(100) 12" Record Outer Sleeves - Review

Possible product review:

(Title) Protect Your Vinyl Collection with Square Deal's EXTRA HEAVY DUTY 12" Record Outer Sleeves

(Introduction) As a vinyl enthusiast and collector, I know the value of keeping my records clean and protected over time. Even minor scratches or dust can affect the sound quality of these analog treasures. That's why I was excited to try the Square Deal Recordings & Supplies' record outer sleeves, which promise to provide extra heavy-duty protection and archival quality for both single and double gatefold records. In this review, I will examine the design, features, and benefits of these sleeves, as well as some potential drawbacks and overall value. If you're on the fence about buying vinyl sleeves or wondering if these are worth the investment, read on.

(Design and Features) The first thing I noticed about these Square Deal sleeves is that they are indeed thicker than most other sleeves I've used or seen. At 4 mil, they feel sturdy and almost rigid, which makes them less prone to bending or tearing during handling or storage. The material used is soft polyethylene, which is also free of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other harmful chemicals that can damage or degrade vinyl over time. The clarity of the sleeves is high, which means that you can read the record labels and see the covers well without any haze or distortion. The sleeves are also flush cut, which means that they don't have a flap that you need to fold or tuck, making it easier to insert and remove records without catching or scratching them. The dimensions of the sleeves are 12-3/4" x 12-1/2", which should fit most standard 12-inch records with some margin for error.

(Benefits) The biggest benefits of using these Square Deal sleeves are protection and convenience. By using thicker and softer materials, these sleeves provide a barrier against dust, moisture, fingerprints, and other common sources of damage to vinyl. Additionally, since they are archival quality, they should not interact chemically with the vinyl or its sleeve, which can cause discoloration, sticking, or other defects. Moreover, the flush cut with a lip design means that you don't have to spend extra time or effort to open or close the sleeves, making it more likely that you will use them consistently to protect your records. In my experience, these sleeves have reduced the amount of dust and static that my records accumulate, and have kept them cleaner and smoother than before. The extra thickness also gives me peace of mind that even if I stack or move my records, they won't get crushed or warped easily.

(Potential Drawbacks) While I generally like these Square Deal sleeves, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. First, the extra thickness may make it harder to fit more records in a given space, especially if you have a large collection or limited storage. Second, the flush cut with a lip design may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer flap-style sleeves that offer more protection against accidental opening or spillage. Third, the price point of these sleeves is higher than some other options that offer similar or even better features. At the time of writing, the 100-pack of Square Deal sleeves costs around $25, which means that each sleeve costs 25 cents. While this may not sound like a lot, it can add up if you have many records to cover. Finally, the lack of sealing or closure means that these sleeves may not be as effective in humid or mold-prone environments as some other options that offer zip-lock or adhesive strips.

(Conclusion) Overall, I think that the Square Deal Recordings & Supplies' EXTRA HEAVY DUTY 12" Record Outer Sleeves are a solid choice for those who want to protect their vinyl collection with extra thickness, softness, clarity, and convenience. The flush cut with a lip design allows for easy insertion and removal, while the archival quality and 4-mil thickness offer good protection against dust, scratches, and static. While the lack of flap or closure may not suit everyone, and the price per sleeve may be higher than some alternatives, I believe that the benefits justify the cost for serious vinyl collectors or audiophiles. If you're looking for a reliable and sturdy solution to keep your records in top shape for years to come, these Square Deal sleeves are worth considering.

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(100) 12" Record Outer Sleeves

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