Keep the rubber bands if you have any doubts about your flying or landing abilities. But no matter what anyone says cut them off when you remove them from the wing and throw away the used bands. A lot of people like to recycle them by putting them into alcohol or baby powder. What a mess!!! You can buy a pound of #64's for two or three bucks at the office supply or you can support your hobby shop buying them at one quarter pound for the same price.