I haven’t done a manual insert in many years. I use Accu-chek Ultraflex, and (knock on wood) haven’t gotten a kink in years either. I’ve had the same inserter ever since I switched to these sets. It’s called the Link Assist. (I’m a big sissie about needles and canulas)
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Probably depends on the design of the inserter, no?
I use Medtronic Quick-Sets and, for me, inserting using their (overpriced naturally) Quick-Serter device is much easier than trying to do it by hand. 
Especially if I am using a more out of the way site which I can only reach with one hand/arm.
On the other hand, I also previously used the inserter for the Silhouettes and that was less special. My problem with the angled sets is that the inserter provides no help with inserting at the correct angle. Consequently my results varied depending on what angle I happened to use.
I have always been horrified at the amount of cost & waste implied by incorporating an insertion device into each infusion set. 
That’s the other thing I prefer about the stand alone insertion device, less waste. &deity. knows between my infusion sets & the CGM sensors I generate too much already. 
People think I am crazy but I use the Sure T (maybe other names for other pumps) which is a metal needle and I change every 1.5 - 2 days. I think there is less scar tissue build up since it is in shorter and never any kinking like with flexible sets. It always works right away as where the other ones I notice a few hours needs to kinda start working.
My control is excellent A1c 5.2 - 5.5.
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Sure-T is the only set that is both comfortable and reliable for me. Cannula sets almost caused me to quit pumping. Anyone who says you are crazy just isn’t fully informed about Sure-T. 
j/k, but seriously, anyone who dismisses the Sure-T out of hand really needs a reality check.
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are sure t’s compatible with animas vibe?
Thanks again!
The Contact Detach infusion sets are the Sure-T equivalent for Animas pumps. Med-T uses a proprietary cartridge/infusion set connector while Animas uses the standard leur-lock connection.
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what terry said: Contact Detach is like the Sure-T except it has a luer-lock connection (which I personally don’t like–I used to use luer lock connectors when I had MM pumps made prior to the Paradigm series. I much prefer the proprietary connection that MM began using with the 511 model, all the way up to the latest models)
It’s almost always pain free. Just like with an old-fashioned injection, you can very occasionally hit a nerve or a small blood vessel, but this is pretty unusual.
Inserting manually is not difficult but there is a technique that you need to learn. Here’s a link to a tutorial on youtube. I do it more or less as shown except that after I remove the front (needle end) paper from the sticky pad, I hold the two ears clear using my thumb and middle finger and use my index finger to hold the front part of the pad clear of the skin until I have inserted the needle. I then press down the front part of the pad and peel the paper protector off the rear part.
The angle doesn’t seem to be very critical if you are using the short cannulas. Aanywhere between 20 and 45 degrees works.
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I’m very thin and the endo recommended the Sure-T (steel needle) infusion set for me. I like it a lot; works fine almost every time. Every so often I jab a sensitive spot, but it’s pretty rare now. Although I must admit to some jealousy when I read about people infusing into an arm or leg. There is absolutely no way that 6mm steel needle is going into my arm or leg; that’s right into muscle, ow! I sometimes wonder if a teflon cannula inserted at a shallow angle would work there but I’ve never had the courage to call Medtronic to ask for a sample.
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Thank you that’s so kind will take a look
that’s how I got them.
I am definitely a fan of the idea that everyone needs to try a type of infusion set to see if it works for them.
Due to the popularity of Sure-T’s/Contact Detach sets with many TuDiabetes pumpers, I ordered a box last year to give them a try. I absolutely hated them. They hurt a lot in most locations. I really wish that the metal needle was a lot shorter. And yes, I did use the shorter needle version.
Also I didn’t like that the set had two adhesive points. I could have lived with that, but the part that contained the needle had terrible adhesive and I had to use tape with it. This was the first time that I have ever used an infusion set that wouldn’t stay on without tape. I don’t know whether I had a defective box of sets, but I don’t expect to ever order another box of them.
I use the short version of Silhouettes/Comfort Shorts and insert them manually at a shallow angle. I keep trying other infusion sets and always come back to the angled sets.
I LIKE that there are two adhesive pieces to a Sure-T. LOL! The connection point serves as a “strain-relief”.
Pain? Nope, not here. Angled sets KILL me. We are all different.
I would agree that the adhesive on the set isn’t the strongest adhesive in the world, but that doesn’t present a problem for me–because I want to be sure (I go out of town w/o back up paraphernalia–I have enough stuff to lug around as is) the set doesn’t get dislodged (I am very active), I slap an IV3000 over it or lately, half of an “overtape” from my Enlites (I always have lots of extras). I don’t consider this any big deal whatsoever.
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Looking at the various samples today, I was put off by the two points of adhesion as well. Three points if counting the dexcom… just seemed like more than I wanted to take on. But, who knows… I may change my mind if the plastic doesn’t work well with my body 
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That’s what I have used for nearly my entire pumping life. Rarely any pain as long as I can find an area that is not too close to a muscle and has a little bit of fat.
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