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'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 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.
I buy for personal and business. These are excellent for everyday hard usage as well as occasional. Everything from SOP's to MDS's and notes for school my children love them because they can decorate and slide their own touch into the transparent front. I like them for personal for the same as business...THEY ARE BUILT TO LAST! They come in colors that blend in for everyday and others that "POP" for easy location at a glance. I own these in all the range of sizes. My only "Con" I can come up with is would be the color red is not easily found/avail in all sizes. Whether for personal or MDS (hazard speaks in red) that would be a good addition in all sizes. I aim for value and for quality...this item and alt sizes achieves both!
I have purchased more than 120 of these better binders for my historical archival collections/business in various sizes and they are the best on the market but wish you didn't discontinue the 1/2" version as I would like to purchase more and there is nothing comparable on the market. Too bad!! I like the way you can easily add information on the cover and spines.