Denise vs KP Zephyr acrylics

bambi · 06-13-2011, 09:59 PM

Anyone try these interchangeable needles head to head? Which ones do you like better?

I am starting to think of a second set of circ. I have the KP options and am very satisfied with them but I was thinking of ones I could take on an airplane. And, it is nice to have another pair available in case you are using one or you have to do 2 circs circular knitting.

TIA!

Jan in CA · 06-14-2011, 05:51 AM

Just for the record I've used my nickel plated options on a plane, but since you're going international I guess I would use something else.

I've got a set of Denise and while the needle wasn't bad I didn't like the cable. It's too thick and not as slippery as the Options. As far as needles I haven't tried the Zephyrs though. Whichever you go with I suggest taking a few sets with you then check the others so if they did take them you wouldn't lose the whole set.

I have a friend that puts some DPN in a pencil box and they never say anything.

bambi · 06-14-2011, 08:40 PM

I have a friend that had her addi clicks taken away.

I was thinking of DPNs but I don't do much socks knitting. I use them for sleeves and the like.

Tempted by the Zephyrs since I already have the nickle plated and they use the same cables.

Mirl56 · 06-14-2011, 09:26 PM

I've got a set of Denise and a few of the Options.

I do like the Denise but I also agree with Jan about the cables, they are bulky/thick.

Honestly, since you already have a set from Knit Picks, I'd go with the Options.

And head to head, if I have the same size from each set, I'd use the Options.

Wanted to add - were I flying I wouldn't chance loosing any pieces of my sets. I'd buy bamboo or something in the size I was using.

Mazie · 06-15-2011, 05:39 PM

I have the Options and a set of Denise, The points on the Denise is way to blunt for my taste and the shop wouldn't take them back. If you like the tips on the Options, I would see if I could try a set of Denise before buying.
There is also the difference between plastic and metal. I really don't like the Denise, but that is just my opinion.

fatoldladyinpjs · 06-16-2011, 11:56 PM

If you're thinking about buying Zephyrs, I just got an email from Knitpicks saying they're $10 off this week.

http://www.knitpicks.com/BEM/BE110613.htm?elink=0--HTM

suecq · 06-17-2011, 03:28 PM

You need to use the couponcode ZEPHYR11 to get the discount.

ArtLady1981 · 06-17-2011, 10:23 PM

Love the ZEPHYRS. They are very nice, and IMHO they knit very similar to the Harmony.
I have 3 pairs of the tips only. Very nice. And very affordable. A great interchangeable investment for newbie knitters, too.

Hate Denise. It's that doggone cable mostly. It's a poor investment IMO. I know many knitters love 'em...but I'm not one of 'em. They were my first investment into interchangeables. That was in pre-Knitpicks-Options days.

The Boye Needlemaster interchangeable system was available before Denise...but they were way more money. I eventually purchased a set of them, too...for $40 at a Joann's sale. I've used them from time-to-time...but the cables are kinky.

Mazie · 06-18-2011, 01:18 AM

And here is where I agree and disagree with Artlady. I agree the Denise are the wrong set to start your adventure into circular needles, however I do love my Needlemaster, cables and all. The price, with coupon is reasonable and there is the 'Hack' for cables. I, personally really, really like the Boye cables, I am knitting a sweater on them right now. I have also 'hacked' several sets of cables and haven't needed to use them. The knitpicks and Hack cables seem a bit flimsy to me and I really like the feel of the Boye Needlemaster cables. I should also mention that I have two sets of Boye and use the cables together. If you have the older set there is a bend in the head of the cables (the part that screws into the needle) and some people don't like how they work together. I, on the other hand, use one straight and one with the bend, works a treat. I have no opinion about the Zephers as I don't own any, however I have heard they break, in the smaller sizes, depending on how tight you knit.
I, personally, would go for the harmony wood needles, I have several pairs and like them well enough. Some people even go so far as to hide them in a pencil case, with no questions asked when traveling by air.

Daylilydayzed · 06-18-2011, 03:02 AM

I use the Knit Picks Harmony circular needles and the Zephyrs tips. Shortly after I had bought the Try it set, I was using the Zephyr tips on the cable and one of the needle tips broke off. It was just the very tip that broke and left a flat spot. I emailed Knit Picks about it and they sent a replacement set of the Zephyr tips in the size I had , no questions asked. Any time I need another set of needles or circular needle, I will buy from Knit Picks. Love the service, that is very rare now days.