[numbskull]

I don't use a Habs style needle very much. Primarily only when rough, windy, or lots of current. They tend to require a faster retrieve or get deeper than I want. Likewise the plastic superstrikes have never fished well for me. I'm not sure why.

I think Afterhours makes a great needle. It can be fished very level and slow. Surf asylum also has a glide needle that people do well with. Salty has a good shallow running needle. I like the big BM wadd (both the fat original version and thinner Musso version.....they run shallow and slow), and have done OK on their 2.5oz needle. Tagger made great needles, and Flap loved Bassmaster and eelpunt needles that tended to float. Ryan Smith also makes a floater that people do well with.