I've been using Crank Bros pedals for over six years. Before that I used SPDs but found that their tendency to "pack up" - in my case pick up toothpicks from logs and branches - became too much hassle.

I have hit rocks with my candy's causing the pedal to release, but never cracked one. What I have found as compared to other pedals is that the bearings wear out relatively quickly. I think it's because one of the load bearing bearings is a bushing (say that three times fast). You can buy a rebuild kit for cheap and restore them, which I've done twice on two pairs.

ONE POINT. If you are prone to pushing your limits and come into physical contact with your pedals now and then, I strongly recommend switching to the candys. I have taken a standard "bare" eggbeater to the shin a few times, and the kneecap once - they HURT! I mean, "get off the bike and sit down for a few minutes" HURT. Some local riders call them leggbeaters. Most recently I switched to the new Candy 3 because it has "real" bearings at both ends. It costs over twice what the old plastic model costs, so I hope it's worth it. Already I've taken one of them to my shin, and it was a much more noticeable pain than the previous model. It got blood on my sock, which I can't recall happening with the old ones. It was over quickly though, so no worries

Hopefully helpful,

Scott C.