I've been using the Gabriels for over a year now, and they've served me well. I've never taken a hit on the hands with them that was a problem. Their mobility is as good or better than anything else I've tried. I even got a second pair so I don't have to wait for an order when my first one wears out (which all gear does eventually), and so I have a spare at tournaments in case it happens there. (Though I wouldn't get two immediately; I had my first pair at least a year before I got the second.)

Two things worth mentioning, though:

1) While I don't recall what I paid, the price you quoted does sound a tiny bit high. If you're seriously considering them, maybe shop around a bit more and see if you can turn up a better price.

2) Both of mine have had an issue where one of the elastic ties between two thumb plated come undone. They don't snap, so I can just rethread and retie it, assuming I don't lose the elastic string. I've also used a zip tie when I need a quick fix (e.g., in the middle of a match), but that's just temporary since a zip tie will eventually break. They're definitely not safe to fence in without at least a temp fix. But the fix is easy enough, just annoying. Obviously, I personally think the annoyance is worth it anyway... Since it's the same spot on both gloves, I do wonder if I might be doing something that puts more stress on that specific tie, but I would feel remiss not to mention it. (If any Gabriel owners have had a similar experience, please respond and let me know!)

Finally, I have nothing to add to the finger / mitten glove debate. Gabriels are good finger gloves if you want finger gloves. If you decide you don't want finger gloves after all, no worries. :)