Standard vs. Premium Piston Rings?

[kustomkyle]

I purchased piston rings for my engine for a future rebuild and spent more on a "premium" set from Sealed Power. I really have no idea what the difference between a "standard" and "premium" piston ring is. All I know is that the engine has excessive blow-by (blue smoke) at less than 100,000 miles, so I want the best rings for a regular duty engine. The set I did get has what appears to be chrome plated oil scrapers (the jagged ones), which seems odd; then again I've never seen rings in person before to tell. Is one type of ring for certain applications (racing vs. regular duty)?

 

[username]

Useually premium rings are chrome moly or a ductile type steel as opposed to cast.The harder rings allow for thinner rings less drag and higher temps.Cast rings are still cost effective and for stock oem may serve you well.If the upgrade wasnt extremely expensive and you intend on doing anything to the motor when you rebuild it consider it money well spent