I'm doing counted cross stitch projects and wanted to try these needles to compare them to those not plated in gold.  As advertised, they slide through the Aida cloth very smoothly.  They have proven to be stronger than the non-plated needles, which have bent after several uses.  Some of the cheaper regular needles without the gold have had tips that have been cut off.  These needles have smooth, finished ends which easily slip through the Aida.