I run both right now, depending on which bike I am riding. The only difference is that the SPD-SL's are single sided, while many (not sure which ones you have?) SPD's are double sided. So, when clipping back in, you just need to make sure they are not upside down. I find that mine natually turn themselves so that the front (when pedalling) is pointed upwards when unclipped, and I eventually learned to easily flatten them and clip in during one relatively smooth movement. Occasionally, I miss and need to look down to complete the clip-in, but this is really not a big deal. Unclipping is basically the same, just twist out. Both types have tension adjustments so you can set them where you want. The SPD-SL cleats are plastic, so they need to be replaced occasionally, but the pedals themselves should last a very long time.