I've had the opportunity to work with A LOT of knitting needles. You name 'em, I've tried them. Having owned a yarn shop, I had the chance to hear feedback from A LOT of customers. Hands-down, the needles that people liked the most, that sold the most and were constantly restocked were the ChiaoGoo stainless steel. MY favorite of those needles are the Red Lace Interchangeable needles.
These 5″ (13 cm) precisely-machined, lace tips are made of surgical stainless steel. The size is laser imprinted on each tip. The joins are hands-down the smoothest, and these sexy cables come out of their packs straight as an arrow! No more kinky knitting!
If you've never used these needles before, I'm only carrying size 2 to 8 right now, as those were the most used. I have the most superior cords for these beauties - the Twist Red Cables - in all sizes HERE. You MUST HAVE A CABLE to go with a tip to make a full needle set.