Is the Illinois Diamond batch still good?

I've had my Illinois Diamond batch ID for about six months now and I wanted to see if people still consider it the gold standard. I know there have been some rumors about newer batches being even better, but this one has been incredibly reliable for me. I've used it all over the Midwest and even a few times on the West Coast without a single rejection. The laser perforation and the tactile feel of the card are still top-notch.

One thing I've noticed is that the card has started to show some light scratches and natural wear. Surprisingly, this has actually made it more effective. When a card looks brand new and perfect, it can sometimes look a bit suspicious. A card that has been in a wallet for a few months and has some minor scuffs looks like it's actually been used since the owner turned 21. It adds a level of authenticity that you just can't fake with a brand new card.

Why this batch works:

• Correct Color: The blue header is the exact shade used by the DMV, not too dark or too light.
• Polycarbonate: The card is stiff and has the correct 'ping' sound when dropped.
• Scanning: The 2D barcode is encoded with all the correct hidden fields for 2026 scanners.

I've heard that some of the newer vendors are trying to use the 'Diamond' name to sell lower-quality cards, so you have to be careful. Always stick to the verified links on this forum to make sure you're getting the actual high-end product. If you're looking for a reliable state that isn't too 'hot' right now, Illinois is still a great choice. It's complex enough to be hard to fake, but the good vendors have it down to a science. Anyone else still using their Diamond IL card or have you moved on to something else?