paper feeding: Pixma Pro 9000 II

I have started using a Canon Pixma Pro II and have generally been very pleased. However, I have had one paper feeding problem.

Feeding from the rear has been flawless. However, the manual says not to use the rear feed for papers > 200 gsm, and the front feed is both a nuisance and not as error-proof.

I accidentally fed a sheet of Moab Lasal matte (235 gsm) via the rear feeder, and it worked just fine, despite the warning in the manual. I'm wondering whether it actually can handle a bit over 200 gsm safely, as long as the paper is not particularly stiff. Anyone have any first-hand experience with this?

Thanks

Having worked in the print industry for many years I can safely say that the specs quoted by the manufacturer are normally recommended tolerances that they will guarantee will work. There should be no issue in printing on slightly heavier paper, but this will depend on the substrate and\or coatings and may result in media advance slippage or increased paper jam. Obviously it may cause increased wear on the paper feed and the manufacturer will not provide repair under warranty for a device that has been "misused" but it is not very likely that they will be able to tell. One other thing to bear in mind will be the distance of the printheads from the media, if the media is too thick the heads may crash and be dammaged. One of my laser printers is only recommend to feed up to 200gsm but I have been running 320gsm through it for years with no problem

Forgot to mention that gsm (grams per square meter) isn't directly related to the thickness of the media. The reason for Canon recommending the front feed is because the paper path is flat, as opposed to the rear feed which is curved. If the paper is particularly stiff it would be preferable to use the straightest path. But no harm in trying either, within reason

Whatever works best for you.

Thanks. This seems very sensible. Ironically, one problem I have had with the front feed, recommended for > 200 gsm, is that the feeding mechanism twice slightly damaged a corner of the paper, so that the head hit some fibers. This happened with 190 and 225 gsm papers. Didn't seem to do any harm, but that is why I would prefer to feed via the rear if papers are on the margin. In contrast, when I fed something much more substantial through the front (canvas), the front feed worked flawlessly.