I've used Verbatim 4X DVD+R before without creating any coasters (on a 4X drive). Just bought a bunch of 8X (Mitsubishi as referenced in this thread, and TDKs), and will test soon.
I tend to put important backups on 2 brands of "branded" media, just in case one fails. And every year or so, if I can get around to it, re-copy it onto "fresh" media (good plan, but not always done due to laziness).
Remember, media is cheaper than cost of recovering data (if it's recoverable at all).