OK, I am going to put my flame proof armor on and post my thoughts.
I found myself struggling with the whole "clone" morality issue. When I started out, I started out on clones before I even knew that they were clones. As I learned more I learned that these clones were mere copies of the often innovative originals. However, the originals were considerably more expensive, and more often than not - not even available unless you ordered months in advance. So I decided to see if the price delta was indeed "worth it".
I had an RSST, and later learned that it was a pretty blatant clone of the AC9, which as it turns out is made by a fellow who is local to me. So, since I liked the RSST, and since the original rba is actually available to be purchased, I bought one.
Soooo, after vaping on both for a while here is where I landed.
The AC9 is clearly a better made RBA. I appreciate the craftsmanship which is superior, it holds more, and it is wee bit easier to setup.
Is it 7 times better? No, not from a functionality point of view.
It is like the difference between buying a good Libby wine glass versus buying a Waterford Crystal wine glass. If you can appreciate the better craftsmanship, and you can afford it, then go for the AC9. Functionally the two are nearly identical. They both vape well, they both are made from good materials, they both are easy to set up.
Am I willing to spend 7 times more for the original? It depends, once in a while I will, but I will also buy the clones as that is what my wallet dictates. Some people buy original works of art by Picasso, some buy prints, some buy both, it all depends on one's budget.
I still struggle with the moral dilemma. It sucks that a group of manufacturers will so blatantly and unabashedly copy someone's work. However, it does not appear to be hurting "most" of the innovative people creating new RBAs. Just look around, I am on a list for the GkmF which has a waiting list months long. People who appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation will still pay for it, and the proof is in these long waiting lists.
I found myself struggling with the whole "clone" morality issue. When I started out, I started out on clones before I even knew that they were clones. As I learned more I learned that these clones were mere copies of the often innovative originals. However, the originals were considerably more expensive, and more often than not - not even available unless you ordered months in advance. So I decided to see if the price delta was indeed "worth it".
I had an RSST, and later learned that it was a pretty blatant clone of the AC9, which as it turns out is made by a fellow who is local to me. So, since I liked the RSST, and since the original rba is actually available to be purchased, I bought one.
| RSST | AC9 | |
| Price | $20 in a co-op | $140 ($125 + $15 for cap with smaller airhole) |
| Build Quality |
|
|
| Appearance | Looks decent. Nothing wrong with it, but not as refined looking as AC9 | Superior Craftsmanship is noticeable as compared to the RSST. |
| Screws | Small screws, harder to work with | Nice large screw heads |
| Cap Airhole | 1.1mm (I liked this better than the airy draw of the AC9) | 1.5mm (Optional 1.2mm cap for extra $$) |
| Deck Holes | RSST includes an extra "stem" for doing silica type coils. I took mine out. | Holes were larger than the RSST, conveniently so. |
| Driptip | SS Driptip, nice | Fashionable plastic driptip |
| Unique Features |
|
|
| Ease of setup | Took a slight bit more effort because of smaller screws, but features like insulated wickhole make it well suited to a beginner | VERY easy setup, had it up and running in minutes. |
| Tank | Plastic - PP | Plastic - PMMA though reports of some damage from liquids (Pluid) do exist |
| Leaking |
|
|
| Originality & Innovation | A blatant copy Made in China | Innovative when released Made in North Carolina |
| Vape | Decent vape out of the box, great vape as experience with it grew. | Great vape out of the box, but I was also pretty seasoned in building Gennys by the time I got it. |
Soooo, after vaping on both for a while here is where I landed.
The AC9 is clearly a better made RBA. I appreciate the craftsmanship which is superior, it holds more, and it is wee bit easier to setup.
Is it 7 times better? No, not from a functionality point of view.
It is like the difference between buying a good Libby wine glass versus buying a Waterford Crystal wine glass. If you can appreciate the better craftsmanship, and you can afford it, then go for the AC9. Functionally the two are nearly identical. They both vape well, they both are made from good materials, they both are easy to set up.
Am I willing to spend 7 times more for the original? It depends, once in a while I will, but I will also buy the clones as that is what my wallet dictates. Some people buy original works of art by Picasso, some buy prints, some buy both, it all depends on one's budget.
I still struggle with the moral dilemma. It sucks that a group of manufacturers will so blatantly and unabashedly copy someone's work. However, it does not appear to be hurting "most" of the innovative people creating new RBAs. Just look around, I am on a list for the GkmF which has a waiting list months long. People who appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation will still pay for it, and the proof is in these long waiting lists.
