For me, the one distinct and significant feature that the Soba/Noodle bar has over other bars is the flatness of the hoods when used with Ergopower or STI. Yes, the finish and reliability are top-notch but I really love how there is so much space on that bar offering slip-free hand positioning.

When racing, comfort on the hoods is irrelevant because I spend so much time in the drops. Noodle/Soba bars, in the drops, aren't terribly different than most classic bend bars. Also, when racing, an easy 100+g advantage (difference between my "light" Soba and my Easton carbon handlebar) sometimes cannot be ignored.

Note: please take that last sentence in context, which is the advantage is only part of the larger weight difference of the entire package. Of course, I understand that 100g is not going to win races but 4lbs might.