I have been using the Z tags the last few years.  They can be a pain to put in when there is a struggle, but they seem to work fine.  I have our ranch name on the bottom printed by the company, then ink pen on the numbers.  I use yellow tags, but the ink seems to wear easily.

I have tried multiple layers of pen ink, but it still seems to fade.  Next time I order tags I think I with have them all stamped. 

The thing I like best about the Z tags is that the applicator pin breaks so that you dont rip the ear.  We worked our cows this weekend, I put another tag in the opposite ear ( so mine have a tag in each ear) to help identify ours from my wife's uncle's cows, we switched tags on most of his cows so that they are all the same, he uses Y-tex printed tags with his ranch name.  I got to the point that I was used to pulling the gun, like on the Z tags, that I ripped the ears on a couple cows.  It made me mad, but it made me feel good to know the Z tag applicator won't do that.

If someone ever figures out how to keep the numbers on the tag "for the life of the cow" let me know because I will be the first on the list. 

I think I will try freeze branding this fall on the heifers that I keep.  That seems real convenient as long as the brand sticks.  Then I won't have to worry about tags falling or ripping out.