I only hand quilt and hand applique and have been for 27 years.
You can get good handquilting needles at stores like JoAnns and Hancocks too. I also prefer the English brand. You need to fine the size that works best for you. Most of the time I use the real tiny betweens # 11s and 12s. But the most popular seems to be #9 and 10.
I have several brands I like. I agree don't buy the multi size pack, most of them you probably won't use. I also like the English brands. One of my favorites is Richard Hemming. I also like colonials and John James. I really have never used brands like dritz for hand quilting so really don't have an opinion.