A new find!!

OK, have you heard of the new Spectrum Noir (SN) alcohol markers from Crafters Companion. They are like the Copics but cheaper!! And you know we all love a bargain!  I just got them in last night and while DH was yelling that dinner was ready I did a QUICK comparison of them to my Copic Sketch markers. Before we get to the actual comparison findings, a few disclaimers:
1 - I am NOT an artist, nor do I pretend to be one. I try my best just to stay in the lines and blend the best I can.  So, do not expect expert coloring on this...I can honestly say it's not the markers, it's me!
2 - I only have the 72 set of the SN and 172 Copics so I tried to use the same colors so as to keep it a true color comparison.

I colored Mimosa with Roses on Cryogen White paper (my FAV!!) - both can be found at StampingScrapping. I just love Cindy, she has to be one of the nicest people I've never met, LOL. I really don't mind spending my much hard earned cash with her!!...oh back to the comparison...
My findings:
*They are bigger than the Sketches. I have small hands so I was concerned when I was opening the packages but within minutes of using them, I didn't even notice the size.
*They blended beautifully! (I read in blogland some good and some not so good reviews, but I do believe a lot of it has to do with the paper - same as other markers). I think I actually prefer the SN skin tones to the Copics that I use (E000, E00, and  E11). The SN have what's called a bullet tip and the Sketches have a brush tip (the both have the wide tip on other end). When I uncapped the SN I thought I would love the bullet tip, then when I first used them, I didn't like the bullet tip, BUT at the end, I liked the bullet tip.
*Now for the negative. I did find them hard to open. I'm hoping that it's just because they are new and after a couple of uses they will be easier to open. BUT considering that's my only negative, I am VERY HAPPY with this purchase. I will keep using my Copics but this way I have even more colors to use! If you have a limited amount of copics and want to use alcohol markers more, I do recommend buying them. (Again, remember I am not a profession nor I sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night).
Here's the comparison:

 This is my only coloring with the SN so far and it was done in less than 15 minutes. I can't wait to play more with them this weekend.  I'm going to try them on different papers and work in all the colors so if I come across anything new with them, I'll post back here.  Thanks for looking and if you have any questions, I'll try my best to answer them. Oh and you can find the Copics, Spectrum Noir pens, Cryogen White paper and the adorable Mimosa with roses stamp at StampingScrapping!