I have the newer version - RN2 - Renown set and I am super impressed with them in every way. The hardware is as good as it gets, the wrap is best I've ever seen, shell quality great & they sound great. I think they are one of the best buys on the market and a real sleeper. I also have a Gretsch USA Custom kit & a Yamaha Recording Custom kit, so I know top of the line. I think they get overlooked is because Gretsch is all about the "old" sound and the Renown is more of a new modern product.
When Drum Center of Portsmouth did their Gretsch comparison Youtube video, they didn't include them and when I complained the owner told me "Renowns are newer & made of cheaper materials". They are newer but NO cheap parts are used. They have the same 302 hoops as the Broadkaster & Brooklyn & they have the "silver sealer" inside the shells. Yet when they did the Yamaha comparison they included the $650 Stage Customs (& they do use cheap hardware). I don't understand the discrimination against them.