I agree that the brand can make all the difference in the world, not only with your quilting but also with your sanity while doing it.
I have tried just about every kind out there. I used to love using a #12 but as Ninnie said they bend so easily nowadays.
the worst experience I've had was the piecemaker needles. The eyes kept breaking on me all the time! I was upset because I had to special order them and did so on a review. I ordered a lot of them and now won't use them unless I have nothing else.
The walmart and Joanns brands bend almost as much as thread does..LOL Don't like those.
I now use only Bohen and I use a size 9. I can work with a 9 and it doesn't bend even when I have to quilt through a seem that is thick. I can't get them here but when I go to amish country I buy them out every time!
Lynette