I have ridden with SKS and Planet bike plastic fenders and they both do a decent job of keeping water and grime off both you and bike. Recently, I put Velo Orange stainless steel on my Soma touring bike. They are much sturdier and do a better job but are slightly heavier and more expensive. I use fenders not because I am afraid of getting dirty, I just don't want to. When on a long tour, clean is a relative thing. If fenders keep me a little cleaner without a skunk strip up my back, I am all for them.