The Rekluse has saved me on many more than one occasion, was very easy getting used to and now I can't imagine riding off road without it. Now being used to it and knowing how to use its potential second nature, even having downhill engine braking still works exceptional well.
The left hand rear brake level is much more appreciated than one would expect. While still having full rear brake pedal the same, the left hand brake lever comes in very handy while desending long steep hills and especially well while making tight turns in switchbacks & during those times when climbing a hill, having to avoid traffic you have caught up to creating the need to stop and not facing the slide in reverse.
Over all, both parts are expensive, but I had a few hundred worth of points accumulated on my Rocky Mountain ATC/MC account, so both Rekluse parts were in my sights.
And now that I am barely a year before reaching 60, using Don as an example, falls do hurt more now than they used to. But riding with my friend Chris, who does not know the meaning of the word fear, my technical skills and my nerve have improved greatly.