The difference is the 1x1 are used for Spot Shrimo and the 1/2x1 for coons after the close of the Spot shrimp season and usually with a 150ft depth restriction. Check the fishing area you are shrimping to see the exact rules for your area. Hand pulling is all I used to do in the Hood Canal with 30-40 a pot and around 240ft. I have since left the canal on the opener (Fish it when my area closes). I now fish between 180' - 240' and the shrimp are "big" compared to the canal and average 100-200 per pot, So a Puller became a must. And I am getting old. Last year we had a boat limit 4 people in the first pot we pulled.... Had to dump the other 3 out.... I also changed to Mckay's octogons last year seemed to be a big difference. I watched a video about shrimp and they don't do 90 deg corners very well and just walk off. I was fishing the preveous year with a friend in a different boat in the same area as mine with the same bait usung the Mckay octgons, and me with the square pots averageing 30-40 while he was averageing 100-200+ with the same soak time. I seen the writing on the wall and bought four new for last year and managed to keep pace with him. Well for the first pull anyways. The other pots would have come close to giving use boat limits as well, But they swam free........ Have a great holidays... Matt