Things That Are Better Quality? Things That Are Worse?
We all know that some things are technically better than they used to be simply based on their features. The classic example is the current laptop which has about a zillion times as much processing power than the old room-sized computer.
But set aside the question of tech, and let’s talk about things that are better quality than they used to be, or things that are worse.
Cars are one example. It used to be a miracle when a car made it to 100,000 miles. Axles were constantly shattering, bodies would regularly rust out everywhere but Southern California, and the quality control on many moving parts was just plain bad. Today it’s pretty much taken for granted that 100,000 is just middle age for a car, assuming it hasn’t been in an accident.
Which is not to say that every part of a car is better. Spare tires and jacks are often worse, getting whittled down to save weight along with a lot of other bits like headlights.
I recently used an old circular saw, and it was a piece of garbage compared to a new one. It was about twice as heavy, no more powerful, and all of the extra metal in the body and guard didn’t make it seem any more rugged or safe. It was built like a tank, which isn’t a good thing — tanks are cumbersome, slow, and need tons of maintenance.
On the other hand, I’ve heard that new Kitchenaid mixers pale in comparison to older ones — worse motors, cheaper construction, and greater odds of seizing up or burning out than ones built in the 1970s.
So tell us, Deadsplinterusers, about things you use that seem to be better made, better engineered, and more durable than in the past, or stuff that is just worse than they used to be. Clothes, shoes, whiskey, house paint…
Well… Being a model nerd… Model kits have become more precise, better fitting with more accurate detail.
The most expensive kit I’ve seen is a 1/32 Lancaster Bomber kit originally made for Peter Jackson’s (yes the Lord of the Rings director) lamented late model company that costs $699 USD. Need a garage to show it.
The price also jumps from 5 bucks to 100+
Refrigerators… The motors aren’t heavy duty metal anymore. Now made of plastics and cheap composites. They don’t last 15-20 years now maybe 6-10 at best.
I think that’s right, which is odd to me, because there is definitely a market for higher quality kitchen goods. I think it’s much easier to find good chef’s knives these days than it used to be.
Most old pre-70s house construction was so much better than current construction. Even high end builders cut corners on almost everything. Most household gadgets are built to break whenever they are out of warranty. We had an old mixer from the 60’s my wife got from her mother that just recently gave up. She still has her sewing machine though in fairness that is not highly used.
Sewing machines getting worse surprises me, because the home craft crowd seems like a brook no nonsense bunch.
I think a lot of older appliances were better made in the sense that there were fewer complex parts and fewer things that could break, despite new ones have cooler new features.
Classic example – washers and dryers. I use an old Admiral washing maching that my parents bought when I was in high school. It has no fancy functions. I have friends with newer washers that have all sorts of settings and sensors and wifi and whatnot and they are not as sturdy.
Feature creep doesn’t make sense to me personally, because I don’t want more than hot/cold and heavy duty/gentle. But I guess many people want it, or at least are wowed in the showroom.
Agreed, I don’t need all the fancy settings.
I don’t know where else to talk about this, but watching the videos tonight of Tyre Nichols, goddamn fuck those cops. I hope Memphis residents burn some cop cars tonight.
My instinct in SNAFUs is to immediately start looking up the chain of command.
Figure out why the people up the chain of command were OK with these people having guns and clubs 24x7x365 and you’ll know why this particular incident at this particular time happened.
My guess is that the interview questions were along the lines of “Have you ever used or sold drugs?” and not “What would you do if someone said ‘Fuck you, I’m not going to jail?’”
Can we at least put “are you a psychopath?” on the police application? They will get the book thrown at them because they are black but hard to stomach & watch!
At a brewery 45mins away listening to acustic karaoke.
Shoot me in the face
Are you driving tonight or can you use copious amounts of beer to dull the aural pain?
Higher end beer has gotten much, much better since I was in college, but I think low end beer has gotten a little worse.
Don’t get me started on this! USA was a joke in the beer world until late 90s we took over. Now we have best beers in the world in almost all categories except shitty light lagers!
/me is somewhat sceptical whenever americans say they have the best anything in the world…as they say that about everything
i am ofcourse open to being convinced if the opportunity ever arises
I look forward to convincing you some day!
I’m pretty confident that America has the best meth in the world.
lol! i am somewhat less willing to be convinced on that one and will just take your word for it :p
Mattresses seem better made today than they used to be, or maybe it’s just that I can now afford better mattresses than I did back in the day.
It’s just so hard choosing one. I need a new mattress but don’t even know where to begin.
Mmmm, I splashed out and got a plush one a couple of years ago when things were riding high. I don’t always sleep well at night, but it sure as hell isn’t the fault of the mattress.
Airlines and air travel used to be part of the fun of traveling. Now they are practically an impediment to traveling.
clothes used to be better quality….i have shirts that survived 20 some years of wearing and washing and are holding up faded but fine….stuff ive bought recently seems to disintigrate within the year…. jeans likewise
tho…i guess quality is still out there….but you have to search it out.. high end brands are no guarantee