I would go with the Kincaid. The Paw Paws didn't last long for me. The Kincaid ones are much sturdier.

How many years did they last buford?
At 1/3 the cost the paw paws are more tempting.
suz

I use 'Paw Paw' markers here in Illinois. They are exposed to heat, snow, ice, rain, etc. They have been in the ground 4 years and are still in good shape. I do get some rust on the legs after a few years from being in clay ground, but that is to be expected. The only thing I dislike is that after awhile the tops where the marker labels are can weaken somewhat and the labels slide downwards, so you can't see the name of the rose easily. It doesn't happen to all the markers, but it is something to be aware of.

I use a Brother label maker to make the labels, and they have remained intact and readable also.

I would say less than 3 years. Many of them wound up getting stepped on and bent. They bend very easily and the Kincaid are stronger. So if you don't tend to stomp around your roses like I do, maybe the Paw Paws would work for it.

I grow 350 roses and I've been labeling them with the Paw Paw markers labeled with the Brother TZ machine. Some are as old as 10, 15, and 20 years depending on how long I've had the plant. It is rare to need to replace either the Paw Paw or the Brother label. The Kinkade markers are hefty but more expensive and would be cost prohibitive with so many roses at this stage of my garden.

Mine are 10 years and like new. As buford points out, they don't hold up to getting stepped on all that well, but if you don't step on them and the mow-blow guy doesn't weed-whip them into the next yard, and the little girl across the street doesn't take them home to play with, they are fine.

I've lost a few, maybe 5% to that sort of thing. Loss due to the weather or UV sunlight damage, zero.

I imagine I will step on a few here & there but not too many I hope. I was hoping for them to last 5-10 years, sounds like they will do that easy...
""""Loss due to the weather or UV sunlight damage, zero.""""
Thats what I needed to hear!
ty terryjean, kitty, buford, & hoovb!
suz

Is everyone using p touch labels? I was thinking paint pen but the p touch 2730 is $50 at staples this week.

Suzie,
I used the pencil-thingy that Paw Paw sells with its labels. The ones I did properly by placing in sunlight to get the charcoal to 'burn into' the marker have lasted 3 or more years with no fading.

I used a paint pen on several others that were non-Paw Paw markers with less than stellar results. The paint pens all faded in 1 season. They're prettier that way, but I have to retrace my work halfway through summer. Black paint is the only color that has any staying power.

I use a laser printer and Avery Mailing labels--Avery now sells weather resistant mailing labels.

I use the p-touch, if you buy, make sure you get the indoor/outdoor label stock which has uv protection. Also shop around, isn't that "sale" price a little high?

I do not use the pencil thingy because my handwriting is unreadable.

I do not know where you live, but here in Tulsa, OK, the markers can last a long time, but I re-write the names on the markers each year. It is so hot here that I water often, and I think the sun must do something to the writing. I am not familiar with labels or other methods that you are writing about here. I will look them up.

I have 156 roses, and have them all marked using the pencil that the company sends. My problem is that we do not have a sprinkling system, and I knock them over with the hose, or step on them. I also think that roaming little animals step on them. By about three years, it seems that the metal on the stake parts begin to rust and come off.

We have had few days this summer with temps under 100. We have broken all kinds of records for heat and drought. If you live in a state with decent weather, you might have more success than I have.

Sammy

The pt2730 that I bought yesterday can do 1" wide labels & seems to have lots of good features & good reviews. I used a $5 coupon so it was only $44.99, I didnt find it cheaper anywhere else.
I think I will use the pencil they include & maybe a paint pen, just to compare.
I might also dip the wire legs into rubber/plastic dip to help keep them from rusting, not sure if this is a good idea or not..
suz

No matter what method you select, I also recommend a backup notebook "map".

If you do use the PTouch labels, the white with black lettering holds up best. They do sell one that is UV resistant online. The first time I did labels, I tried the black with white lettering and it faded badly.

Also, the model you have is similar to the one I have and it can be hooked up to a computer to do the labels. Much easier than typing it on the keyboard. I was able to create a csv database of my roses (the PTouch software supports this) and didn't have to create each label. I just created the format and the font I wanted and the program would create the labels and I'd just print them. Some of the roses with longer names, I had to make the font smaller to fit them in the allotted space.

I use copper tags the wire right on to the rose and the PTouch labels. I don't like the ones that stick into the ground because, no matter how careful I am, they get separated from the plant and then I have roses with no ID. And I have a bed that is right on the street curb. The kids go by and steal roses all the time. My bet is labels just stuck in the ground would disappear too. I put short fencing around the bed for winter, 90 ft. of it, and someone tried to yank that out last year!

I've used the PTouch labels for going on 6 years now and the first ones are still as legible as this years new ones.