You Get What You Pay For!
I’ve tired several other brands only to be left disappointed. The Samyucho 35pt (standard size) was the first I had purchased and nothing else has lived up to the bar, set by these. The Samyucho is a refined product with clear and clean finished edges, a smooth polished appearance, and a very, very, good magnetic closure. They also come double packaged; in an outer package and a thin stick-on film to ensure a pristine product. The “film” has a small learning curve regarding removal but is well worth any effort required. I have found to: 1) not try and peel from the corner but instead open the slab (as you typically would), which requires added effort at this point 2) open/spread the two halves (like a book); by placing your thumb nail at the top of the long edge and using it to start the slab halves separating, as opposed to trying to use the typical notch at the top (top notch is the way to go “after” this 1st step of removing the “film”) 3) use the halves to separate the film by bending them in reverse, if you will, but ONLY after unhooking the small molded plastic hinge components; allow the halves to create the force/leverage needed to peel the film. (like peeling back a piece of scotch tape) Once you overcome this (the learning curve), film-removal is lickety-split! I have returned at least one other brand found on Amazon (Zenowick); finding them to be very substandard despite their rather positive reviews. The plastic itself was not nearly as refined (with raw edges in some parts), the magnets were terrible (not nearly as strong with some pulling out of the plastic; rendering the slab useless), and they lacked the “film” of the Samyucho. The overall weight or solid-feel was also lacking; the plastic was clearly a cheaper quality. Some commented on the price point of the Zenowick (@ 56¢ per) being a strong point. The “Samys” are 69¢ ea.; the extra 13¢ is a ridiculous thing to allow yourself to be swayed by. Maybe not always, but most definitely in this case, You Get What You Pay For! Ps. I have been so impressed with the Samyucho I made sure to purchase the same brand in the next two most common sizes up; the 100pt and 135pt. Oddly they are still packaged individually but yet differently; they both just come in outer packaging (a cellophane envelope and no “film”). The one thing I discovered is that both may suffer from some minor/mild “hazing” or “vinyl” fog. (Small translucent lines as an apparent result of off-gassing from the plastic while sealed in the packaging). I found most, if not all, wipe clean with some SprayWay and a micro fiber towel. And whatever, if anything, that remains becomes insignificant if not imperceptible once “slabbed”. Just a point of note but really a non-issue. Please see my attached pics: of the 35pt packaging, a 35pt case (w/ Goff card), 100pt case (w/ McCarthy card), and 135pt with my-man ARodg! Thanks for hanging with the looong commentary and good luck in whatever choice you make. Pss. I saw one review that knocked these down three (3) stars because of the “saran wrap” (aka film) and the extra couple seconds it took to remove it? Seriously folks, once you figure it out, the removal, it becomes so quick it’s laughable to hold that against these! The “film” is really what sets these apart; as they are pristine on-arrival because of it. I may have to submit a video to show how I do this and how quick it really is…? I did add some more detail above under “step 2” in hopes it paints a better picture of how to go about this. Read more
