I've been using Tena Active Fit (their term for plastic backed) Maxi nappies and whilst I found the maxi capacity belted ones (called Flex) to be crazy bulky, I've been pleasantly surprised at how discreet the plastic backed taped ones are in spite of being the same absorbency. I can only assume that the plastic ones give a better fit.
I'll also echo the comments about capacity - never thought I'd need to be wearing 'maxi' nappies for my after dribble problem but tried the 'plus' capacity belted ones originally thinking they'd be more than enough but were completely useless. I found the pad on thinner products is more prone to break up.
