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Why does it seem that traditional crowns are more preferred over the comfort curve crowns to the point of changing perfectly good/new comfort curve crowns for extra cost after-market traditionals?

One word, Tradition.
I have had them both but really prefer the traditional crown over the comfort curve.
There is something about a traditional looking Conga that just captivates me, the crown the bands, not to mention the natural skins.
I did find, however, that the comfort curve is more comfortable, not to mention, that in some cases the rivets on a traditional crown sometimes become loose and so there is a need for repair.
I believe that you will find that most of the Congueros that have been playing longer would lean more towards the traditional Conga.
My 2 cts.
Cheers.
K.C.

See attached Image showing a classic example of traditional congas, Requena and Skin on Skin side by side.
I titled this picture "Two legends meet"

Although I've never re skinned comfort curve myself I think I've read its more difficult than traditional rims.

burke wrote:Although I've never re skinned comfort curve myself I think I've read its more difficult than traditional rims.

It IS!
Especially with thick and stubborn skins.
Wrestling with alligators comes to mind...

I love the traditional rims. (shown on the Volcanos and Slingerlands) I believe it's because it was what I learned on. I believe if you have good technique you will never hurt your hands on the old style rims. It helps you learn that really fast. Comfort curves are OK but I feel at home with the traditional. In fact I wish my LP Galaxy fiberglass had traditional rims . Anyone have a set of 4 LP gold tone traditional rims to trade for comfort curves? I don't know if they sell them for all 4 sizes. I also like the quarter round rims. (Shown on Volcano Bongos)I think they look just as nice as traditional and are a bit easier on the hands/fingers, They could be the best of both worlds.

As a small child in Cuba I grew up looking at tumbadoras by Vergara and Requena, that classic Cuban look (steamline) has stuck with me forever. I hate the looks of comfort curved crowns and of goldplated hardware, give me traditional crowns always!

I agree with everyone above.
The traditional look is the classic look.
Once you get used to seeing the conga that way, the comfort curve rims look bulky and tacky.
I also like the feel of the traditional rim barely missing my hand as I play - it keeps my technique straight!