It appears from reading posts that the "best thread" to use is whatever your machine likes. Linting is something we all have to deal with so just clean out the machine frequently. I sometimes get thread fro the thrift shop which works fine. If I find a store closing out and they have the old Coats and Clark, I buy all I can afford. Everyone has a favorite and the sewing machines have their own opinion......so my opinion is to use what works. Test the old thread and if it breaks too easily then toss it. Otherwise, all may be good.