i have never used them, so can't help you. I do think needles are something you need to "try out" and decide. I used to use John James needles and while I do like them, I came across a brand cld Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage. They are a between/quilting needle. I found them at a local quilt store. The shank of the needle is "thicker"/"heavier" - something, the seem to be sturdier and don't break as easily as others that I have used.