Thanks, just ordered a set. The durability as well as the added stability appeal to me. I am using Radd's method for learning so the most likely damage is from scrapping tips if I don't react fast enough or over react, so these are perfect. They'll give me a fraction of a second more, and reduce my over reactions that tiny bit, along with surviving when it isn't enough. I've already scuffed up my original set pretty well along with some minor dings.