long lasting cart

Hi,
The more elaborate profiles will last much longer and do less damage to the grooves.
Micro ridge styli can last well over 2,000hrs within specified limits of playing weight. Too much weight kills the suspension.
VDH styli cannot last 3,000hrs, i had 2 of them and hit approx.1,5k hrs mark, not the same with Zyx as one passed well over the 2k mark but started mistracking due to suspension (had it for over 10 years). Expect my current one to set a new record!

something to clarify, not all special styli last 2000hrs, especially if fitted to low-medium price cartidges. 600-1000hrs is the max you can get till diamond changes shape seriously and assuming that suspension does not go first. Apart from diamond shape other factors like polishing have their influence on playing time.