Since covers are one piece joined by rubber the binders do not crack and split like vinyl covered cardboard binders. I have had binders that have been abused for several years still in great shape.
I've tried them all and these "better binders" are the ONLY binders that can withstand a whole year of my kids' AP and Honors classes. They pack them full carry them to school and back every day regularly open and close them and these binders are still usable at the end of the school year. I used to have to buy replacement binders for the 2nd semester but now I pay a little more for these at the beginning of the year and never have to replace them.
I spend the extra for these binders they are so durable that my kids can use them years in a row without needing to be replaced. I feel better knowing we are not sending 4-6 broken binders a year to the land fill.
I am a music teacher. I have one of these binders for seating charts one for attendance/discipline and one for the current music octavos I'm teaching. They just don't wear out. I've been using them for 3 years daily and will be using them again next year. These binders are the BEST.