I have some 83 minute Panasonic miniDV tapes on order to try out. Anyone out there tried lengths greater than 60 minutes? Any problems? Suggestions?

I've never had a problem with them but I record in SP mode only. If you need longer times, consider a FireStore direct-to-disk solution. I record three hour events with my XL1 this way.

I have read that longer length tapes are more prone to stretching, which is why 60 min tapes are recommended. I, however, have never tried a longer tape to see if it is true.

I have used the Panasonic 83 min tapes (SP mode only) and have never had a problem with them. I would, however, recommend that you only record to them once (a good practice for all tapes). If the mylar backing really is thinner (as others have reported) the tape may be a bit more fragile than the standard lengths.