Folks, as I see it--there are several options to deal with a warped record:

1) Return it (if it's not flat--it does not belong in your collection)
2) Ignore and just play it (some records still sound phenomenal even with slight warping)
3) Use a record flattener
4) Get a record clamp to flatten the record on the platter (like the Michell Gyro or similar):

I am curious how other vinyl heads approach this issue?

Kamran, I use my record clamp on every record I play. I have a few records with slight warps. As long as they will play, I don’t worry about it.

It’s been a long time since I had one severely warped, and never have used a flattener, so no idea how effective they are.

Geno

I always use a record weight, but minor dish warps can be helped with a rubber washer and record clamp. If it’s a more significant edge warp I try to get it exchanged. In the past, I’ve tried flattening with two pieces of glass, a low temp oven and a stack of books as it cools. It’s worked, but I’ve also ruined one when I wasn’t as careful on a more significant warp. I’m sure a Vinyl Flat or similar is more controlled. Anymore, I just try to exchange if possible.

Thx for all the responses gentlemen.  Very fascinating.  

I think for me, returning a new record that is warped makes sense if you can easily get another copy, but in cases where a record is hard to find, using a clamp, a heavy weight or a flattener are options worth pursuing.  

Also, slight warping does not seem to impact playback, so I tend to ignore.

Clamping:

In some ways, Clamping makes a lot of sense--why wouldn't you want to ensure the record is dead flat, so it tracks better?  However, the other consideration (at least in my case) is that my preferred mat (Stack Audio's Serene) is not compatible with clamps.  If I need to clamp, I need to switch to a non-sprung mat. The other consideration is the time it takes to clamp and un-clamp.  If you are listening to a bunch of 45's, that get's tiring and disturbs the flow.

Geno what clamp are you using?

I’d love to have one of those VPI periphery rings, but then I think of all the records I could buy instead.

Same here. Not sure how much it would really improve things. But if you are serious, contact Wayne at Wayne's audio, it seemed like the pricing was a little soft if you reach out.