After getting lots of flats with different tires, I sprung for the marathon plusses. Rode them without issue for a number of years. The started looking a little threadbare, so last year I bought a Vittoria Randonneur Pro to take as a spare on a short trip. I never had to use it, but after my trip, I swapped out the Marathon Plus as a pre-emptive strike. The Vittoria ran smooth, and I shortly bought a 2nd one. It's been about half a year now commuting on the Vittorias. I really like how they ride, and I haven't had a flat yet (maybe. I feel like the back tire has had a slow leak for a week or two), but I can't decide whether or not to trust them on another tour. I'm not sure it's the weight that makes the biggest difference as the suppleness. I'm not convinced that they're holding up as well as the Marathons, though. I'll be on my bike for a week in the near future, and I'm debating swapping my old Plus back in, and carrying the Randonneur as a spare. Or I may just order a spare Randonneur.

I have not tried enough kinds of tires to give any kind of comprehensive review, but I will say that if you want long-lasting tires that are unlikely to flat, Marathon Plusses will do that, and possibly better than anyone else. If you are sensitive to the way the tires roll, and are willing to compromise on flat protection in favor of a smoother ride, you might look at some other options. I really like the Randonneur Pro, but I don't have the experiance to say how it will hold up, and it also runs at a lower pressure, which some might find less suitable for touring. But it remains a nice tire. And it's foldable, which means it might make a good spare, even if it's not the tire you choose to ride on.