25G is good for pinning, it just takes forever to load up with such a small gauge. Personally I think 23G is the best. It loads much quicker and feels fine when pinning.
Yeah they're pretty good. A box of 1.5" 23G is roughly $20-25 for a box of a hundo. If you order on Monday, it's usually to the house by Thursday or Friday.
Right glute, left glute, right shoulder, left shoulder, then back to glutes & repeat. I can do quads from time to time, just have to be in right frame of mind.