The Bryspun Flex needles are lead-free plastic needles made in Oregon. The plastic flexes as you knit and feels warm to the touch. Because of that, it is less stressful to your hands than some more rigid needles. In fact, the New Zealand Arthritis Foundation has endorsed the Flex needles. Another distictive feature of this needle is the concave tip that scoops the stitches nicely. In addition, the plastic needles are quiet, with virtually no clicking as you knit.