Addi Lace vs Addi Turbo
Bex got a very limited supply of the new Addi Lace needles in. She only has a few sizes so don't get your hopes up too high. These needles are in very high demand and it may be a while before she can get a full supply.
There are enough, however, for me to do a head-to-head comparison between Addi Turbo needles and Addi Lace Needles. Those who know me know I am an avid lace knitter so I've been eagerly awaiting this new addition to the Skacel collection. Here's what I've found:
First off, price. The new Lace needles are about a dollar more than the Turbos. The packaging is similar so be sure to check whether you are getting the gold cables (Turbos) or the red cables (Lace) when you grab them off the shelves. Also remember to keep the original packaging. Addi needles, be they Naturas, Turbos, or Lace needles are guaranteed for life. You break 'em and Skacel will replace them. If you purchased your needles at Hillcreek, just bring them back to the shop, in their original packaging and if they are in stock, we'll trade. It's a great guarantee. We've had needles chewed by dogs, slammed in car doors and even accidentally cut with scissors. This guarantee isn't just for the odd burr (although you can trade in for that too). It's a serious lifetime guarantee.
Right out of the chute you notice the Turbos are silver colored with gold colored cables and the Lace needles are gold colored with red cables. You can tell at a glance which you are dealing with.
The silver Turbos have a special finish over brass to give a durable, very slick needle that can't rust. Ever. This finish causes the needles to glide effortlessly through stitches and are the joy of the speed knitter.
The gold Lace needles have hollow coated brass tips. The surface is ever-so-slightly textured. You can't really feel it unless you run a fingernail along it. This texture makes the Lace needles grip the stitches (though they are not as "grippy" as the Naturas, or most other bamboo needles). This can be an advantage in lace knitting. For some it may be an annoyance when knitting socks.
First I examined the cables. The Turbo cables are actually more flexible than the Lace cables. On closer inspection of the packaging, I saw the Turbos are claimed to have "very soft" cables and the Lace needles just "soft" cables. This checks with what I observed.
I'm always very concerned about the joint between the cable and the needle. This is where most circular needles flunk the patented Kirsten usability test. If it's going to snag my stitches or otherwise make it difficult to move the stitches off the cable and onto the needle, then I don't even want to bother with them. They absolutely must have a smooth joint. Both the Turbos and the Lace needles have a nice smooth joint.
The last thing I compared was the tips. As needles go, the Turbos have fairly sharp tips, but not as sharp as those of the Addi Lace needles. The extra sharp tips make it easier to pick up stitches for intricate maneuvers.
Over all, I like the new Lace needles, but I wish the cables were a little more flexible.
There are enough, however, for me to do a head-to-head comparison between Addi Turbo needles and Addi Lace Needles. Those who know me know I am an avid lace knitter so I've been eagerly awaiting this new addition to the Skacel collection. Here's what I've found:
First off, price. The new Lace needles are about a dollar more than the Turbos. The packaging is similar so be sure to check whether you are getting the gold cables (Turbos) or the red cables (Lace) when you grab them off the shelves. Also remember to keep the original packaging. Addi needles, be they Naturas, Turbos, or Lace needles are guaranteed for life. You break 'em and Skacel will replace them. If you purchased your needles at Hillcreek, just bring them back to the shop, in their original packaging and if they are in stock, we'll trade. It's a great guarantee. We've had needles chewed by dogs, slammed in car doors and even accidentally cut with scissors. This guarantee isn't just for the odd burr (although you can trade in for that too). It's a serious lifetime guarantee.
Right out of the chute you notice the Turbos are silver colored with gold colored cables and the Lace needles are gold colored with red cables. You can tell at a glance which you are dealing with.
The silver Turbos have a special finish over brass to give a durable, very slick needle that can't rust. Ever. This finish causes the needles to glide effortlessly through stitches and are the joy of the speed knitter.
The gold Lace needles have hollow coated brass tips. The surface is ever-so-slightly textured. You can't really feel it unless you run a fingernail along it. This texture makes the Lace needles grip the stitches (though they are not as "grippy" as the Naturas, or most other bamboo needles). This can be an advantage in lace knitting. For some it may be an annoyance when knitting socks.
First I examined the cables. The Turbo cables are actually more flexible than the Lace cables. On closer inspection of the packaging, I saw the Turbos are claimed to have "very soft" cables and the Lace needles just "soft" cables. This checks with what I observed.
I'm always very concerned about the joint between the cable and the needle. This is where most circular needles flunk the patented Kirsten usability test. If it's going to snag my stitches or otherwise make it difficult to move the stitches off the cable and onto the needle, then I don't even want to bother with them. They absolutely must have a smooth joint. Both the Turbos and the Lace needles have a nice smooth joint.
The last thing I compared was the tips. As needles go, the Turbos have fairly sharp tips, but not as sharp as those of the Addi Lace needles. The extra sharp tips make it easier to pick up stitches for intricate maneuvers.
Over all, I like the new Lace needles, but I wish the cables were a little more flexible.
posted by Kirsten at 4:15 PM
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