So far this year the clips have gained the support of two state governments and the peak wool body but have been dumped by two other farming groups, activist group PETA and one of its victims, retailer H&M.

World suiting giant Hugo Boss appears to have struck the chord that resonates with the middle ground by accepting the clips as an interim solution only.

The Australian Veterinary Association has the same opinion, while the RSPCA is waiting for further evidence before making its decision.

But whether you like them or loathe them, the clips are not seen as a long term solution by anyone.

Whilst WoolProducers president Don Hamblin is not completely sold just yet, he said he will be using the clips this year.

"They can work until breeding for a barer breech develops," Mr Hamblin said.

"I give the clips a four out of five for effectiveness but only a two out of five for cost.

"Using four clips at 35 cents each plus freight is too much."

The RSPCA not yet convinced of the welfare aspects of the clips and also sees breeding as the only long-term solution.

Farm animals scientific officer with the RSPCA, Melina Tensen, said the trials Australian Wool Innovation referred to this week were not specifically designed to look at the welfare aspects of clip application.

"The pain and stress assessments were based on behavioural indicators," she said.

"These preliminary, non-peer-reviewed and non-published results seem to show a significant improvement in the indicators mentioned when using clips versus mulesing.

"We look forward to its publication in the Australian Veterinary Journal."

The RSPCA position remains that producers should first consider whether there is a need to mules and then, if indeed deemed necessary, be using the most humane method available to them.

Australian Woolgrowers Association president Martin Oppenheimer said the success rate was not good enough and was further evidence that AWI was not a good research and development manager.