I bought a couple of packs of these needles #80/12 when Bob first offered them.
http://www.superiorthreads.com
Titanium coated Topstitch for home machines.
I always put the date on a little stickum on my machine when I change needles
Yesterday as I was sewing away I noted that the needle had been in since 10/09
I changed it just cause I thought I ought; it was still sewing well.