I've actually never heard a negative review from someone who has owned slaybands. Do all y'all have some or is it just negative opinion because of principles.
Kendamas will chip if you smash the ken &/or tama hard. So by playing over carpet or grass, you have a smaller chance of smashing it into the hard ground. But you can still just bash the two pieces together hard enough to chip them, so just be aware of the sort of tricks you're doing. Fast flips, taps, instas, etc, are all higher risk than just some good old cup tricks (with lots of knees, of course).
I have the plus 2.0 and the ash slim. I'm honestly in love with the plus 2.0 but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with smaller then average hands. If you are over 15 the 2.0 plus is a beast. It kills most tricks, is comp ready, and if you get a decent weight can both lunar or sling.