Any discs equal in quality to Taiyo Yuden?

[godbeer]

Hey Guys,

I've been using Ty discs for about 6 months now (I switched to them after Ritek went down in quality) - excellent discs, only 3 or 4 of coasters out of probably 400 burns, all my fault. I use the silver discs with a thermal printer (tried the inkjet route, but it was too time consuming).

I have no problem with the discs, as I said they are excellent and trouble free. What I don't like about them is the physical feel and appearance of the discs. The discs look and feel really cheap and flimsy - not really a problem since I know they are great/trustworthy media. My biggest problem is with the surface (top and bottom) - the discs seem to attract dust like a magnet, and if you so much as barely touch the disc it leaves a scuff/mark that is impossible to get rid of. Trying to clean the disc(s) only makes it worse. The top surfaces on a lot of the discs are starting to look as if they are deteriorating - spiderweb like cracks are forming on some and others are developing and oilspill swirly type pattern. Also, the thermal printing doesn't look that great on the shiny surface and is hard to read because of the reflectivity. Some of the brand new Ty discs I've burned and put in a case and never used look terrible, while year old Ritek discs that have been handled/played over and over look brand new.

I wish the Ty's came in a matte finish, but I haven't been able to find any. So my question is - is there any disc out there that is equal in quality to the Ty media, but is a little more rugged/durable, and preferably available in a matte finish? Around the same price, possibly a little more would be fine, since I order in bulk, usually 200 - 300 at a time.

By the way, don't take this post as a bash at Ty media, since I know they are highly regarded around here. They are fantastic discs, I just don't like the surface.

Thanks for any info/suggestions,

Roy

[Captain315]

I know you don't want to hear this but you might consider spraying the TY's with Krylon 1311. It is a clear coating with matte finish and dries extremely fast. It might keep the surface from cracking, etc..

[Gen-An]

You could try Fujifilm-branded TY discs which have a frosted (but branded) surface, though that might take away your ability do to the thermal printing...