Tortex vs Nylon - Jim Dunlop USA Nylon 1.14mm

I used to use the purple Dunlop Tortex picks all the time, so I thought it would be interesting to try the purple Dunlop Nylon picks. To begin with, these picks are a more violet shade of purple, which I think is less cool than the rich, vibrant shade of the Tortex, and we all know that what the product looks like, especially with guitar stuff, is the main reason why guitarists buy it (*wink*).

Having warmed up with the Tortex pick having not played this pick for a while, and was reminded of the unique Tortex grip, the firm feel with a bit of give in it, and the nice, warm tone. Swapping over to the nylon, the pick feels more bendy straight away. This pick has a dotted grip pattern on both sides which, while helping with the grip well, does feel a bit strange after playing for a little while, a bit tingle-y on the pads of your thumb and finger.

The nylon pick definitely exhibits more of a bright tone, which is both quieter and has less bass presence than the tortex. The nylon is less harsh, however, smoothing out some of the pick attack, which works well for fast, rhythmic strumming sections, where the tortex is less forgiving.

Although these picks are the same shape, size, even the same colour, their feel and tone is totally different because of the different materials used in their construction. Being quite cheap picks, I would recommend these to someone who perhaps doesn't have a pick they regularly use, but in my opinion there are picks out there which do what these picks each do but better. However I do agree that tone is totally subjective, and I can't help but admire the long list of guitarists who use Dunlop picks.

Do you use either of these picks? Why do you like them? Let me know in the comments!