I use the straw needle that comes in a round glasslike tube. Not sure, but it might be by Roxanne? I bought them at quilt shows from Jean Brown that demo'd the Aunt Becky's tool.
I have heard that the Tulip needles do not bend and have a larger eye. They are fairly new. I haven't tried them as yet. (I was going to buy them the last time I was at my LQS, but they had a 40% off a line I loved, and spent all my $$ on fabric instead.) One of these days.......lol