cigrmaster: Harris, first off, I hope all is well with you brother! I saw your post in the gen discussion thread about your stones and finally passing them! Great job! As far as the softy bits, to each their own I say! You'd be surprised as there is actually no rubber taste from the softy bits. I find them comfortable and allow me, a clencher, to clench. I know many who are on both sides, so again, to each their own!