I think I've used every kind of thimble over the years for various types of handwork. What I am now using and love is the stainless steel Thimblelady Thimble. They are cone shaped with an open top so you push with the pad of your finger. They are (I think) very reasonably priced for what they are (I think I paid $35). I tried their plastic one first to see how I would like the style/size. Their sizing instructions I found very accurate. Granted, I wore out the first stainless one I bought and have replaced it but still worth the $$ in my opinion. They have lasted me several years each. And if I got in the habit of using more than the couple of dimples I typically do, I'm sure they would last much longer. I also find pushing with the pad of my finger versus the top is much more comfortable and I'm able to quilt for long periods without finger pain.