I prefer John James Betweens #11, they are perfect for me. They don't bend and it takes a very long time until they become dull and don't glide through the layers easily anymore. IMHO it's a matter of your quilting technique how much you "stress" your needle. Some quilters put a lot of pressure on it and they need really strong needles. I always try to hold my needle very laxly (is this the right word for it???).