Despite failing most authoritative anchor tests, the Bruce anchor is still quite popular, mainly because it is so easy to set. It won't penetrate deep so this anchor is not recommended for anchoring at night of above 6 Bft. The Bruce - and other similar “claw” anchors - are ideal though for a short lunch stop.
Definitely one of the best anchors around the stockless CQR does wonders in mud or sand. This “plow” anchor was patented in 1933 by Sir Geoffrey Taylor.The CQR generally penetrates better into weeds and grasses than the Danforth type anchors, it resets easily and the hinge allows about 75° of sideways motion (each side).
The Delta anchor is a variation on the CQR by the same manufacturer: the principal difference is the fixed shank without the hinge, which shape is also altered to allow the anchor to deploy automatically from the bow roller. The flukes are improved as well.
This anchor type is the storm-anchor par excellence
. It has a low weight and incredible holding power according to nearly all safety tests. Preferred anchor in easy penetrable seabeds except very fine sand, though there are ill-performing copies around that only look like a Danforth. Among all the Danforth-like anchors the “Performance anchor” and the “Fortress anchor” is by far the best version a yachtsman can buy
. Some Danforths let you change the angle between flukes and shank.
