DC600A tapes

[NeXT]

I got a stack of 3M cartridges in their degrading shrink wrap packaging that have likely never been used. I did the visual inspection on one and found the band was intact and didn't lift oxide off the tape when I advanced it by hand. Not really a valid indication of if it would survive the first retension, but also not immediately junk.

Fully aware that QIC tapes to begin with are a crapshoot to use these days, was the 3M stuff any better than what Dysan, Maxell, Sony or any of the other vendors?

 

[Chuck(G)]

Eh, even when the band seems to be okay on an NOS cart, be careful--it will degrade and loosen quickly. Best replace them before you're staring at a tangled mass. I preferred the prime vendor (3M) but have had decent luck with Maxell.

Personally, I'd take my entire stock of DC tapes and throw them in a burning slash pile that's going to smoking this spring...