I'm curious as to which Rand McNally Road Atlas is most used. The laminated or unlaminated version.

I was advised by a friend (retired truck driver) to not get the laminated version because of the glare you get off the plastic lamination. It's hard to read. So, I went out and got the unlaminated one.

Another reason the unlaminated was recommended was because you will replace it within a few years anyway. So, don't spent the extra money.

Thoughts?

 

so you can trace your route with a dry marker?

 

I used the laminated version.

The main reasons were that it held up a lot better than the paper one and it has a spiral binding which allows you to open it to any page and it will stay there as long as you want.

Also if you spill your coffee on it, the atlas is still good. :wink:

 

Get the laminated version. It's easy to read in all lighting situations and lasts so much longer than the paper version. My paper copy lasted about three months. My laminated copies typically last a couple of years before the Texas pages start to tear.

 

The large print laminated. much easier to read.

 

Regular print laminated... basically for all the reasons Uturn and nrvsreck stated.

Easy to read, easy to clean in case you spill something on it. You can draw on it and then just wipe it clean. I buy one on average every two years unless there have been some major changes, and donate my old one to a new driver just getting started.

 

Well, its unanimous! I screwed up again!!! I should have asked this question BEFORE I went out and spent the money. All your reasons make perfect sense.

Maybe I'll get one at driving school with the other books and supplies.

Thanks!

 

Try to find a driver about this time of year that just purchased a new one and is willing to help a rookie out :wink: Generally they don't change all that much in just one year.

 

Don't be so hard on yourself. Use your paper one to get through school and training and then when you get out on your own and a few checks under you get yourself a laminated.

 

I use the laminated version. Takes all the wear and tear so much better.