are they really as great as i am being led to believe?
or is it another cock and bull story to make me spend money?

http://www.trainingrings.com/?gclid=COyt7JfCuJoCFQEhDQodR195bw

they look nice, i bet they are nice for fat loss.. but how much of a weight training it provides? i have no ideas. i guess they are like these rubber bands..

ouch.. i take it back. i didnt really look what they were all about. so they are the normal proper training rings. You just need to be motivated enough to work with your own body weight. its hard work and several possibilities how and what to train. But just remember, its mainly your own body weight, and quite complicated to do the things properly, so if you are a person who loses motivation fast, dont buy these rings. Yet, if you feel like you could do these exercises for long enough period of time, then go for it. Im sure you will be pleased with results.
I personally wouldnt want to deal with these, first of all, cuz im not strong enough and even 2 pullups takes lots of effort, but if you are strong and fit, just go for it!