Discontinuing Blazer???

[QTab]

I have 2 Xerox 3100s and an Iridesse, running almost exclusively Blazer stock. I have been informed that Verso is discontinuing almost all of that line. Whats everone else running?

 

[AP90]

I use Pro-Digital from MidLand Papers. I believe its made in South Korea. Runs great on my 3100. Not the highest quality paper but never had a customer complain or want a different stock.

 

[rcreveli]

Primarily Pro-Digital. It's sold by BW Wilson in PA.

 

[DYP]

Sappi, better quality than Blazer but I might have to find a new source for the 130# cover.

 

[Stickman42]

Verso makes a grade of coated digital papers called Futura Laser

 

[namelessentity]

We order Topkote in all weights. Not sure how widely available it is, but it runs really well on our Imagepress 10000.

 

[tngcas]

I have 2 Xerox 3100s and an Iridesse, running almost exclusively Blazer stock. I have been informed that Verso is discontinuing almost all of that line. Whats everyone else running?

We were using Blazer as well and our supplier switched us to Titan. I think the stock available depends on where you are located in the world.

 

[ReproElectroProspero]

We were using Blazer as well and our supplier switched us to Titan. I think the stock available depends on where you are located in the world.

Yup, here in my part of the world, Titan stocks are the default to be offered, when getting recommendations from WCP Solutions. They crack pretty bad if you fold without scoring, but other than that I can't complain about the paper quality.

 

[farcrowd]

First I've heard of Blazer being discontinued, but not a surprise. I've replaced Blazer with the Platinum line of papers. It's somewhat of a house brand that Lecta manufactures for paper vendors, and from what I've been told it is their Creator Silk / Gloss line rebadged (which used to be Delta Silk / Delta Gloss a few years ago). Made in Spain or France, and they do offer up to 130# cover.

I just recently received some Titan gloss cover (made in S. Korea). So far it's been pretty nice! Prints, creases, and folds well.

 

[Schnicklefritz]

Just got off the phone with our paper vendor. The choice to replace Blazer was between Titan and Flo Digital. We're all digital here. I've chose to go with Flo Digital initially with a guarantee or your money back deal. We're already running Titan 100# Gloss cover and text, which is good paper for the money, but I'm reluctant to hinge everything on just one brand.

 

[Bill Ward]

Pro digital was cracking for us too often on tri-folds and such (even after scoring). Titan and Blazer both worked better.

 

[QTab]

Thanks everyone for feedback and suggestions. I'll probably try them all.

 

[Shawnd]

Pro Digital is going to start getting harder to find if they can't get the boats out of the docks in South Korea.

 

[farcrowd]

I just got word today from a paper vendor that Verso is discontinuing 130lb cover for all their paper lines (Sterling, Anthem, Blazer), and weights above 100lb cover may have limited-to-no availability through early 2022 - They have closed several mills though, so that's part of it. Another vendor tells me that coated papers are low in stock level country-wide. So as we all start switching stocks to other brands, those brands will begin/continue to have stocking issues until they get caught up.

 

[discountprinting]

I have seen the same thing with my paper vendors in the last few weeks very low stock on anything from #100 cover and up. Blazer #100 gloss, #100 & #130 gloss covers were our house sheets. I have ran Pro Digital before as well as Sterling and Pro Digital performed better on both our offset and digital presses.

 

[J_DVRS]

I have had a lot of issues with the Blazer 100# gloss text recently. up until about a month ago that was 75% of the paper I ran. I have tried 4 different paper suppliers and I keep getting "dirty" sheets. Gray little dots all over the sheet, mics out to be less than the GSM advertised and high static leading to nothing but double feeds. I have ended up using the Sappi text gloss (most compatible from what I have seen) and so far it has been fine. That really stinks about the Blazer though, I loved that stock when it was made right.

 

[QTab]

I have had a lot of issues with the Blazer 100# gloss text recently. up until about a month ago that was 75% of the paper I ran. I have tried 4 different paper suppliers and I keep getting "dirty" sheets. Gray little dots all over the sheet, mics out to be less than the GSM advertised and high static leading to nothing but double feeds. I have ended up using the Sappi text gloss (most compatible from what I have seen) and so far it has been fine. That really stinks about the Blazer though, I loved that stock when it was made right.

Ive seen exactly what you are describing, Ive stocked heavily once I heard the news, almost wish I hadn't. Thanks!

 

[famerdave]

so I was told Blazer isn't discontinued... just 130# version of it. There will be a new 120# in 2022. However, Futura by Verso is gone for good.

Now back to my real issue... I can't find any 16pt Coated Board.... Tango is sold out.... Pro Digital is gone from BW Wilson. -- any good ideas?

 

[Shawnd]

BW has skids of Neo Knight 16pt in larger sizes, cut it down to digital sizes.