I start with claussen hearty garlic dills. If I can only find the regular ones, I just slice up some garlic and add my own.
I found 4 or 5 habaneros, when sliced and heated on a paper towel for 20 seconds will let you start enjoying the pickles the next day.
Jalapenos - started with them, but they just take up too much room. And up here, they just seem to vary a lot in the heat level.