Well, I took them out for a lap up our local hill after doing the lifts a bit. I took the long way to the top, through the woods. Halfway up I hit a bare patch and hiked. So all in all, I had quite a few times to lock and unlock the brakes.How easy was it to access the button for the brakes? That was my one potential hesitation
They work super easy. After the boot pack, I could not get the brakes to stay locked up When I stepped in. I figured the cause was ice in there (34f), so just started skinning a few strides and tried again and sure enough, they stayed up just fine.
So yes, (other than having to remember to lock and unlock them), the brakes are very well done and very easy to use.
Have you (carpet) tested yours yet?