Thank you. This information just led to a ton of information gathering and I feel like I'm on the verge of seriously overanalyzing this.

Johnson frames come in several series but they make a frame with "soft close" hardware which is only available on their entry level 1500 series frames. The higher level frames are able to handle heavier doors and such but don't have a soft close option. If I'm using basic solid core doors that aren't going to push the weight limit, am I losing anything by using the 1500 series? This is the Johnson door.

Before now I didn't know there were soft close pocket doors. In this case, the Johnson door is both soft open and soft close. Neat! My searching didn't lead me to any other frames that come with soft close hardware but I did find other companies that manufacture just the hardware, which you have to install on the door/frame.

I'm afraid this is one of those things that could be a major project with little noticeable benefit. Should I just get the Johnson soft close frame and be done with it or is there much to gain by obsessing over the decision?

The soft close works great for very heavy doors. Otherwise it may not be worth the expense

The soft close isn't all that much more in the big scheme of things and I think it lends a high end feel even if the door isn't that heavy.

My choice would be between the soft open/close and the higher series Johnson. That might be even more overkill unless it's a very heavy door. I just don't know. I just know I don't want a wobbly door.

Johnson Hardware makes a wide variety of door frames and ball bearing 'trucks'. Order on line or available at 'real' lumber yards. I have 4 of them in my home.

I have all solid 6 panel maple doors. One is 36" - which is pretty wide/heavy. I just have the regular ball bearing trucks. With a heavier door, it moves more slowly - I don't think you will need the soft close. Then again, I don't like soft close drawers. Naturally, you know that soft close / open takes more energy since your arm muscle is used to 'load the spring'.

Johnson Hardware

You are over-analyzing this. Any Johnson Hardware frame will work fine with any standard, solid residential door. Don't bother with soft close. Just order this brand and move on to other issues that require more analysis!

I tend to over analyze things. But if I'm getting Johnson and it's an option, why skip the soft close? Here's a video of a soft open/close pocket door and it seems like a nice feature.

If you want to spend the extra money for soft close, do so. I've got four pocket doors and don't think it's necessary, but get it if you want. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with them.

We have many pocket doors in our new build. To your original question about what makes a better quality frame, our builder builds the door frame pocket themselves to ensure a better quality then a pre-made. This puts them in control of construction and materials

Johnson frames come with wall studs that are enclosed in steel sleeves to prevent warping, and headers that are beefy. If the builder wants to re-do the wooden components, that's a nice thing, but, in my experience, would only be warranted with a lower end frame where the wood quality might be lower and have no steel reinforcement. In my experience, the main issue to worry about with pocket door frames is the quality and gauge of the steel components, and the quality of the wheel assembly. Lower cost frame assemblies skimp in this area, which is why people have to tear open walls years into the future when these low end components start to fail or warp.

Well 'fool' you sure proved your name. With no info, no specs, no nothing, you proclaim your builder makes 'better pocket door frames', than can be made in a factory controlled environment where they have jigs and custom hardware to make everything square. And I guess your mechanic builds cars himself.