I might wait and see what I can afford in a few months. It's just that the Renowns are mint and I haven't bought bags for them and don't want to mess them up if I am selling them (they're beautiful piano black too so they would show every mark). Those GeorgeWays are super cool, never heard of them before. I am also a big fan of the vintage aesthetic but I can't be too picky at my price point.
I've looked long and hard at the Ludwig Club Dates too. The price is not too bad but I don't know about those round-over bearing edges. If I can find some in a shop I will give them a listen. The Neusonics seem pretty great too but the finishes are a bit plain for my taste...why can't they just do some standard wraps if they want to save some money?
Yamaha Stage Custom...I haven't given up on them even though I am not sure I like the sound of birch, night and day from the Renown I would assume? My maple Absolutes were pretty awesome and I always wanted one of those gold-lug Maple Custom kits back in the 90s. When it comes to low-mid-level kits I would trust Yamaha's quality more than any other. They look classy too, not at all like their price-point. You guys are starting to talk me out of the Catalinas which is a bummer because I want to like them. But I don't want to be fussing with broken parts and funky bearing edges.
I know the weight thing has been discussed before but I am surprised it doesn't get more attention. According an article I read, "The accumulated reduction in knee load for a 1-pound loss in weight would be more than 4,800 pounds per mile walked." That's huge over a lifetime of drumming and the associated gear transport and would in theory be a major factor in how long we can keep playing later in life, especially for someone like me who already has knee problems in their 40s. There is a chance I may be able to keep the Renowns AND get a lightweight primary gigging kit, but it's still being debated. Again, thanks for all this info., I've learned a lot.