I agree that there is a huge difference in hand needles!
Some just glide through the fabric -
Some seem to be able to thread more easily -
There is a size 11 Between available - I think it was a James brand -
a little more sturdy and easier to thread than the 12
The numbering system for needles is weird - why is it that the numbers are larger for finer hand sewing needles - and the other way around for machine sewing needles?