That was my question to the Loomis guy at an FLW expo. The explanation he gave me was so that you could work typical smallie baits (that are usually LIGHT 1/8 or lighter) like a grub, tube, and shakey heads, without compremising feel and sensitivity. I would really recommend them if you are going to fish plastics like the 3 stated above, thats what I have used them for and was impressed.