I was having that problem w/ John James needles. I am always trying new needles just because. My new favorite needle is from Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage. I use Betweens/Quilting Size 10. The needle is shorter, but a bit thicker/stronger than I find John James. Took me a bit of time to get used to the shorter needle, but I'm happy.
You can find them online. I originally found them in an out of town quilt store.