I purchased the mid-tier wheelset (from what I could identify, there appear to be three versions on AliExpress: the lightest at roughly 15xx g, the mid-tier version I chose, and a top-tier model with carbon spokes). (Advertised with the base of 1280g.)
Through CSC’s website, the mid-tier option can be ordered with ceramic bearings for an additional $40. It also includes the slightly more refined Pillar Aero PSR Wing20 spokes, rather than the standard PSR Triple spokes typically listed on AliExpress, and the overall price appears to be lower through CSC.

I completed a group ride today, and the wheels performed very well from my perspective. My experience with higher-end wheelsets is limited (primarily Mavic Ksyrium SL SSC), but compared to those, these feel noticeably faster. The thin spokes show a small amount of flex under braking, yet aside from that they remain impressively true and structurally solid.

I made the mistake of buying the 21/28mm (internal external) variant, if I were you, I would go for the 23/30mm to future proof any wider tyre setup. Currently using 28mm gp5k str (made the mistake of buying tubeless tires lmfao) with TPUs, and they measure to be 1.5ish mm wider than the wheel at 75 psi. Not geekin out over the specific psi/tyre/wheel setup for optimal aero, but its honestly pretty flush

The wheelset weighs 1350 g bare, with roughly another 20 g added for the rim tape I installed. Overall, that is a respectable result for a $400 wheelset. (Possibly the best value that money can buy atm)

This is the vendor you bought from correct?

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810347349950.html

I'm wondering if they applied additional sheeting to achieve that CF weave pattern under the gloss coating? There's some mention of a sheet winding method in the description. That could account for additional weight over the base unpainted frameset.

Yes, that is the listing. Could be the case, but the internals reflect the same weave pattern

How much of the hardware did you leave on? Your picture shows the FD hanger and some bottle cage bolts, which they would not have included in the claimed weight. But either way, even if you left on the seatpost clamp, UDH, and everything, that paint job does seem to have added quite a bit of extra weight.

Took everything off (including front derailleur hanger) weight came to 940gs

How did you oreder this type of paint? I can't see options like yours on the page o Ali.

I personally had to contact the seller through WhatsApp and subsequently explain to him the color profile I wanted.

Update - Frame arrived after ordering in December 13. Took long because of paint job and payment etc. Here is the initial frame (Seller - Syrak) Stay posted for a full length build video!!

My frame did not come with the rubber grommet that sits over the seat post clamp, as well as the di2 battery mount. The chain stay seems to be relatively straight in comparison to other posts, but has a slight deviation as pictured below.
Also the 52cm frame weighs in at a hefty frickin 1044gs or something, which is unfortunate :/ But at least I got the paint job!! (I reckon for the best weight just order matte on spcycle)

you mention this OEM supplier for dirt cheap, but where is the contact?? where do I go to buy it