The post below is 8 months old, so there's a possibility that its already been posted here and if so I apologize in advance. I found this article on Reddit comparing clones to used cars in the sense that it gives you an opportunity to try out a design design cheaply before shelling out for the authentic. I thought it was a useful analogy as there's been much discussion on the clone vs. authentic topic.
http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/296t3r/finally_bought_a_legit_patriot/
Case in point, I just bought a FT Patriot clone for £5, quite literally pocket change. Now I know that it IS worth investing in an authentic. Not because it doesn't have issues, like a ridiculously loose fitting top cap and undersized air-holes. These issues are just because it is a cheap clone and can be rectified (and I actually like tinkering). But because having built on it and used it, I now know that the design suits me. I was looking for an everyday rda that I could stick in my pocket. The lack of airflow options make it less likely to leak, and the all -in-one top cap/AFC allows for easier dripping on the go.
There are quality clones out there that I have seen reviewed, and ones that I have used myself where the machining and build quality are equal and in some cases better than the authentic. I know that designers of the authentic device had the R&D costs to recoup. But I ask myself how some can justify the price tag for these devices, given that they can clearly be manufactured and retailed for around a tenth of the price? An in the case of most mech mods, it is after all little more than a tube with a switch. I know some use slightly more exotic metals bumping the costs, but for most people an extra -0.01 voltage drop makes little or no difference.
Another argument I have seen is that a device manufactured domestically is intrinsically better than one built in the east. I'm of the opinion that a low payed factory worker in west is less likely to do a conscientious job than his or her equivalent in the east. I know this is a gross generalization, but it does hold some weight.
To summarize, I think clones have an important part to play in the market, and I'm personally very glad that they are available as an option.
http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/296t3r/finally_bought_a_legit_patriot/
Case in point, I just bought a FT Patriot clone for £5, quite literally pocket change. Now I know that it IS worth investing in an authentic. Not because it doesn't have issues, like a ridiculously loose fitting top cap and undersized air-holes. These issues are just because it is a cheap clone and can be rectified (and I actually like tinkering). But because having built on it and used it, I now know that the design suits me. I was looking for an everyday rda that I could stick in my pocket. The lack of airflow options make it less likely to leak, and the all -in-one top cap/AFC allows for easier dripping on the go.
There are quality clones out there that I have seen reviewed, and ones that I have used myself where the machining and build quality are equal and in some cases better than the authentic. I know that designers of the authentic device had the R&D costs to recoup. But I ask myself how some can justify the price tag for these devices, given that they can clearly be manufactured and retailed for around a tenth of the price? An in the case of most mech mods, it is after all little more than a tube with a switch. I know some use slightly more exotic metals bumping the costs, but for most people an extra -0.01 voltage drop makes little or no difference.
Another argument I have seen is that a device manufactured domestically is intrinsically better than one built in the east. I'm of the opinion that a low payed factory worker in west is less likely to do a conscientious job than his or her equivalent in the east. I know this is a gross generalization, but it does hold some weight.
To summarize, I think clones have an important part to play in the market, and I'm personally very glad that they are available as an option.
