Clipless or platforms

[getsometrail]

I also follow James Wilson.  I take some of his opinions / info and leave some.  It is important to note that not only does he favor flats but standing pedaling on flats.  Standing engages all of the leg muscle groups in a more natural motion and, yes, requires more energy and thus can't be sustained as long.  Standing also gives you better command over the bike but that is for a different conversation.  This works for me because I don't race and when I ride I usually go for a couple of miles then take a short break, go a couple of more miles then take a break and so on.  I just ride for the enjoyment and technical challenge not so much the fitness so I don't care about long sustained efforts.  I ride on some Easton flat boys and a pair of Five Tens and I love them.  Some clearance issues when I first switched but nothing a little pedal awareness doesn't solve. 
Figure out what kind of riding you like to do then determine what kind of equipment fits that. 

[Willyjaybob]

Ride what you like, man! When I came back to the bike after a long hiatus I made the switch from 'cages' to clipless. Dang near killed myself on every ride for an entire summer. This year, I went to Colorado and rode my butt off and (thank God) didn't have any wrecks, except for one where I actually managed to fall over while standing still--thanks to being clipped, of course. That said, I've grown to really like my clips. I rode flats one time out there, but it was at a ski lift park and to be honest, I felt terrified most of the time--like I was going to bounce off of the pedals the entire time. I'm guessing this is why most Dh riders have switched to clipless. Very secure.

I considered switching to flats about 2 years ago, but wrecked the first time out and shredded my legs and nearly bled out trying to get back to my car, so I went back to clipless. But at the end of the day I ride what I like--and so should you!

[Willyjaybob]

I know what you mean.  This is my shin after a "meeting" with the flat pedal on my downhill bike.  Surprisingly, it didn't really bleed all that much like I thought it would.
I don't ride that bike in my court without shin guards on.

NSFL - Weak stomachs do not click.  This was before any anesthetic.  Thankfully no pain until they game me a shot to put the stitches in.  23 total. 6 underneath and 17 on top.

THAT. IS. NASTY. Thanks for sharing, though. Cred.

[jasonhilt]

Oops.  Deleted my own post.  Thought I double posted.
Oh well. Have the copied post.