MAK, The one thing about the Gatorskins is that they don't provide "excellent flat protection" that you put in your last sentence. The Continental Touring Plus does offer excellent flat protection and I have a 32 mm set on my touring bike.

This level of protection does come at a weight penalty. Gatorskins are 350 grams for folding and 420 grams for non folding while the Touring Plus is 605 grams and non folding only. The T+ also has a deeper tread pattern.

The Gatorskins remind me of my old Continental Top Touring tires. They're almost a large roadie tire. Nice ride and weight, but little more than minimal puncture resistance.

Brad