knixdad wrote:The original belts would self-destruct in their original packaging, inside of an unopened kit. I built a NIB Rally Weapon a few years back and the belts had decomposed, probably due to the old California air trapped inside. Things can be exposed to California for only so long before they begin to fall apart, just watch TMZ sometime for proof.

Like you said.. NIB belt circa 1998

It could be the constant ~70deg temps and salt air too. lol
I still have belts in my xx4 that I bought back in 2005 with the rerelease of xx4.. and they are fine. My buddy is still using belts that old or older in his 4 xx4's. Apparently, by running them and wiping them with oil/WD40 it helps make them last.
It doesn't hurt that I also have ~8sets of belts from the last production. I have used the Tough Belts, but not the Bando Style ones being sold now.