I've owned both Masi and Waterford. Only Serotta I owned didn't fit, so it
isn't fair to compare the ride. My Masi Prestige is a better ride than the
Waterford 1200, but the Waterford beat out the 3V. All had nice workmanship.
Waterford was plain looking compared to either Masi. Interesting that
someone referred to them as "production" frames. I guess if there are
multiple workers performing duties then that does resemble production, even
at the high end market. I would also think that the variance in workmanship
between frames would be less at "production houses" than from single builders
because of the repetitive nature of work gained from building more frames.
Not sure whether that equates to better quality or value. Image & brand
recognition would depend. If you rode a Masi with the local triathletes,
they'd say "hey man, you really should upgrade that frame". If you rode the
Masi at the Cirque, you would have all kinds of admirers. I doubt the
Waterford would raise eyebrows at either ride. Now, show up with Mark
Poore's Rauler and I think you'd gain attention from either group. Lou
Deeter, Orlando FL.