It seems every time Ludwig releases a new product it gets called back with issues of some sort. I don't get the impression they test things before releasing them.

There are some good ones out there from what I've seen(early production models),but everything later on seems to be defective.

Just like buying early 70's Supras ,the chrome plating process was not perfected for aluminum and a few years later flaking and pitting.

This just looks like an OEM screw up, because I very much doubt that Ludwig manufactured these in house.