chamfer on drive square all link to easier manufacture, phosphate finish much same and can pretty much see a good phosphate over cheap effort in retail pics and in hand and in use the difference night and day ...
It almost a true statement that HF pitts pro impact sockets are better than snapon lol . If HF expanded this range in drives and sizes it be a big winner for the cost and availability to all .
I sticking with my cr-v and japan style as much as can, lot more to socket design and material spec than meets the eye and buying top brands or most recommended not always best way go, learn more about it and make your own informed choice to your preferences .
For me chunky sockets with tapered nose or soft as cheese cr-mo are next to useless professionally compared to design featured sets that are necked and use old school cr-v or lower content molybdenum.
