Hey Matt. Congratulations, looks great!
I thought the same thing about the front feeling too thick at first. Got used to it pretty quickly though. Yours doesn't appear unnaturally thick at all.
May I ask what the base is like? Is it a lace? or a transparent plastic sheath?
Also, here's some good tips for making them last longer without fading, getting dry or thinning (ignoring the fact that it's aimed at DIY wearers):