Asian built fret alloys?

How durable are these modern imported fret alloys? Are there brands that are known for better frets for the the money, or are the price points sending mid level (sub $1000 suggested retail = $500/$600 retail) to a mediocre point?

I have a late seventies Gibson, and the frets are massive AND durable. I do not mind the shallower narrow frets (for the $$$), but if I find grooved frets after a few to six years, what is the point? I have narrowed the search to a few imported mfr's like LTD and Epiphone, but if it is going to take the extra cash to buy a lowend USA Gibson guitar...so be it.

Thanks in advance!

In my opinion and experience, the imported guitars in the price range you describe have adequate materials in terms of frets . . . and fretwork that rivals and often exceeds US Gibsons.

Dutch fretwire seems to be the hardest, but higher nickel content means duller frets.

Pleck now offer stainless steel fretwire. You can get it from Allparts I haven't tried it yet as it costs an arm and a leg and my customers wouldn't appreciate the difference.