I have both clones and authentics. I usually like the authentics better. But mose of the clones are at least adequate.
Authentic vs clones?
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Depends heavily on the clone manufacturer.
Companies like Infinite, Tobeco, Wotofo actually manufacture certain "authentic" rda's (ie: the Troll) on top of the many clones that they pump out. Those 3 manufacturers are usually pretty spot-on with their cloning and their originals.
Then there are other smaller-name companies (and some clones simply don't list the manufacturer) and that's where it can get wonky. One rda I got -- the posts literally could not be lined up with the airflows. It was physically impossible given the way the deck was milled.
I actually think I still have it somewhere just because I thought it was kinda hilarious.
Companies like Infinite, Tobeco, Wotofo actually manufacture certain "authentic" rda's (ie: the Troll) on top of the many clones that they pump out. Those 3 manufacturers are usually pretty spot-on with their cloning and their originals.
Then there are other smaller-name companies (and some clones simply don't list the manufacturer) and that's where it can get wonky. One rda I got -- the posts literally could not be lined up with the airflows. It was physically impossible given the way the deck was milled.
I actually think I still have it somewhere just because I thought it was kinda hilarious.
Would it surprise you to hear that there are a LOT of brand-name vaping companies that sell clones.
You see, all those 'nice brands' out there who sell something that looks like a well-known product and charge double or triple what it should be are doing exactly this.
They don't like it when you say "why are you selling a $20 tank for $59.99, because we all know what it is?" They then say... "because it's not made by Kanger or Aspire or Eleaf, (as an example) it has been designed by us in our own R&D facility somewhere in a domestic technology park" - known to the rest of us as deepest Guangzhou.
So, in that case you are paying $59.99 for a clone of a $20 tank that should be $10.
Got to love the vaping industry.
There are good and bad of everything. When it comes to rebuildable stuff, they are some perfectly good clones. I would not knowingly by a clone mod.
Trusting reviews on domestic website (guessing USA) depends on each individual website.
Interestingly, a 'major vendor' in the UK published dozens of 5/5 star reviews for a battery known and loved by us - the SONY VTC-5.
Their's were all fake.
Again, proof that the industry is in indeed very shady.
You see, all those 'nice brands' out there who sell something that looks like a well-known product and charge double or triple what it should be are doing exactly this.
They don't like it when you say "why are you selling a $20 tank for $59.99, because we all know what it is?" They then say... "because it's not made by Kanger or Aspire or Eleaf, (as an example) it has been designed by us in our own R&D facility somewhere in a domestic technology park" - known to the rest of us as deepest Guangzhou.
So, in that case you are paying $59.99 for a clone of a $20 tank that should be $10.
Got to love the vaping industry.
There are good and bad of everything. When it comes to rebuildable stuff, they are some perfectly good clones. I would not knowingly by a clone mod.
Trusting reviews on domestic website (guessing USA) depends on each individual website.
Interestingly, a 'major vendor' in the UK published dozens of 5/5 star reviews for a battery known and loved by us - the SONY VTC-5.
Their's were all fake.
Again, proof that the industry is in indeed very shady.
Back when Kayfun V2s were considered "high end", I bought a couple clones. Never had a problem with them that the authentics didn't also exhibit. That was a while ago though. The clone mfgs were Ehpro and, I think, HCigar.
ON EDIT: Come to think of it... I've got a couple Nimbus RDA clones that I havn't had any problems with either. I don't think the originals were considered "high end" at the time though.
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So I've always been curious but does anyone personally known someone that clones or that works for a company that clones? I've wanted to know if clients just buy a legit version and then reverse engineer
Most of the cloners are based in China. Also, I seem to remember times when the clone came out before the real-deal. Could be misremembering though.
In this (rather long) video we see Pbusardo go to one of many "clone factories" in China, and you can see the conditions/state of the equipment and areas they are using. This is just one of many, Szhenzhen, China, is loaded with "factories" just like this. Some nicer, some worse.
personally, and repeating what a few others have said, I would never go for a clone with batteries or mods. A serious injury could occur.
Tanks and RDA's, I have a few clones. half are decent, half suck and arent used anymore.
I look at the possible failure risks. Fake batteries and mods, worst case is an explosion. Fake tanks/rdas, im looking at either shoddy insulators which could leech chemicals/toxins or shorts which would be caught by my regulated mod. Id much rather find out a clone rta/rda is shot and maybe get a small blast of something, than have a bomb go off in my hands and/or face.
And I know, saying id much rather have toxins vs a bomb isnt an ideal choice, but I assess my own personal risks at being much lower for long term damage taking the toxins route. The way I move through hardware, nothing is really in use long enough for me to see a big enough risk to shy away from it.
Tanks and RDA's, I have a few clones. half are decent, half suck and arent used anymore.
I look at the possible failure risks. Fake batteries and mods, worst case is an explosion. Fake tanks/rdas, im looking at either shoddy insulators which could leech chemicals/toxins or shorts which would be caught by my regulated mod. Id much rather find out a clone rta/rda is shot and maybe get a small blast of something, than have a bomb go off in my hands and/or face.
And I know, saying id much rather have toxins vs a bomb isnt an ideal choice, but I assess my own personal risks at being much lower for long term damage taking the toxins route. The way I move through hardware, nothing is really in use long enough for me to see a big enough risk to shy away from it.
Agreed , i only buy clones from Infinite, EH Pro, H.Cigar and to a lesser extent Tobeco , all have been outstanding.
I look for one star post not because of the quality of the item, but more for clarity of their review system. I even stated that most problems are due to user error or flukes. Sometimes they lower the rate because of shipping problems, or the fact they had to do an RMA. in any case, if the company lists the bad ones, that shows clarity of the company's reviews. I have seen many sites, especially the ones that cater to retail, list only the good posts if I see 400 reviews, and all 4-5 one liners and all in bad english, then it's a surefire padded review.
I'm fairly sure this is exactly what they do. Then again, it must be easy to 'extract' (steal/copy) CAD or other files and smuggle them out. I doubt workers in most of the factories have much in the way of loyalty. I did hear an interesting story the other day though about a factory (not e-cig) where the lower down the food chain you are, the less rooms and computers you have access to. The 'bosses' aren't going to copy files to a usb stick, so maybe reverse engineering is more commonplace. ??
I never thought about the CAD files. Interesting thought and very interesting that some factories don't let lower workers access to some computers. I'd be surprised if some ecig factories don't do/start doing this soon
I think you guys are giving them a little more credit than they deserve.
They likely just get the authentic device and re-draft their own "1:1" clone. Reverse engineering is definitely the most common tactic, and it's evident in the minor differences (sometimes for the better) in the actual clones themselves.
They likely just get the authentic device and re-draft their own "1:1" clone. Reverse engineering is definitely the most common tactic, and it's evident in the minor differences (sometimes for the better) in the actual clones themselves.
Just FYI, Vapordna has the authentic silverplay for only 9 dollars more (+shipping and - the month+ wait time) - Project Sub-Ohm SilverPlay Nano RTA Rebuildable Tank Atomizer
@Two_Bears How is the SP Nano? Im about to pick up the full size I think.
I started with clones because of the cost aspect. I still enjoy clones to see if I will like the authentic. I typically will do this with atties. 3fvape is also a Chinese company with decent clone stuffs. and some of the inexpensive authentics.
I have tested the original Silverplay authentic. In all honestly. I hated the darn thing. Flavor is 10 times better in the Nano.
Be sure to read my review of the Silverplay Nano. I started the thread.
The flavor is so close to the flavor of the Goblin Mini; it is hard for me to call a winner of the two. In my review I labeled the comparison as a coin flip.
The acrylic bellcap of the Silverplay is pure magic. The bellcap and solid chimney cures 80% of the issues in the Goblin Mini.
1. Screw the chimney tightly into the Bell cap. You can
A. Bottom fill without a tool.
B. Pull the build up rewick or build a coil.
C. I rock it in single coil mode in mine bu plugging the extra juice wells with cotton.
2. Holds a decent amount of juice 3.5 ml.
3. The build quality is better than the Goblin Mini.
4. Uses standard drip tips.
5. If the silicone gasket in the base gets chewed up toss the silicone. Get an O ring that fits the Orchid or Kayfun. It's the identical size. I put one in and no leaks. You may be able to put an oring in the top channel as well. I didn't use the glass tank at all
There are only three cons.
I HATE both drip tips.
The airflow is directly under the coils
The airflow is not really adjustable
If you can get an authentic Silverplay Nano for $9 get 5 or six of them. Would be great attys for the vapeapocalypse.
I have three of thrm BC and tgree Kayfun Monsters with extra Bell caps a Kepler Mech, And three regulated mods Istick 60tc, eVic VTC MINI, and Sigelei 75.
I got my 2 Kayfun Mini V3's from 3F and they are exactly the same as the originals. They ship faster than FT also. Great store.
I do not believe in clone RDAs because the Tobeco clone of the Velocity RDA has leaked for me in the past so I REFUSE to get clones. I support authentic atomizers all the way.
What I find funny is that these days some of the most popular RTAs are "authentics" made by historically clone manufacturers. For example, the Billow and Griffin are very popular "authentic" RTAs that come from Chinese clone producers.
No I don't I have an authentic Troll, an authentic CCI Archon and an authentic Mutation V4.
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