Is the thrill of scoring something rare worth the risk of it being expired junk, like a bargain you regret?

Wait, did the price change show up in your confirmation email or only at check-in?

Honestly, is it really that serious though? One smooth wrap and suddenly rope drums are the second coming? I've run grooved drums for over a decade and the only time I see crushing is when guys let the load bounce or they spool too loose. That Pittsburgh super probably just had his tension dialed in perfect that day. I'm not saying you're wrong, but 14 years of habit is hard to beat with one good afternoon. Cable life depends more on how you run the brake and if you're overloading the thing, not just the drum shape. I'd borrow that rig again for a full week before I spent my own money swapping stuff out.