For those experienced wrenches: I am considering a new bike/wheel build, and was talking to the lead mechanic at my LBS (who is a good wheel builder BTW), and he said something that seemed at least a little contrary to me. The two main hubs I would be considering are Chris King and White Industries (road) - and he stated that the White hubs "just wear out faster."

I've always heard good things about White hubs - and own some - so I was a bit surprised to hear this. Any confirming or contrasting experiences?

AFAIK White industries use cartridge bearings, so for a front wheel there's really not a lot that can wear out. If you think you got poor mileage out of one brand of bearings, just try another one.
For a rear there's the freewheel mechanism, which possibly might wear at a different rate for WI as compared to CK.

I note even the lower end bikes are featuring some pretty nice rubber seals
on the hubs Shimano ships to the wheel building machine operators.

Oregon based CK has 2 different Freehub types.
Go for the more durable stainless steel one.

Being in Cross Crusade Crazy Portland
the hub they make for Cross, say they have better seals
than the fair weather race hub.

combine the 2: bearings with better seals and the more durable freehub
driver , SS, splines, etc.

don't skimp on the spokes .. adequate count. 36 rear . 32 front should be OK.

Oh yea don't forget Phil Wood Co. though their Freehubs are not a fit and forget,
there is some flushing and maintenance of clean oil in them

and in the long-dark season Schmidt's Dyno Hubs will provide the light you require.

I've seen some White Ind. rear hubs that had what I would consider excessively notched freewheel bodies. Any freehub body can get notched of course, but these did seem a bit soft. I don't know if they were the Ti version or the Al version but I imagine the Al would be softer. As mentioned, the bearings are standard cartridge type and should have no issues. I also have to give WI props for supporting their existing products and making parts and manuals available for repair.

Thanks for the replies!!

I'm not buying it. Sounds like a mechanic talking out of his butt to me.

Either Chris King or White Industries parts will do you proud.

They both have the rear right side bearings inboard like a fancy freewheel. That is the advantage of the shimano and old SunTour freehubs they have the bearings outboard where they support the axle.