In reply to stuart in mn:
+1.
1 - they ARE better. 2 - I just replaced mine after 6 years. I've used them for autox, hpde, but mostly for road racing. $120/6 = $20/yr, and worth EVERY penny. Better grip, very comfortable. Oh, yeah, I use them when I go to karting places and they take a lot of abuse there. I would suggest trying them on though. Depending on your hands, your grip, etc. the seams can be irritating. You can get gloves with the seams on the outside if it bothers you. I use AlpineStars, FWIW.