My son has to carry this at his school everyday. It lasted an entire year but was starting to fall apart. We returned it to Staples and they replaced it without a receipt at no cost!
Will see how they last for the school year but the flexible but sturdy covers seem like will be better than regular binders especially the rubberized spine. Also seems like they can hold more and came in many colors that my kids liked.
Once my daughter entered the 6th grade binders were required for all subjects. I purchased the standard inexpensive binders the first year and then again when she entered the 7th grade. I decided to try the Staples Better Binders to test their durability since the cheaper binders had all fallen apart along the spine each year. Happily all seven binders purchased last year will be used again this year. I'm curious to see just how long they last. The big test will come this year since I had to purchase additional ones for my son. Now I'll find out if the handler makes a difference too! The Staples Better Binders are worth the extra money because they last!