I like gold beads (not brass) because tritium doesn't last forever and is relatively fragile. Fiber optic is fragile too but is easily replaced. Right now I have a 1911 that has dead nights sight. This will be the third time in twenty years I replaced the sights on that same 1911. Not to mention that after a few shots a night I can't see the tritium anymore. Twenty years ago I liked black sights. Now my eyes aren't as good and I need a wider rear notch and like some color on the front. Orange or red work well too.