I've been lucky enough to play several and spend some serious time with a few. I worked in a vintage shop throughout high school and got a chance to play a few that came through the door. I am also the lucky owner of a '55-'59 conversion that is a fantastic guitar.
The one thing that always...
I love a lightweight LP, but I agree, at 8 lbs things start to feel a bit too light...
8.8 lbs tends to be my favorite but the overall balance of the guitar contributes a lot as well.