Originally Posted by 8Lives

I have a total of about 7,000 miles on my road tubeless mounted on DuraAce rims. I have used both the Hutchinson and Specialized (made by Hutchinson to a different spec) tires. Before the tubeless I mostly ran Michelin Pro2/3's.

1. I don't use/need sealant. The only initial mounting trick is that about half the time you need a compressor to seal the bead quickly.
2. I have had two flats in 7,000 miles (this had better not jinx me today!). Throw a tube in and keep going. I guess if you wanted to be pretty puncture proof you could put sealant in and still weigh about the same as a regular tire plus tube.