I've had a couple bad crashes where my hand took the brunt of it - especially the palm and heel. My glove saved me, twice (specialized half glove). I never ride without them - even to the store. I have no problem at all if these are slight overkill. I'd rather too much than not enough. Once you lose much of the skin on one of your palms, and imbed gravel and rocks into your hand to the bone, you'll agree. I'm sure it's happened to a few who post here. The feel thing may be the deal killer, but they don't look ridiculously overbuilt to me at all.