I use Tobacco Worm as the standard against which I judge all beans. It's an heirloom pole snap bean from central Kentucky.

Second to that would be Barnes Mtn. Cornfield, another Kentucky heirloom.

Bill Best's NT Half-Runner, while not an heirloom, returns us to the days when half-runners were tender, tasty beans, and is a good choice to grow as well.

Those would be my top three picks. Just under them would be Red Striped Greasy; Ruth Bible; and Striped Bunch.

You might want to post this at the Beans, Peas, & Other Legumes forum too. Lots of serious bean people hang out there.

we grew Turkey Craw beans this year, i think they are my favorite so far. i've never heard of any of the ones you mentioned gardenlad,but they sound like they're worth looking into.