What even makes them look bad..?

i'm fairly certain loose ball formulas aren't in the same vein as dura ace or campy hubs. they're rebuildable, but i doubt they'd be any smoother than a cartridge one. or they're probably cheaper metals and pit really easily

Oh. Neat. So if you come across any just send them my way and I will do a full write up. Thanks!

Nothing prevents you from upgrading the bearings.

They don't look bad, but they only come in black or silver and they don't have nearly the 'bling' of an argyle pattern'd deep V...

http://www.fixiefiend.com/wp-content...for-2009-1.jpg

Nor do they add the bling of many colorway options...

https://www.londonfgss.com/attachmen...llcolors-1.jpg

Hey Wounded,

Ben from velomine is a great guy. Very good support. Do not be afraid to buy from him.
i bought a pair of dp18s and love them to this day.

http://www.velomine.com/EbayImages/cr18black3.jpg

Looks like the sealed bearing hubs to me.

I changed the axle on mine to use 'em with 130mm spacing. Does that count as maintenance? :D

Bicycle Wheel Warehouse sells a set of wheels with Venus rims and loose ball Formula hubs (for around $85 last I saw). [Edit: looks like they're out of stock right now.] I assumed it would be the hubs, not the bearings that would pit. Of course, you can always upgrade the hubs after you're done upgrading the bearings. ;)