I have been using the Brooklyns for over a year now and they work great. I have used them for every thing from light trail riding to DHracing and they are still in good shape. Even if they smack a rock they keep on going after taking a pice of the rock with them.
Yes I do have a few minor cuts from them but the grip is incredible even in mud. If you combine them with a shoe such as the Intense with the sticky sole your foot will never come off. It is almost like riding with clipless pedals.