Help me pick my KnitPicks needles?

[HoneyTree]

Dh has been sniffing around, and I'm pretty sure that he plans on getting me an interchangeable needle set for my next big present. I'm pretty sure, based on the rave reviews, that I want one of the Knitpicks set, but I don't know which. I prefer different needles for different things.

I knit most with my Susan Bates QuickSilvers, second most with my birch needles, and lastly with my Clover bamboos (when I have the option--of course I knit with what I have when I only have one set of needles in the size I need). I don't care for my Addis at all, but I think that might have something to do with the fat tips and the fact that they're 12", which is just plain hard to work with.

So my question is, which of these other needles are the KnitPicks Options and Harmony sets most like? Or if you don't know these other needles, how would you describe them?

[monkaha]

I just saw the harmony (colored wood) ones the other day. My friend said that the main problem she has with them is that the colors blend in with the yarn. She said she has a problem using them with verigated yarns especially. That was something I'd never even thought of. They really are beautiful though.

I really like the metal ones. I find that I prefer metal for most things though, nice and smooth and fast. They're nice and pointy too. I'm not familiar with the Susan Bates ones, but they are very similar to the Addi turbo needles, only pointier.

[cristeen]

I have one needle pair each of the harmony and options. TBH, if I were to buy the full set of interchangeables, it would be the options. That isn't to say that I dislike the harmony, but I like the options more. I've been knitting some sticky wool yarns, and the options slide so much nicer than the harmony (but the harmony still slide nicely, much better than my bamboo needles).

I totally thought I would prefer the harmony, but surprised myself.

[flapjack]

The harmony aren't environmentally friendly at all: I mention this because I suspect it might be a consideration for you. It's a composite, not solid wood.
That said, I do like mine, but I'd probably go for the standard options set solely for the above reason- and also, I've had one break already.

[DawnaRose]

I love my knitpicks options set! SO much so, I'm planning to purchase another set soon As I have too many UFOs and not enough needles.

I think the harmony set is beautiful, but a friend mentioned the same thing, the colors blend in with yarn and sometimes its hard to see what you are doing...

[aishy]

What was suggested to me to do, was order one size of the interchangable needles in each type, and a set of the cords for them. So I've done that. But I haven't tried either of them out yet. Once I know which ones I want to order the full set of I guess I'll have a couple extras (I got the sizes I use most often of course!)

[HoneyTree]

Thanks, mamas. : This is all muy helpful!

[lyttlewon]

I have not tried the options but I have the harmony set and I really love them. The points are really nice for picking yarn. That was my main complaint about the Addi's is the tips are too fat. I don't really like metal needles at all they are way too slippery and they just annoy me. But the harmony are just the right combo of grippy and slippery for me. I have the interchangeable set and about 5 of the 16" cause I like to double circ for small diameter knitting.

[Glover_Girls]

I just got the Options set and I haven't quite decided whether to keep it or not. I've got a WIP OTN but I am finding that the cord keeps coming unscrewed from the needle tip, despite how hard I try to tighten it. : I haven't seen any of those complaints on this board from other users so it's either me or a problem people live with (?). I'd love to hear from others if that happens to them or suggestions for me to keep it happening. I love the needle tips but the cord thing is making me crazy!

[lyttlewon]

Originally Posted by Glover_Girls

I just got the Options set and I haven't quite decided whether to keep it or not. I've got a WIP OTN but I am finding that the cord keeps coming unscrewed from the needle tip, despite how hard I try to tighten it. : I haven't seen any of those complaints on this board from other users so it's either me or a problem people live with (?). I'd love to hear from others if that happens to them or suggestions for me to keep it happening. I love the needle tips but the cord thing is making me crazy!

I had that at first but used the key to tighten it really tight. Once the cable got more flexible and not so new it didn't happen any more. Are you using the key?

[JennP]

I really like the option needles. I bought the harmony ones for my sister for her birthday and she broke 2-3 of them and ended up exchanging them for the options and she loves them. I was not a fan of metal but the more knitting I have done the better I like them.

good luck deciding, either way it's new needles and more fun!

Jenn

FYI Glover Girls I had that problem at first and I second the key thing, if you don't use the key they will come undone.

[feminist~mama]

LOVE my harmony needles.

Really love them!!

[Glover_Girls]

I used the key initially to tighten it when I started the project but it keeps coming loose. I haven't been carrying the key with me so when it comes loose, I just tighten it with my hands. I'll try the key again and see if that works and if the the cable getting more pliable keeps it from happening. I want to keep the set as I love the tips.

Thank you for your advice!!

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by Glover_Girls

I used the key initially to tighten it when I started the project but it keeps coming loose. I haven't been carrying the key with me so when it comes loose, I just tighten it with my hands. I'll try the key again and see if that works and if the the cable getting more pliable keeps it from happening. I want to keep the set as I love the tips.

Definitely use the key.

My Boyes set came with a rubber gripper to hold the tip with while you use the key to tighten the cable, maybe try something like that to keep the tip from turning with the cable.

But yes, the cables on my options and harmony come undone all the time if I'm not careful about tightening them really well.

[Glover_Girls]

Okay...I used the key and it sure does work! Thanks all! I'm happy with my Options needles now!

[TortelliniMama]

To make it easier to carry the key with me, I cut up some of the jar opener/shelf liner stuff that has the open weave pattern (with little holes). That way I just thread the key through the holes and it's a lot easier to find in my bag (and to grip the needle tip when using the key) than just that skinny little key by itself.

[Glover_Girls]

Oh that's a great idea, Lisa. That key is so darn tiny! I think I might be able to scrounge a small piece of that stuff from my kitchen cabinet! I'm off to the kitchen!

[Glover_Girls]

ooops! double post. really need that coffee!