Hello everyone,
I have tons of Sterex needles but now own an Apilus- can I use the Sterex needles for the Apilus device or are they for Sterex machines only?
Which needle (brand) do you recommend for the Apilus Junior?
thank you
Justina
Well… These probes have an F shank and K shank selection, so I would think there would be no problem. Don’t be afraid to try and see.
Thank you Dee.
Are the ballett probes really that much better? Just wondering, as I do want to get good results and will rather pay a bit more for buying these probes (if it really is worth it) rather than saving money where it does not make sense.
Sterex (F shank) needles do work with Apilus.
I really like a one piece probe and Ballet was my favourite prior to changing to Laurier IBP’s. The reason i changed to IBP’s is that, after a trial on the same client using Ballet and Laurier IBP’s on the arms, the results were clearly in favour of the latter. Erythema was diminished and the little punctate red spots you get post elect. were reduced by about 80%. I decided to use IBP’s then for everyone but i still use Ballet when i really want a one piece and for advanced and telangiectasia work.
We all have our personal preferences when it comes to probes, Justina. I have always liked the Ballet gold probes because they just glide in the follicle so easy, they are durable whether I am using them for the three thermolysis modalities that I have on hand and I LOVE THEM for blend.
I also have a stock of Ballet insulated probes and in my opinion, I think the Laurier Insulated bulbous probes are far superior to the Ballet Insulated.
To be fair, I have never used a Sterex probe, so that is why I said you should just try different brands and decide for yourself how it feels in your hand, what the sensation feels like for your client, how the skin looks during and after treatment. Cost should be the last factor in deciding because you want the best for your clients and it is easy to factor the extra cost into your price schedule.
Cherrytree - Have you ever used the Sterex machines?
I want to introduce my old electrologist to Laurier IBP for when she does thermolysis and I’m wondering whether it’s possible and easy to put the IBP into the Sterex probe holder?
This should not pose any problems,stoppit, as shank sizes are almost always, standard for electrolysis units. It will be interesting to hear about both of your experiences with this trial.
I use sterex needles with my Apilus Junior. Their insulated probes work well for thermolysis and have in my opinion helped reduce skin reaction. I recently ordered some sterex gold probes and will be interested to see how they do. I have ballet stainless probes and as Dee says they seem to slide into the follicle very nicely. I have been using these for blend.
I’mtasting, have you tried Ballet gold probes with blend? I use gold and YES, one of their best qualities is they do slide in the follicle so easy. I am more familiar with gold, but I assume the stainless probes are just as smooth.
Dee, I’ve not used them myself but from what they seemed nice when you were working on me. 
I have two boxes of sterex 2 piece needles and occasionally use them - for smaller jobs. Works reasonably well, but i prefer different brands. Bought them for DIY work in my face.
Most of the heavy duty stuff is done with the Laurier IBP.
Basically all Apilus devices can be used with all brands of probes, provided, of course that the shank size is correct.
Should not be any problems between Sterex and Apilus - both use F-shanks by default.
@Dee: in my face i observed slightly better healing when i used Ballet gold instead of steel.
Back to Sterex: my experience with Sterex gold and insulated was not good: all probes were blank steel after a few shots. For me, Sterex is only interesting as blank steel probe, preferrably two piece. I did blend with them (on the Junior) as well as synchro (on the Pure).
@Justina: apparently You intend some DIY work. Did You consider Laurier tapered? They are reasonably cheap and IMO better than the Sterex. In DIY work i would actually prefer a good 2 piece probe over a 1 piece because it is a bit easier to keep the needle in a reasonably good position.