i buy phil for their durability. assuming i don't wreck my bike in a crash, the price seems worth it if it lasts a reasonable amount of time. it's not hard to figure out for yourself whether or not the part is question is worth the msrp if it lasts whatever amount of time you deem reasonable. for me that amount if time starts at, lets say, 10 years. would you get a chris king head set or a cheap ritchey headset? i prefer to buy qaulity parts once, rather than keep replacing cheap parts.