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Outer Sleeves


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Every sleeve company or model will have a different clarity, thickness, and feel.  Some people prefer the really slick harder sleeves, some like the less slippery sleeves, some like thick sleeves, some like thinner.  There is not necessarily a best outside of picking a brand with good quality control and consistent sizing/cuts.

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On new records I buy, I use this for outer sleeve

http://www.sleevecityusa.com/ultimate-outer-5-0-record-sleeve-p/9380.htm

and this for inner  

http://www.sleevecityusa.com/diskeeper-audiophile-inner-sleeve-50-pack-p/312nrps.htm

 

For used record... I used this for outer

http://www.sleevecityusa.com/ultimate-outer-2-5-pack-of-50-p/9224.htm

and this for inner

http://www.sleevecityusa.com/Diskeeper-2-0-Antistatic-Record-Sleeves-p/9235.htm

 

I have a question though, not meaning to derail or go off topic.  Do you remove the plastic sleeve off of the record jacket ?
Obviouly on gatefold lp's I tear them up, though I'll keep them if there is a hype sticker on them.
But on single lp's I usually leave them on.  Any thoughts ?

 

 

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I usually leave the shrink on, put the record/s in individual inner sleeves, put all of the original materials (sleeves, stickers, whatever) back into the jacket and then put the whole thing  into an outer sleeve with the record/s in their new inner sleeves behind the jacket.

 

I have some records I have had for 15+ years that have some sleeve warping but I think that has more to do with 18 year old me keeping records in a milk crate than the shrink being left on.

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I have more time so I'll throw in my experience with outer sleeves.

 

Sleeve City 5.0 Outer Sleeveshttp://www.sleevecityusa.com/ultimate-outer-5-0-record-sleeve-p/9380.htm

PROS:  These are super thick and super clear.  Your records will be ULTRA protected.

CONS:  They are super slippery.  If you are grabbing a handful of records in these sleeves and place them down in a stack, it's not uncommon for the records to slide and fall off your table/bed/surface.  They also can be tight on some thicker jackets because the edges are so thick they don't relax and conform around the edges- they stay taut and there is a gap at the top and bottom where the seams come together, meaning there is unused space and the fit can be tight.  Also, they're the most expensive sleeves.  Their thickness becomes impractical/useless at a point, IMO.

 

Sleeve City 2.5 Outer Sleeveshttp://www.sleevecityusa.com/ultimate-outer-2-5-pack-of-50-p/9224.htm

PROS:  These are very clear.  The sleeves are thinner so the fit is more relaxed than the 5.0.  Of the high quality Sleeve City options, these are my favorite.  The price is better than the 5.0

CONS: These are slippery too.

 

Sleeve City Budget 3.0 Outer Sleeveshttp://amzn.to/28MVd01

PROS:  After I got over the initial novelty of the super clear, super thick sleeves, I started to notice I actually like the more "gummy", less clear sleeves.  They aren't slippery.  They "feel" better to me when I'm grabbing records, putting them down on surfaces, and handling them.  Also, 100 sleeves for $25 is a much better deal than 50 sleeves for $30 (which is what the premium Sleeve City sleeves cost).

CONS: They are less clear.  They don't stand out like premium sleeves.

 

As I said in my original post, my only warning when buying sleeves is that some companies and some listings on Amazon use low quality control and you'll pay $10 for 200 sleeves and they'll be wonky sizes and some seams will be poorly cut, etc.  Read reviews before you buy any of the super low budget options.

 

And my thoughts on inner sleeves:

 

Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Sleeves http://amzn.to/28KwkDJ

PROS:  They are super thick and have a paper backing on both sides.  It's like slipping your LPs into a tank.
CONS: That thickness is a bit unnecessary IMO and the cost is high for a pack of 50 ($34 on Amazon).

 

Diskeeper Audiophile Inner Sleeveshttp://amzn.to/28MXUil

PROS: Just like the Ultimate sleeves above, except they don't have paper backing on both sides- just one.  To me, one is all you need.  These are $5-10 cheaper than the Ultimates too.  I like handling these more too.  These used to be my favorite inner sleeve for a few years- especially when there was that period of time that the Mobile Fidelity sleeves (reviewed next) had a weird white powder in them (which has since been corrected).
CONS:  Less thick than the Ultimates.  

 

Mobile Fidelity Inner Sleeves http://amzn.to/28MZoJo

PROS:  These can be found for cheaper than the above two sleeves (you can get 100 for under $50).  I bought 200 a few weeks ago and I don't have to worry about buying inner sleeves again for a long time.  I like their look and feel.  They have a great reputation and are used by "professionals" who archive records (if you care at all about that).
CONS: They are a little thinner than the Diskeeper Audiophile sleeves and it's easier for their corners to bunch when placing them back into the jacket/outer sleeve.  If you get an old pack, there is a chance that there could be that weird white powder.

 

I hope that helps!

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  • 1 month later...

Always used Sleeve City 2.5 mil ones.  But ya can't go wrong with any of them, just like above avoid the resealable ones.  Only reason why I've been brand loyal is I have very select OCD and having one record with a different sleeve standing up taller then the rest drives me nuts, so they all get the same ones.

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On 7/29/2016 at 6:43 PM, kannibal said:

LOL at avoiding the resealable sleeves. All I use are Japanese resealable. best way to cover your records. 

 

 

Bingo.

 

I use sleeve city's resealable.

I slide the record in so the sleeve flap is on the same side as the jacket opening.

Flip the seal open and slide the record out. No need to even touch the jacket, or fiddle with the sleeve.

I've been using them for years and NEVER had any of them where the adhesive wore off. Maybe that happens with cheaper ones,  I'm not sure.

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  • 1 month later...

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