Middle ring that is. Worn to pieces. So, time to replace

4 bolt pattern, budget not an issue.

Middleburn Hardcoat? Blackspire? FSA? TA?

Any thoughts/opinions?

Ramped or unramped?
Middleburn unamped here, last for donkeys.

CFH,

I replaced this

with a Middleburn Slickshift ring (did all 3 since CRC were knocking them out for £55). Might be worth a bit extra for the hardcoat versions.

They have a bit of a reputation for chainsuck and I have to say I have noticed it a couple of times since fitting them.

Hmm, replacing all three. Now there's an idea. I'd imagine I'll go for ramped, at least for the middle (and outer if I decide to change them all).

Is the hardcoat and/or slickshift really worth it?

Deore Steel.

Swapped my deore steel for an SLX from the toolbox that I think I got in an on-one sale

IME the "hardcoat" wears off in next to no time. So no it's not worth the extra.

the cnc'd raceface rings are excellent, mine's lasted much better than middleburn hardcoat and non-hardcoat that i've had in the past.
I managed to get a 36t to run a 1×9 set-up but I don't think that's an option they offer now.

I've found the hardcoat to wear off quickly. I also pulled all the shifting pegs out of a middleburn middlering during 'normal riding'. 😕