You hear the gatorskin being suggested so often because it's a great tire. Big folks run increased risk of flats simply because they are rolling over a piece of glass (whatever) and there is more force driving it into/through the tire so a tire with some flat protection is particularly useful. You can get tires with more flat protection and you should if you live in an area with goatheads or really nasty, trash roads. Armadillo's come to mind as a good flat protection tire. But for most folks, the Gatorskin or Hard Case (a bit more protection, a bit less nice of a feel) are two highly regarded tires. I'd start with Gatorskin and see if they feel good and if you are able to avoid flats reasonably well, knowing that sooner or later you will get a flat regardless of the tire unless you buy very hard, slow rolling expedition tires.