Modern Vespa

I tried a search and read the WIKI but I've not seen a discussion about brand choices for the drive belts.
I have seen for sale: OE/Piaggio, Gates, Dayco and Malossi.
Please tell me which is better, if there is a "better". AF1 makes reference to Malossi for tuned engines. I don't get their drift there? as it would seem anyone would want the one that lasts and performs (speed, mpg, etc.) well too?
I did find the point of replacement said to be ~ 6-8k as a safe rule and many go for broke to ~12k miles, with various comments of heat & 5k failures.
Please share your knowledge here.
Oh, also explain the measurement spec difference between the 1835mmL and the 835mm-Length I see in several sellers listings? Like a common typo or what?
Widths I see are from 21.5 in the WIKI to 22.5 & 21.5 & 22.6 for Dayco.
My Kawasaki Mule has a width specification for determining wear but I see riders here stating they don't know a way to be aware of when a belts getting old from visual inspection. Maybe my manual has a width wear spec? As a greasy guy for many years, I feel most belts of any kind will have telltale signs?
Thanks!

Some people hate me for it, but I like the OEM belts.

I don't hold it against you at all, ha!!
I also don't understand the so called (I know that it's what people have experienced and it is what it is- but) major differences in service life with belts from major mfg.'s?
It's not like they don't know how to make them or quality control is gone kaput? These same folks make various belts for everything from little machines to mega machines and race cars, etc..
The OE belts long service life is a common here on MV. Other belts get various high ratings too. The other theme is the ridiculous price point for a Piaggio belt in USA?
I just bought a Fasco TwinScreen that was shipped from Italy to UK then to Seattle,WA then to my shop door in KY and was cheaper than i can buy it direct from SIP or other UK or USA sellers and my assumption is the man makes a living doing that price cause I'm sure not related.

I vaguely remember somebody here a couple years ago mentioning they could get the oem belts at half price in Europe & shipping them states side. But, I may be off on that

The general consensus on the threads I've read over the years is to stick with the OEM belt. The others tend to have problems like shredding or breaking.

Best
Miguel

Usually, the OEM belts are better for longevity and reliability. It's the same for most makes of bike. Often they cost less or no more than so called superior belts from other manufacturers. My experience is that OEM is definitely better.

One reality about many OE parts is that the source varies over time. I do see the same reference here on this drive belt. I pulled wrenches back when and have witnessed this often. Toyota for e.g. has parts suppliers all over KY dating back to 1980's but those same places make stuff for lots of mfg.'s.and the business is dynamic as sales people & buyers look about to make/save a buck.
I once toured the Hitachi plant in KY with a fellow group of technical educators and the plant mgr was a former teacher himself. He confided to us that Chrysler's CEO at the time, the well known Lee Iacoca, had stipulated that all stickers that made reference to a foreign mfg. were to removed or obliterated as he wanted buyers to see "Made In USA" when the popped the hood! HA!!!
They mfg. electrical stuff like starters/alternators and the basic parts, such as a solenoid, whatever, often came from Asia, then mostly Japan.
I still don't understand a mainline belt mfg. who'd make a faulty or low quality belt? I do not blindly accept that OE is always better from much personal experience. I do buy that several pros have entered this topic before and said THIS! particular belt lasts well, as they logically see many repeats and it's just more scientific to say they're best.
CVT in scooters is not the only a source of CVT belt sales for these mfg.'s.
I'm not trying for abuse of a dead horse just interested in this parts dynamics & my wife dislikes parts talk!

K your right about the quality these days. Bought some switched to replace them on my LX. Pieces of crap. Made in Chinaa. The mechanics could tell just by looking at them that were inferior to my original stock ones. So while OEM is usually better it's good to check to see where their made now. Luckily Motovista was able to find me the one switch that i needed (others were just to replace the ones that are 9yrs old but still look good). Sure the prices are lower now on the switches but i'd rather pay more for a good quality switch, than less for a cheap assed one. That's just me, tho.