As much money as most people spend on archery supplies, i don't think the cost of the FOB's are an issue.

I fletch my own arrows and do have some FOB's. They seem to shoot well for me but i really haven't put the time in shooting them to compare if they really are better than fletchings. They say they are better in windy conditions and longer shots, but i like using lighted nocks which fit in the shafts tight, so the FOB probably wouldn't fall off in a pass thru like they should.

I live in town, thus can't shoot in my backyard, so i don't get out as often as i would like to practice and compare.

I shoot a release and don't have any issues with them touching my face.