ChiaoGoo Twist Stainless Steel Interchangeable Set, 5-inch (13cm) Mini (7500-M)

These little buggers are fantastic. Ever since I got an interchangeable set for the larger sizes (knitpicks), I've been wanting one for the tiny sizes as well. I do everything on interchangeables - flat projects, magic loop, travelling loop... I never reach for straights or DPNs. Prior to these coming out the only interchangeable sock needles I was aware of were the Dyakcraft, and they were prohibitively expensive (not that Chiagoo's are cheap). I believe Hiya Hiya also now has an equivalent set.I currently have in my collection the aforementioned Knitpicks, as well as several Addi fixed circulars. I haven't yet gotten my hands on any Hiya Hiya (but may update my review when I can make a comparison). This are my favorite. The best part is the cable. Some people complain that the cable is stiff and fights them. I find it to be the opposite - it is stiff and it lays flat where I put it and stays in place! My Addi cables fight me all the time - they are horribly curled and no amount of hot water or tugging will put them where I want them. My knitpicks cables are ok but still tend to curl or get in the way. These are the best.The connection is a screw connection. This works for me as I put fairly little torque on my needles. I don't have to use the included key + rubber grip to tighten them, although they do slowly unscrew if I don't use them. If I do use the key and rubber I can't even get the needles back off without getting the key, let alone having them come off while knitting. I can't compare it to the Addi click connection or hiya hiya but I can say that the connection is a lot tighter than my Knitpicks, which do eventually come loose no matter how much I tighten them.The needles are also very strong and easy to use. I haven't managed to bend one yet (my small-size fixed needles in the same diameters are all bent). They allow me to knit at extremely tight gauges without concern for my stitches catching - they always move smoothly across the needles and cables.My one complaint is that the needles are a little long. While 5" needles allows me to apply a lot of leverage, the smallest sizes tend to pinch a nerve in my pinky with the way I hold them. In addition, they would be utterly unsuitable for doing socks without magic loop. That said I'm not certain that 4" needles would be any more comfortable.

Okay, so I kept using double pointed needles for knitting gloves and socks. Resisted the magic loop method, I thought it looked complicated and unnecessary. I don’t know why I ordered this mini set of ChiaoGoo needles, but I was in the middle of a sock project when they arrived and switched to the corresponding size mini set and finished knitting the second sock. Wow! What a difference in speed and not nearly as complicated as managing those DPNs.These needles are so fine!!! Sooth and sharp, so be sure your yarn has plenty of twist or take care to avoid splitting it while you knit. The five inch needle size fits nicely in your hand, better than shorties for me. Easy to change the needles on the cord, the set comes with everything you need for that - in a nice little black mesh case with two zippered sections. I like the mesh, it seems sturdy and you can see where your tools are without searching around. Like the other ChiaoGoo products, you will not be able to switch between these needles and the small or large cords without the correct adapters. At this time, I am not aware of the availability of those adapters, which brings me to the only negative here. I like to have multiple projects going, so I see myself purchasing additional mini cords in the future, as only one longer cord is provided. More cords, please!Now we talk about price point. I am finishing the second set of two-at-a-time toe up socks using these Minis. Simply the best way that I have discovered so far: you end up with two identical socks, in less time. Save up for the ChaioGoo Minis if you are seriously interested in making your own custom fitted socks or any fine gauge knitting project. Worth the investment and not as expensive as repeatedly buying progressively priced needles in search of the performance and productivity that you desire (been there, done that). Good yarn is costly, too, so you want your project to reflect all the effort you put into it. Heck, ALL yarn is causing sticker shock these days. Hopefully these fine tools will last many years.