Francis,
Don't get me wrong, those are the best hooks for the $$, especially if you are going to lose them to the bottom of the rips, pilings, etc. But they aren't as sharp as i'd like to see a hook, especially for light tackle. I went out to the shed to compare a couple and you are right, there is plenty of gap in the EC's and they are stronger than the others in its price range but not nearly as sharp out of the box. All in all- that hook is going to be great for what it is... cheap, strong and sharp enough. I'll make up some Owners and we can get Greg to call us in on some birds down the beach and duel it out!