I have two sets – one on my XC bike which has only short pins everywhere and the other on the Jeffsy which has only long pins everywhere. I went for the short ones on the XC bike because that was what I got first and, like you I think, I was a bit intimidated. Having experienced both I’d just stick the long pins on both if I could be arsed to re-do the XC ones. Which I can’t.
Loads nicer than the saints whatever pins go in there; both work well, and I guess both would hurt if they hit my shins. I’m working on the (half-assed) theory that although the long pinned ones might hurt more if they hit they are less likely too because they grip better.
Your also less likely to come off and collide with a tree/rock which can hurt as well…. as you say though they look intimidating… its not like I wasn’t expecting it but still when I opened the box it was like “bloody hell”…..
First test will be FOD park/DH as we are there over the weekend and it’s not my normal spot so that’s also a bit intimidating… I feel like I’d have liked to do a couple of spins round Swinley and get used to them… (seriously they are pedals… why is putting them on as intimidating as some blind jump…feels really stupid )