As a newcomer to mountain bikes I asked a few more experienced riders about this topic. Most experienced riders suggested I try them. My background was BMX and some freestyle a lonnnng long time ago, typical Vans were the shoes of the day. I was used to "beartrap" pedals and was nervous about the whole clipless move. When we bought my bike we purchased a bottom of the line entry level pedal, the Shimano PD-M520L, and a pair of RL mountain shoes. I fell over a few times in the yard just trying to get used to them, my family thought that part was great. After riding trails with the clipless I won’t ride without them. I have more control than ever, no pedal slips, really feel married to the bike, no bouncing off in downhills, yada yada. My point is after a short time period I’ve learned to come out of the pedals even in mid turn or when I slip on a root and need to get a foot down for a moment. After 4 months there isn’t any other way to me. I’m glad those friends got me to try it.