Originally Posted by bearisgray

Any brand type and number will probably be similar - Example: A James #10 between needle will be similar to a Roxanne #10 between needle - even though there are probably subtle differences.

The same size needle in a different style will be different: A James #11 straw needle will be a lot longer than a James #11 between needle.

Maybe this will help you get the idea:

Think of a demitasse spoon, teaspoon, tablespoon/soup spoon, large serving spoon - they are all spoons, but come in different sizes.

The 'between' needle would be the demitasse spoon, the straw needle would be a teaspoon, needles for crewel work would be the soup spoon, a large canvas repair needle would be the large serving spoon.

Maybe this helped answer your question?