I am really surprised. I thought this would be an overwhelming majority for Gamakatsu's, but it isn't. I fish them exclusively from size 4 to 2/0. I find their small diameter, short barb and sharpness allows for deeper penetration above the barb. I have always found the eagle claws to be thicker and harder to get in above the barb, but you are right, the thicker hook will be stronger. I have found the VMC to be excellent for chums. I have had several break on me and dont mind using the cheaper hooks on chums, but would never use them for Steelhead. I will have to take another look at the Eagleclaws to see if they have improved at all....but until then, I will keep the Gamakatsu sticker in my back window.