I have them and think they are good but not necessarily all they are cracked up to be. You either have good hands or you don't, but I like to think they are kinder than normal reins.
You can get a short bit elastic rein from tack shops which links the normal reins to the bit. I can't remember what you call it but it would be cheaper still
they're a great invention for people with crap hands. been designed as too many people hold their horses heads in and do not have an elastic contact therefore not allowing the horse to take the contact forward. if you can ride with a light elastic contact then you don't need them. If you restrict with your hands or move around too much, it's the product for you and a great tool.