I have had a set of Steiner Commanders for over 25 years and there is not one single problem with them. The rubber is starting to wear away on the edges slightly but not enough the even mention except to indicate how good they are. I never put anything on them except fresh water to get the salt spray off. I have had them out in some really shitty stuff and like I said, never a problem. I better knock on wood now... Even the rubber caps are still good. I keep them in a leather case I made, which has a cover, secured on four corners to a bulkhead in the pilot house. The case is also out of the sun and I never leave them out. I use them and put them away. That's why they store where they do. Easy access but easy to store. I think that key.