In my case, our homes soil is low base organic, mildly acidic, sandy loam, and holds water ok. I ordered Continental 80s from Amazon as well and they came with the same set of problems. The BTR5 can be used without the app but, to make full use of what you paid for I think you really need to use it. I have tile throughout the house and am prone to walking around with no shoes on. Super easy to put on (lady with limited tools technical know how here) and adjustable height option is good so you can change the "lean" of your bike to your preference . WHOEVER DESIGNED THESE I LOVE YOU ALL BECAUSE YOU HAVE BROUGHT JOY INTO MY LIFE WITH THESE MIRACLE CANNONS. my second pair only lasted a couple years and the sole of both completely delaminated and fell apart. I can also answer my calls, not with the same quality of Jabra Talk 35 I have of course. This has been an impulse I did not regret. It will be fine for short trips.