i agree with the big fella. they're surely expensive- but i like not have to worry about them and they always perform what i ask them to do. i used to use to el cheapos but had failures at the wrong time. buy 'em once (hopefully) and if you fish 30x a season they'll cost you about $2 per for a few yrs- and you'll love 'em.
I've got the larger Van Staals also, and nothing compares !
I also have 2 somewhat expensive pairs of Accurates that I'll sell for a good price, but their no where near as good as the VS !
I would purchase the less expensive pliers. Thereafter if you feel that you want the high end pliers then go for it.
You'll probably come to the conclusion that the cheap pliers is the way to go for the reasons mentioned above.
Hybrid Mode
