The perfect nickel plating finish makes me think of Victor needles of 100 yrs ago (and those Swiss Pfanstiel needles which are no longer made). They sound great, and don't grey my records.
They do not look like something sharpened on a grinder in high school shop class and blasted with an afterthought of nickel plating. And I think we all know what needles I'm talking about.

If you like a LOUD tone needle, his "Siren" brand needles are top notch as well. I've been very happy with them on my external horn talking machines.
Just my .02 cents.
-MM