There is nothing really subtle about a shaker ... you want it to be easy to shake and you want to hear it, job done.
These shakers do both ... either as a double or split they are easy to hold, don't slip, they are not heavy or awkward.
And they are LOUD ... which is really great for mic'ing them up, sound carries well. Good buy, its loud but has a nice sound, it's not like a bag of gravel.