It all depends on what you are taping. The SP 853 models worked well for me with outside shows, where the loud bass was not overpowering. However, for shows where I was either (1) inside an arena for a loud, bassy show, or (2)outside close to a bass cabinet (which was head level), I would get distortion....I think the 9V powering method that SP uses does not allow the 853 mics to take advantage of the full range available to them, and thus the SPL overloading I experienced.
But that being said, keep in mind what you are recording....they perform pretty well for the shows that were not bassy, so to speak.