I have always used Schmetz needles until recently. I have always done all kinds of sewing with all kinds of fabric and threads so I have a wide variety of needles and use the ones that are recommended for the project I'm doing.
Recently I purchased some Organ needles from Superior and they were titanium coated. I have used the same needle to quilt three baby sized quilts and it does not seem dull. I use Elmer's to sandwich my quilts and the needle has not had problems sandwich. I have not had thread shred either-I have used Precencia, King Tut and Sulky 30 weight and even a 12 weight. I don't mind the price from Superior because they last so long. I am a bit skeptical about mass produced bit lots of anything because that is a manufacturers opportunity to be a little more careless about quality control. I have Berninas and Singer machines.