Fastest USB 2.0 Flash Drives?

Hi all,

I like to keep a whole bunch of USB Flash Drives around for bootable Windows media, recovery, etc. I have a bunch of Patriot Xporter XTs and these were really fast and cheap drives. I can't seem to find them as cheap as I used to because they are discontinued.

What are you guys using?

All of the 2014 roundups compare USB 3 drives, but I haven't had much luck installing Windows from USB 3 drives even on USB 2 controllers.

I use Kingston Data Traveler sticks. I don't know if they're the fastest but they are fairly reliable. I usually scoop a couple up when they're on sale for about 50¢/GB

Lexar is okay but I've had poor luck with a few.

What is the deal with USB3 drives? I believe it works with UEFI enabled boot on a USB3 controller.. but on a USB 2 system, non-UEFI boot, I havn't gotten a Windows 7 or 8 installer to work.

I've always followed the precedent that bootable media can only implement from a USB 2.0 port.
You got me on that one!

I also use Kingston thumb drives. I've only ever had one fail. Some of mine I've had for a long time. All my install thumb drives are USB 2 so I can't help you with your USB 3 install drive issue. The only USB 3 drive I have I tried to do a Windows To Go setup on and didn't have much luck. When I finally did get it to boot to windows I got a BSOD and just gave up.