Originally Posted by carleton

It is still produced new. Just because it's old tech, doesn't mean they stopped producing it.

It is the track standard for racing and is even certified for racing NJS events (big money) in Japan. Just like the square tapered Campagnolo Pista and Sugino 75 cranks and bottom bracket are still currently being produced.

Shimano even still makes high-end race wheels for road and track using loose ball bearings. Their new track disc and 5 spoke use the 7600 track hubs which are loose ball. I've seen some Dura Ace road wheels with loose ball, too.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.