When I was shopping for some large capacity D-Ring, or Slant-Ring, binders, I really wanted some 3.5", or 4" inch binders, but decided to get these 3" inch binders because of the great Walmart price. When they arrived, which was quickly, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they're slightly bigger than 3" inches. If you're someone who doesn't want that slightly bigger size, it's worth noting that these are really almost 3.25" inches, or even 3.5" inches, depending on how you measure them. I've purchased other, lower quality brands before, and they are usually around 2.85"-2.95" inches. I use the same technique, with the same tape measure, to get my results, in case anyone is wondering, so there is a quantifiable difference in size. Now that I know this difference, I plan on buying this brand again in the future. If the slightly bigger size is consistent across all of the Pen %26 Gear, Durable View binders, I plan on purchasing this brand exclusively.
Aside from the slightly bigger capacity, which, for me, is a positive discovery, these binders are constructed very well. They have a solid feel, with a clear plastic cover on all three sides of the exterior, which is an important addition that I'll discuss later, and clear plastic pockets on all three sides of the interior. The front cover opens, and closes, with a good, solid feel, and lays flat after opening the cover. The ring spring, and two unlocking mechanisms, are great, and that reduces the safety risk of getting your skin pinched. If you've ever had your skin pinched buy poor quality binder rings, you'll know what I'm talking about. As I mentioned, the exterior plastic is important when it comes to labeling my binders. Instead of having to apply adhesive labels to the outside of these binders, I can place an adhesive label on a 'cut-to-fit' index card, and slide that index card under that clear plastic. If done properly, the index card will stay in place, but can still be easily removed if I need to repurpose the binder with different contents, and I never have to worry about having to remove adhesive residue from the binder, or damaging the binder by removing stubborn, excessively sticky, labels.
All things considered, I really like these binders, and plan on buying more Pen %26 Gear, Durable View, D/Slant-Ring binders, especially if Walmart keeps offering them at such a great value.
