they haven't broken yet, the balance is ok, the grip is fair (but not good)

Before it was more shiny, and gave excellent grip if your hands were dry, but got slippery as your hands start sweating.

The new coating, albeit still white, is more of a 'matte' finish, and although a little bit less grippy with dry hands, the grip maintains and slightly improves with increased hand moisture

I liked the coating as it gave me a better grip for my skin.. which really sweats!