Nagaoka 102 Record Sleeves: any good?

Yes, they are the best.

Thanks, Count!

I have a few records which I think deserve a little  more care  as they are quite special, to me anyway, and rare.

Cheers,

Tony

Bloody awful things to use and not worth the cost IMHO. I'd stick with poly lined from somewhere like Covers 33.

 Steve,

I heard of the  Covers 33 before reading of the posts by Steve J. That was one of my options but I was very curious about the 102s  with that price tag.

Thanks,

Tony

I have recently "converted" from Nagaoka to polylined sleeves. Polylined are much easier to use, the 102s are quite awkward by comparison.

Hi Tony,

I personally don't like the Nagaoka or the similar sleeves from MFSL as I find they 'stick' to the surface as you remove the record from the sleeve. If there is any dirt or debris on the LP it gets dragged across the surface. Keith Monks personally recommended the poly lined paper sleeves and I use these exclusively now. They're a lot cheaper, especially if bought in bulk, and I change the inner sleeve each time I clean a record.

Steve

Thank you Howard and Steve.

It seems general consensus the poly lined are hassle free and will give the same level of protection.

Looks like a clear winner.

Tony

I've been using the Nagaoka sleeves for around 30 years and have been very satisfied with them. The LPs on which they have been used have remained free of static and handling damage.

The only downside is that they have a tendency to fold up like tissue paper if you don't pinch the corner to hold it in position when replacing the record.

Tony 

The other thing I've gone over to is the Covers 33 resealable outer sleeves on the recommendation of Steve J.

They sit better on the rack and any visitor whos looking through your collection is unlikely to unseal them. 

Thanks everyone.  

Just ordered  from Covers 33. I just cannot justify  Nagaoka's premium on those sleeves. 

Tony

I suppose it's all personal preference, but I've used the Nagaoka 102s for 25 years and never had any scratch issues, nor do I find them in anyway fiddly. Some people find the Aro fiddly to use, but I don't.

I like the way the 102s are very thin and delicate. I find they treat the vinyl's surface in a delicate manner. I don't like any thicker poly sleeves, as they are too forceful on the vinyl when removing the lp. If there was some dust/dirt on the vinyl, what would possibly do more damage, tissue thin or thicker poly (especially when slightly kinked)?

I've never had any static problems once my lps have been inside the 102s. A huge benefit and even if it was this alone, it would be enough for me to buy them.

Another huge benefit for me is that I can fit the 102s inside all the original inner covers. I like to keep everything original.

Cost has no relevance to me when I'm spending £20-£40 per lp.

One last benefit is I've used them for 25 years and I know that with long term storage, they don't leave any residue on the precious vinyl. If you think covers can't do this, you'd be wrong. I did use some identical looking covers called "Ring" (I think) on some lps about 20 years ago and after a couple of years storage, I could see the logos imprinted on my vinyl.    

P.S. You should never seal anything in plastic for storage. 

Count,

Thanks for the follow up. I am always open to trying new stuff to preserve my vinyl from RCMs to vinyl covers and sleeves. I appreciate your input and I'll  keep an open mind for the 102s in case I'm disappointed with the C33s, although I doubt judging by the above positive feedback.

Many thanks,

Tony

No probs Tony. I suppose it was a short reply initially, but I'm kind of a long or short type bloke.

I also use 102 inner sleeves and find them excellent. They are a bit fiddly to open at first but once the record is inside they fit comfortably into any original inner sleeve including paper ones.

Not tried the covers 33 ones although I do use their heavy grade PVC outer sleeves to protect the covers. 

Cost is negligible compared to price of records and playing equipment.

Agreed. Awful things. Poly-lined paper sleeves are cheaper and so much easier to used by putting one's other hand in the paper cut-out to replace the treasured vinyl.

John.

+1

for covers33, very quick mail order.

all lps/12" get a polylined sleeve and a pvc cover from covers33

used them for years since record fair days they where always at the big london ones in the 80's

pauls