Yep, I love those Tires! Here's a tip. Especially when they are new and you are trying to put them on. Put them in the oven on low heat for just a short while to heat them up. or in the direct sun This makes them more pliable and easier to work with.
Ok, great... thanks for the tip! Anything to help get the beasts on.
Both are light enough to carry on a ride. The VAR fits easily in my seat bag. The Kool Stop is longer. It fit in my old handlebar bag, but when I retired that I had to keep it in my jersey pocket. So now I generally use it for home tire changes, and the VAR is with me in case of tire problems on the road. I find the Kool Stop is a bit easier to use.