Addi Rocket Squared

Today I received a pre-ordered, new Addi Rocket (squared). (I can't type the branded superscript 2 after Rocket, in Blogger.) Jimmy Beans  Wool is carrying them, now.

Finally received  these from my Jimmy Beans Wool order in  the spring

As soon as I saw them, I checked to see what they are supposed to look like on both Skacel's site and Jimmy Beans'.  I thought the texture was peculiar.  The undulating texture checks out.  I'll comment on that, later.   I LOVE the slippery Rocket finish.  It's really slippery.  

I hae been using only square knitting needles since 2014. These are really different

The Skacel web site says this about sizing:"Sizes are listed in approximate US sizes -AND- exact metric sizes for your convenience. All addi® needles are manufactured to exact metric sizes." So, if you get these, don't switch to them mid-project, unless you are already using Addis.  I have been using Kollage needles, predominantly, and a few Knitters' Pride and Knit Picks.   I like the swivel of interchangeable needles' cables, so I gravitate toward those first. 

I have not doubt that Skacel will be in business for a long time, and needles have a lifetime warranty from manufacturer's defects.  However, so did Kollage, and they are no longer in business - so those of us who paid premium prices for Kollage, because of their specific features, have no warranty.  

Had to try them right away 

I always have a guitar sleeve in progress, and since it's ribbed and a slight variation in. stitch size will be of no consequence, I moved my current sleeve onto the new needles and knit 2 rounds. (Busy afternoon.)

Here are my immediate impressions:

Pros

• Nice points - not weapons but not blunt
• Gorgeous slippery surface
• Texture holds stitches close to points so sliding work toward the tips is less frequent
• Fairly flexible cord
• They feel lighter than my Kollage needles that are the same size

Cona

• Texture is odd
• Stitches are harder to slide along the needle - not terribly, but a little
• Needle size is printed on the cord - hard to read and I don't know if it will last

I'll update this review after I use them for a while. If I can get over the texture, I might purchase these again.  It will be interesting to see if Skacel has enough success with these to make an interchangeable set.