I went through a spell of exactly the type of problems that you describe. It was scary to get too far from home because I felt that there was a good chance that I'd be walking back. After reading and lurking on various forums I decided to try the Gatorskins. While shopping for them I saw that there was now a new Gatorskin Hardshell being offered. I popped for them and am very glad that I did. They roll fast and smooth, not at all harsh like I expected as a trade-off for durability. AND NOT A SINGLE FLAT IN 3 MONTHS! Yes, I said it. Do you hear that, Gods of the flat? No joke, I was getting 2 flats a week with other tires. I'm a convert. They were hard to mount because of their stiffness and again I had misgivings thinking they would rattle my teeth out. After being so frustrated I feel like singing when I ride now. I don't, but I could.