Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

August 2013: I normally wouldn't write a review for a binder that has ~134 reviews, but this has gotten some negative reviews and I feel this is a good binder. I have 2 kids going into 7th and 9th grade and they need "giant" binders because every teacher wants them to have a tabbed section for their class. So, I have had experience looking for binders that are 3.5" wide at the spine, or larger, for 3 years. This is my 4th year. These types/styles binders are not always the most durable. Twice, I've had to purchase a new binder 1/2 way through the school year or sooner. My kids haven't used these yet, but just looking at this binder, it seems more durable than many I've seen and/or purchased. The 3 rings, and the "tabs" on the top and bottom for opening the rings, are metal. Last year, my sons' binders had metal rings but the tabs were plastic, so, of course, they broke. This shouldn't be a problem with the metal "tabs." The hard cardboard or plastic (I don't know what it is) that makes the front and back covers stiff, and is covered with the "fabric" is quite stiff. I'd say stiffer than some past notebooks my son's have used. So I expect it to hold up better than some past binders. This notebook also has a nice handle along the spine, as well as a long, adjustable strap, for carrying the binder, if you don't want to put it in your backpack. As far as this binder not fitting into a backpack when several large textbooks are present (as another reviewer stated), the solution is to purchase a large backpack with a large base/bottom. For example, this binder fits just fine, with room for at least 3 text books in the Dakine 33-Litre Campus Pack Dakine 33-Litre Campus Pack and Dakine Campus Laptop Backpack whose base/bottom measures 9.5"X8" and widens to 13" in the middle. A school backpack's base size is important, not so much the volume. I know this because I've tried other packs that had the same, or larger, volume. But they didn't work as well for school packs because its the base/bottom size that is more important for carrying books (as opposed to camping, hiking, etc.) So get the right pack. i do agree with a previous reviewer, that the accordion file section is a waste of space. But, it doesn't take up that much room and can easily be cut out with scissors. UPDATE (October): 1 quarter down (and 3 to go) and these binders are still looking good and functioning as they are supposed to. No problems with the rings. No fraying or missing edging. No rips/tears/etc. UPDATE (December): Well, the semester is almost over (1 week to go) and this binder has held up like a trooper. And boy do I mean that. My high school freshman has his jam packed. And, when I say "jam packed," I mean it is full to it's limits! Over Winter Break we will go through it and file away things he doesn't think he needs anymore in his desk, so he has room to "jam pack" it during the second semester. All bindings and everything are still intact. The 3 metal rings are still working. UPDATE: May, 2014: School will be out in 3 weeks and this binder is still going strong! My kids might even be able to use it next school year. Great purchase and value! UPDATE: January 2015: My younger son is using his same binder from last year and we are through the 1st semester and it's still going strong! My older son wanted a new binder (Actually 2 smaller ones because he has "A" and "B" days in high school and that way he only needs to carry 1 smaller binder, for 3-4 classes each day, rather than one large binder for 6 classes. I bought him 2 of the same brand, just smaller/thinner.) But "oooh" and "ahhh" to THIS binder. 1.5 years and still going strong! Final update: March 2016: I only buy this brand for my boys now. They are truly amazing. My younger son used his 1st one for 1.5 school years and then something happened to the rings (which might have been his fault - I'm still skeptical), so I bought him a new one. If I was in a financial "pinch" he would have kept using it, as it was more annoying that unusable. Since this initial purchase, I have bought this brand from Amazon in various sizes, depending on my kids' needs, and they are all equally durable. Thank you Case It for finally making a durable binder in a variety of colors and sizes!