I have purchased dozens of these binders over a period of several years so I was very surprised (and then very annoyed) to find someone made a decision to change the design to remove the plastic sheet holders on the inside of the covers (where you could slide in an 8.5x11 sheet of paper for quick) and replaced them with plastic pockets that 1) you can't fit a letter size of paper in now because they're too small; and 2) the pocket has a button on cover that must be opened when you want to put something in them. Goody-bye quick access. Poor design; poor decision.
I was disappointed not to find any soft-cover binders that would suit my needs. Also the shiny plastic sleeve on the front cover and spine were very hard to remove and I needed the folder to be plain black and not shiny. I did use the folder bur suggest you look into locating a source for sturdy binders with inside pockets and a soft cover.
I truly have to say best binder I ever bought. My oldest started high school and need one to last the whole school year. The plastic martial is very strong and come with a compartment inside also there's a place to add name or subject on the side of the binder or front very convenient.
As a student then as a teacher and as a musician I have found this binder to be really good— It's durable the ring mechanism works flawlessly and the covers are sturdy. What more can one ask of a binder?