Hard coat doesn't seem to be a gimmick - UTG Pro Hard Coat Recoil Buffer for AR15 Carbine

the frugal shopper that I try to be, I have purchased a couple inexpensive buffers, the black colored ones are soft and where the rear of the bolt carrier smacks the face of the buffer, there is noticeable damage to the buffer, also, the black buffers seem to me to have more friction/drag in the buffer tube than the UTG does, ie, the action cycles smoother. I have 2 of these and the price is right and they are holding up as well as or better than a more expensive one I have.