i have an izumi v on my giro for the past year, granded i don't
ride it everyday, but there's been no wear yet (and i ride brakeless).
on my soma, which i ride quite alot in all weather conditions (also
brakeless), i've been ridding a wipperman ig8 (super heavy).
only recently is it starting to show signs of needing to be replaced.

personally i think the izumi v is worth the money (ok, so i got it from
japan...) but still ...a great chain.