I own sockets/sets from Hazet, Gedore (deep and short metric sets, mainly 6pt ), Nepros (deep and semi deep in full 6pt and 12point metric sets) and Snap-On SAE sets. I can tell you that all of them are my favorites for different reasons, but the main reason is when reaching this level of product development, there is not much to be critical about. They all have the feel, look and performance you come to expect from a professional quality product.
As for my wrenches, 1st Gen 600N/NA Hazet all the way and all of the other sets with the same design pattern. Not because I feel there is a bigger mechanical difference than all the other professional offerings. When you reach this level of performance there is not much of a separation from the other high end brands. It was all design preference for me.
I am not a big polished chrome guy. Probably because I am absolutely **** about perfection and terminally lazy about cleanliness. That is why my main metric sets have been, Hazet and Gedore. Beautiful to look at and very easy to keep them that way.
The only polished chrome sets I own (up til now) are Snap-On SAE sets. Designed to make it easier to identify from my metric sets when reaching for the desired socket. Love the chrome, hate the cleaning.
All that being said, if I had to do it all over again and was purchasing metric sockets for my everyday use, it would clearly be the Nepros and for one stand out reason, THE PRICE!!! With the OMG chrome, the mechanical muscle, the simple design and detail innovations (hence the rubber knurling) you would be hard pressed not to entertain it. I mean, she is drop dead gorgeous, goes everywhere in a binkini and she works on cars too!? If you live in the US and you want one of the best the world has to offer for your socket needs, (I cannot verify all Nepros products, because I only own their sockets) then you should look no further than Nepros. Trust me they are worth every single penny you save on purchasing them...
Earlier I stated they are all my favorites, but unless you have the time and energy to hunt down the best prices on the other products I mentioned above (which great prices can be had) you might want to consider Nepros as one of your buying options. Enough as be mentioned about the quality through out the 38 pages prior and outside of a few anomalies, the overall rating has been tremendous.
For those of you who have married yourselves to the products you all ready own, this write up is not for you. If you own any of the brands I mentioned above, then you know the quality first hand and again, this write up is not for you. But if you are thinking about an addition to the tools you already possess, making a jump to a higher end product, or looking to make your first life long commitment to your mechanical future, then save yourself some coin, because this write up is for you!
Outstanding quality to price ratio!!! Mid range pricing for professional high end results. Japan has pushed it's chair to the table with the big dogs and with the quality/price graph set this low, they might have the right to howl the loudest. They certainly have done enough for us to expect more from their competitors and demand that the big dogs stay true to their current standards or better. If the BD's underestimate companies like Nepros, they will lose their hold to the companies who WILL take the time to satisfy our consumer needs.
There is a new warrior in the west and his name is Nepros!