Has anyone used the Bill Dance Hook remover or similiar product; are they any better than a good pair of needle nosed pliers?

I have the equivalent bps model. I just got it but so far its been awesome. Its so easy to use and its easy to just put in your pocket. Its especially good for removing hooks from pickerel or pike. The other day a pickerel had my firetiger bomber in his mouth and he wouldnt open it. So I put the hook remover in his mouth, pryed his mouth open, and then got the treble loose. I only use it for crankbaits and for fish with teeth. I dont like putting my hands in teeth or near treble hooks. But when fishing with a single hook and I land a bass, then I dont have a problem lipping him and getting it out. But this remover would sure come in handy for them bass that swallow the hooks and stuff. Its only like $5 and its well worth it

I have the Bill Dance hook remover, but prefer curved jaw forcepts for any type of hook removal.

http://shop.vetcosurplus.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=6937&osCsid=9816c813b83240f4b97ca4524a8a234e

I use an equivalent product and love them. They seem to be much more effective than pliers, especially with toothy critters and deep hooks.

Had a Bill Dance hook remover..loved it. It could have been a little longer. I saved many a fish that had swallowed the hook. It went up thru the gills and grap the hook and then twist it out..awesome! Naturally I dropped it overboard last year , but replaced it with another brand with I haven't used yet. One of the best pieces of tackle to own in my opinion just for the fishes sake.

I use a set of extra long needle nose pliers I got at Harbor Freight Tools for @ $5.