I don't have the science to back it up, but my 2 inch marathon mondials are very confidence inspiring on many different surfaces. Even on 28's I've experienced pinch flats with over100 psi due to unseen potholes and nearly ate **** at high speed. Fat tires just roll through it. 90 plus percent of all European bike tourists I've met all tour on fat tires. They are way more practical imo.