In the market and I've narrowed it down to these. The Yaktrax have plates and come with a bag (not sure if teh Micro Spikes come with a bag). They also seem to run about $10 cheaper. Any reason to not go with the Yaktraxs? Weight?

Kinda depends on what you're using them for. Micro Spikes don't come with a bag but that's pretty easy to resolve - Granite Gear stuff sacks!

I have heard nothing good about the Yaktrax XTR. I also have a friend who cracked the orange plate stepping on a rock. On the other hand, all you hear is positive reviews about Micro Spikes. I would definitely spend the extra $10 and get the Micro Spikes.

Thanks. Micro Spikes it is. They did seem to also take up less space.

I had concerns about the plate covering up so much sole anyway.

Microspikes rock. They are tough, versatile, and repairable. You'll never catch me out in the early season without them.

Autoxfil wrote: They are tough, versatile, and repairable.

I'd say these are relative terms. Once the elastomer breaks (which has happened to me on two occasions) they are no longer repairable. I do agree, however, that they are an excellent choice for early season, verglas-covered rocks, occasional low-angle ice patches, etc.