The bamboo part is short and easy to knit sleeves or small projects. Bamboo isn't as slick at metal needles so it's harder to drop stitches. Yarn slides very nicely of the bamboo as well.

The bamboo material is smooth and lightweight. They are not rough and develop a nice patina over time. Needless to say, it is light and flexible.

Clover bamboo circular needles from japan are the cadillac of knitting needles! Lovely needles. Metal and plastic circular knitting needles have tips which do not wear flat spots or grooves, as bamboo needles do.

I have ridiculously sensitive hands and the point where the needle meets the plastic wire is rough, and was painful for me. Switching to another brand. Bamboo sections of the needle are very dry and the yarn doesn't flow.