lug nuts- long vs short??

[yellows2k]

i just got some racing lug nuts for my te37s. they r long ones with an open end.
my question is, whats the deal with long nuts, why? vs short lug nuts?
and open ended, whats the purpose?

it looks cool, but it must serve a purpose, right?

[M@lew]

Looks :D

[vinnY]

long ones are easier to turn off by hand once loosened, but easier to steal if a thief wants it(more of the nut to grab)

open ended ones are usually good for extended studs i.e. arp studs, i had to cut the tops off my stock wheel nuts to fit mine