they eliminate toe drag, take less effort to really stick to your edge, and help with stability at speed. Everything about turn initiation just feels crisper- all your power goes directly to your edge. These are 10x as effective (and stronger) than the 'Burton Elevators'. Go with the SHOCK for the dampening as well as the toe rise.

I don't understand why you would want to ride without these. I have pretty long feet and toe drag was always a problem. These devices give me just enough clearance to remedy the issue. Turns are crisp and clean, energy transfer is improved, there really isn't a downside. For less than $100, you can make your ride smoother and stay on the slopes longer.

I ride the SHOCK and they are not only great for railing turns, but they also reduce the amount of toe drag someone with size 12+ feet might have. I also have a pair of STANDARD PLS, but prefer the SHOCK as they reduce chatter. One last thing is if you do a lot of traversing say in and out of the backcountry that extra leverage amounts to less energy spent while on edge. It would be hard for me to go back to riding a board without them because I would know what I am missing.

I really like these. I bought the SHOCK (13mm lift) and think that they totally cut down on the amount of effort needed to hard turns. Granted these are not an necessity by any means, but merely a nice-ity. They don't give too much lift where you feel that the center of gravity is off. They do add a little more cushion under your feet as well. I wouldn't ride without these again by choice, but if I am riding one of my boards without them, I wouldn't feel like I would have to change my riding style. I know that sounds like I should give them an average rating, but they are great for what they are, basically an accessory.