thanks for the tip about the Panaracer liners. I've always used Mr Tuffy (when I use liners). Panaracers might be lighter. sure, heavy-duty touring tires don't need liners; but when I got the Disc Trucker I switched from Marathons (had no flats with those) to Ritchey Tom Slick 1.4" tires for a zippier ride. first week I had a flat so I put on Mr tuffy silver & no flats for at least a year. Tom Slicks + tire liners still lighter than Marathons AFAIK. I never had a liner cause a flat.

In the east we don't have thorn problems so much but glass etc can be a problem. When I was a courier getting flats cost $$ so those of us who tried liners were delighted, we'd "laugh" at the spots with broken glass. Marathons are great tires but kinda heavy & don't corner great & a bit pricey FWIW. for a long distance tour I'd use the Marathons but for general local riding they're overkill for me as a lighter rider. Riders who tour light on sporty bikes might benefit from liners too.