I tied up around 60 spiders last year, all on the "new" Partridge spider hooks. Have to say, never again!!
Even small fish (talking 6-8 inches) managed to deform the hook when used with a 4 weight 10 foot Western and 2.3 tippet...so hardly stout gear.
Very unhappy, so now started to use the Partridge SLD hook for spiders as they are still light, but seem stronger.
Never had an issue with Varivas.