Do you know why


the vast majority of today's records are warped regardless of where they are pressed? This has come to a boiling point with me in the recent months. I've bought numerous records, most of them heavy vinyl as is the trend these days, and the vast, vast majority of them are seriously warped, to the point that I would not play them without my periphery ring. Warped heavy vinyl records have to me now become the norm. I suppose my anger and frustration have been particularly fueled by warped records pressed at RTI or QRP, which are considered and hold themselves to be the best pressing plants in the business.

I recently returned a Norah Jones album pressed at Kassem's QRP as it was horribly warped (in addition to being pressed off center), which I find absolutely unacceptable at a price of almost $40. Then I put on a brand new Black Sabbath album (Heaven & Hell with the late Dio) pressed at RTI and the record has warps and bumps throughout so bad that I can't even stand the thought of subjecting my Delos' suspension to over an hour-long torture test. Julie London superb sound-wise 45 rpm $50 reissue by BoxStar? Warped. Most of my MoFi albums, which are pressed at RTI as well, are also warped to some degree, although easily tamed with the ring, thankfully. So seriously, WTF?!!!!

In contrast, the vast majority of my used records from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, all of them pressed on the thinnest vinyl, are perfectly flat with a rare exception here and there.

I simply do not understand this phenomenon. Do you?
actusreus
Warped records have always been unacceptable. Maybe on occasion in the old "budget bins". Even more unacceptable at today's prices. Vinyl is trendy! I'm not convinced there is much quality control with new vinyl these days compared to past heydays. I'd be careful. Is there even such a thing as a vinyl "budget bin" anymore? That's where warped records probably belong. :) In the heyday, budget bin record quality was more variable but still not bad overall.
I have also purchased new warped vinyl.I have bought a new record with a full handprint on one side where it was picked up with an ungloved hand.I thought about sending that one to law enforcement to identify the cretin working at that pressing plant.I am in agreement with tonywinsc that the biggest issue with new records is the poor sound and not the poor pressing.In a modern day USA where we can't seem to make anything, much less make it right, why would anyone think we could press records well?
"In a modern day USA where we can't seem to make anything, much less make it right, why would anyone think we could press records well?"

We can and do still make some things well, but there are many other countries nowadays that can as well and often for lower cost.
I recently bought a new record that turned out to be warped. However, this has only happened to me once ever, with new vinyl anyway. And I was able to exchange it, so it was no big deal. Just about all of the new vinyl I have purchased in the last few years has been well pressed, though I only buy about 10% or less new - I listen almost entirely to classical, with some jazz thrown in. It was a jazz record that was warped.
"I wouldn't be surprised to find out those running the equipment are just not knowledgeable enough to generate a good product."

Csontos, new vinyl is being pressed by a new generation of workers. Look how long original vinyl records were being pressed; maybe about 50 years? Those were real craftsmen.
New vinyl will get better, especially when the owners of the cutting plants see all the Lps being returned due to defects. I've found too many defects in new vinyl purchases.