New Year 2017: 3 Medal Briefs Already Landing for Spring 🏅

First Monday of 2017 and race-director briefs are already on the desk for April-May runs. Three shifts visible in this week’s briefs will define what Thai medal manufacturers ship through Q2.

Rio Echo: 65mm Becomes the New Floor

After Rio 2016, finisher medals under 60mm now read as cheap on Instagram. The new safe floor is 65mm round at ~55g — heavy enough to swing on the ribbon in slow-motion. Cost difference vs. last year’s 55mm is about ฿8/medal. RS Trophy is stocking 65mm blanks for January walk-in pickup.

Dual-Plating: Antique + Bright Side-by-Side

Two-tone medals — antique bronze rim with bright gold center — are showing up in 2017 spring briefs at triple last year’s rate. The contrast photographs sharply at every angle. The technique adds about ฿12/medal but lifts perceived value far more. Specify the tone separation at die-cut, not at plating, so the line stays crisp through 500 units.