ChiaoGooTwist Stainless Steel Interchangeable Set, 5-inch (13cm) Complete (7500-C)

[One year update added at the end of this review]Granted, I've only had these for 3 weeks but so far I couldn't be happier. Hopefully they'll prove sturdy and will keep for years to come.The needles themselves are stainless steel, but they're hollow, so they're very light and easy to handle. I specifically went for the 5-inch length because I was concerned the 4-inch ones would be too short and uncomfortable for me. Knitting hats in the round wasn't really a concern because I figured I can always just use magic loop. The tips are sharp and pointy, much to my taste.The cords are the best part. I hate curled plastic cords with a fiery passion. Until now my favourite circular needles were ones with a metal cord which has no memory, but the ChiaoGoos are infinitely superior. The cord attaches seamlessly to the needles and I've had no issues with stitches moving from needle to cord and back even with fluffier mohair that gets caught in everything. I use the included keys to tighten the connection just a little bit, not too much, in order to make it secure, and haven't encountered any issues with the cable unscrewing.Magic loop is totally doable, however, I prefer to join two cord lengths together to make an even longer one when I'm knitting in the round. It's a little extra cord, but it doesn't stretch the knitting so much that way. After all, the cord is metal at the core, it's not as flexible as thin plastic can be. And in any case, to me knitting with magic loop and curled plastic cords has always felt bad and inconvenient.I personally think the cord lengths included in the kit are cleverly selected - they're a bit shorter so you don't have unnecessary amounts of cord just waving around, but you can always make a significantly longer one with the included cable connectors if you need to. Another very clever thing is that the tiny key hole at the end of each cord can be used for inserting a lifeline while you're knitting. It's infinitely more convenient than using a darning needle and doing it manually.A bit on accessories: The fabric case has a ton of tiny pockets for all the little trinkets you might want to put inside. The needle pockets are labeled by size and the labeling is embroidered so it won't get rubbed off. The zipper can be a bit capricious at times around the corners, but aside from that I'm entirely happy with the case.The included end stoppers and cable connectors feel essential to me, they provide so much flexibility. If anything, I would've asked for extra pieces.The stitch markers are cute and colourful but I would've preferred locking instead of ring ones, purely for functionality.The needle gauge is made of thin flimsy plastic (almost feels like thick paper) and one might say it's cheap, but I say it's flexible and thus I'm not as worried I might break it in half.Overall, these were a solid purchase and I'm glad I went with them.------One year updateAs of October 2022 everything I wrote in my initial review still stands. The needles are sturdy and I've had zero durability issues. None are bent, broken or otherwise damaged.I did encounter the somewhat common complaint with the cable unscrewing in the middle of knitting. After it happened to me, I can say for certain it was because I screwed the cables a bit too loosely. Once I tightened them, there were no more issues. Furthermore, for anyone concerned this might happen to them, I suggest simply checking the connection every now and again. The cable won't fall off the needle out of nowhere and instantly, it loosens up first. If you feel it has started to unscrew, simply tighten it and keep knitting.Overall, this set has been pure joy to work with. It's so versatile and I've stopped buying other knitting needles as these are everything I need. For those who like working with magic loop, it's a breeze - I've knitted an array of headgear and socks with it. In conclusion, it was money well spent and I couldn't be happier with my choice.

This is the best investment I've made into my knitter's toolkit thus far. I imagine nickel-plated needles are slicker, but not noticeably so. I have some Addi Turbo fixed circulars (and ChiaoGoos) and I feel no difference in speed between the two. I have pretty even tension most often, if not on the looser side, so perhaps a tighter knitter would feel otherwise? Regardless, they are slick, smooth, and beautiful.The joins are beyond fantastic. The circular set I normally use (until now) are Knitter's Pride. I'll vouch for the general quality of KP products -- I'm still glad in have them -- but there is definitely a small ridge at the join. I prefer magic loop for small circumferences and that small ridge has given me trouble pushing finer yarns up from the cord. I feel *nothing* when I slide my fingers over the ChiaoGoo joins. Breathtaking.The cords are magnificent. Very heavy duty, yet flexible enough for magic loop. I might recommend using the 40" length for magic loop though since you might get more resistance at the bends than you're used to. They do not kind or curl (naturally -- you don't have to soak or boil them like other cords, which even then tend to curl back up eventually) which is just the greatest thing ever. I love the cords so much.The amenities are very high quality for being freebies. The stitch markers are no-snag, thin, and pretty. The case is gorgeous and has extra slots in case you want to get the 4" ones too, or have another brand and want to consolidate. The cable connectors are super tiny, not like the long stiff bars you normally see. The cable end plugs are minimalistic and classy. Even comes with a plastic needle gauge size if you don't already have one.I didn't mention that the set comes with four sizes you don't normally see in most interchangeable sets. Most sets come with sizes 4-ish to 11-ish. Here you get 2, 3, 13, and 15. You really have nearly everything you need, making it an incredible value considering the immensely high quality and Amazon's cheap prices. I paid $110 for mine 4 days ago, and as I checked in to write this saw the price fell to $90 lol. Sucks for me but either way, good luck finding them on a shelf brand new for less than $175.I don't consider it a problem enough to deduct a star, but the cords are separated between large and small sizes. It's because the threading is on the needle rather than the cord, so the larger size needles need a larger join at the cable. You get a 24, 32, and 40 for each size (for a total of six). Most sets with a single join size come with two 32s, and it's nice for the purpose of having multiple projects going. In this set you're essentially shorted one cord. But eh. You can buy then separately, no big deal. You'll have to pry this set from my cold dead hands.

Though expensive. Quality is great. Easy to use. My favorite toy and tool during Covid years.

I did not think it could be such a difference, it is a joy knitting with these!

De naalden werken heel fijn. Echter, na een maand is de rits van het etui al kapot!

Super produit

ChiaoGoo ist sicher für viele noch ein Geheim-Tipp.Die Nadeln sind aus Edelstahl, aber hohl - dadurch wirklich federleicht. Sie haben wirklich die sensationellsten Spitzen die überall problemlos durchgleiten- ein Träumchen echt.Die Übergänge der Schraubverbindungen vom Seil zur Nadel - absolut glatt und ohne Kanten und Widerstände. Selbst feinstes Lace-Garn lässt sich perfekt verstricken. Sie sind weder schwer noch kalt - alles andere als altbekannte Metallnadeln.Wer vorhat mehr zu stricken, dem sei es eine Empfehlung, an der man langfristig nich vorbei kommt.Material - nahezu verschleißfrei -Nadeln - chirurg. EdelstahlSeile - Twist-Kabel (Memory-frei-verdrehen nicht); bestehen aus einem mehrsträngigen, mit rotem Nylon ummantelten StahlkabelKabelverbinder um 2 kleiner Seile zu einem längeren zu verbinden, ohne daß es Bremsen würde (!)und Endstopper, T-förmige Anziehschlüssel, Maschenmarkierer, eine Nadellehre und ein kompaktes, mit Reißverschluss geschlossenes Stoffetui - sehr schon und qualitativ gut verarbeitet______________________________________Tolle Tasche für jeweil ein halbes Set Größe S oder L oder ein Complett-Set______________________________________Größe 4" oder 5" also 10 oder 13 cm LängeAbsolute Empfehlung,wir haben die RED LACE Edelstahl Complete 4 Zoll (also 10 cm Länge), die liegen besser in der Hand als die 5" (13cm) haben alle Längen ausprobiert.Haben zusätzliche die kleinen Sets mit jeweils Nadeln in 5 und 8 cm Länge für kleine Sachen wo man gut rundstricken kann, ersetzen uns die Nadelspiele und lassen so in Runden stricken, vieeeeel einfachenNadelspitzen Twist Red Lace Mini, 2-3,25 mm - 12 paar Nadelspitzen in 2 Längen (5 und 8 cm)Nadelspitzen Twist Short Combo 3,50-5,00 mm - 10 paar Nadelspitzen in 2 Längen (5 und 8 cm)