I have only used the Roxanne applique needle, and have no complaints with it. It is easy to distinguish from my betweens, as the applique needle is significantly longer and the eye more elongated. I use Aurifil 50 wt thread because it is fine and available in so many colors. I haven't had trouble threading my needles since I saw Sharon Schamber do it at the beginning of the second video of her basting tutorial. I had read about threading this way, but seeing it done made the difference.