RDA Buying Authentic... Lack of quality

[mr.fabe]

I agree with you as far as most of the time they dont name the clone manufacturer,and sometimes they can be hit or miss.I usually only buy when the product has lots of good reviews,lists the manuf,or recommended by somebody here.If I do buy a clone from Fastec I usually will not buy the cheapest one they list in that style,I did that when I first started ordering from them, and they were pretty bad.My last order acouple of weeks ago arrived in 8 days,I ordered a named brand clone and an unamed clone of the same item,by the recommendation of a couple of peeps here on a certain thread,and they were both really good.Actually, the unamed one was machined a little better and deburred more.Where are you buying from locally that can compete with Fastec,I would definitely like to give them a shot.I like to buy in America, but I like everyone else, like to keep as much money in my pocket when possible.And I dont mind the long shipping times,at my age you learn patience.

If you do buy a clone at Fasttech, be wary of the Infinite "styled" clones. Infinite clones are made by SXK and the quality is so good that the China clonemakers have cloned a clone of a clonemaker's clone of an authentic.

 

[schatz]

If you do buy a clone at Fasttech, be wary of the Infinite "styled" clones. Infinite clones are made by SXK and the quality is so good that the China clonemakers have cloned a clone of a clonemakers clone of an authentic.

I was not aware of that,thank you. I was wondering why the last infinite clone I bought wasnt that great.Went back and realized that indeed it said Infinite styled clone,interesting.Thanks again.

 

[Monotremata]

I was not aware of that,thank you. I was wondering why the last infinite clone I bought wasnt that great.Went back and realized that indeed it said Infinite styled clone,interesting.Thanks again.

Yeah anything that is listed as 'style' on FT is a clone.. It always makes me laugh when I see clones of a clone. Hell theyve even cloned the affordable authentics like the Freakshows and Mutations already.

On a side note, not everything Infinite puts out is necessarily made by SXK, but for the most part it is. Ive got an Infinite Magma and a Kayfun Lite +v2 and those things are built like tanks. Apparently their Kayfun 4 blows the other clones out of the water too. I wanted to get one, but I already have 3 Tobecos and I dont even use those anymore so wasnt about to drop money on it. Youll know if you happened to get one thats not an SXK made Infinite.

 

[Mr.Mann]

I have had this problem before, but now I make sure when I buy gear I do as much research as possible. Sometimes if you try to beat the crowd it won't work out so nicely, but I'd much prefer to lose money on an authentic than losing money trying to save money. I rarely "lose" money on authentic gear.

Now, I should say that nowadays we have "authentic" gear that is made by the same companies that produce clones (and even some "high-end" gear ain't manufactured by the company that designs it). At this point in vaping, it is often really hard to tell what is good and what is not. Research and vape shops and more research are invaluable in this regard. Also, know what retailer or company you are buying from. If they have a poor track record with dealing with their customers' issues, move on.

 

[mr.fabe]

I have had this problem before, but now I make sure when I buy gear I do as much research as possible. Sometimes if you try to beat the crowd it won't work out so nicely, but I'd much prefer to lose money on an authentic than losing money trying to save money. I rarely "lose" money on authentic gear.

Now, I should say that nowadays we have "authentic" gear that is made by the same companies that produce clones (and even some "high-end" gear ain't manufactured by the company that designs it). At this point in vaping, it is often really hard to tell what is good and what is not. Research and vape shops and more research are invaluable in this regard. Also, know what retailer or company you are buying from. If they have a poor track record with dealing with their customers' issues, move on.

Totally agree with this.

I see a lot of complaining here at ECF on mods and atties that others have issues previously pointed out by other users. Gee, it's almost like buying a new car these days...

 

[inswva]

had 3 authentics with real ....ty finishing: VPRS Thundercloud Plus, Footoon Aqua V2, and the VLS Vector RDA.

thundercloud plus - had a lot of tiny burrs around all air hole drillings. i used a file to clean all the edges. took an hour to clean it up.
aqua v2 - had thick/sharp burrs around the juice holes. no way i could do it myself. emailed footoon and he sent me replacement parts. awesome customer service.
vector rda - had incomplete lazer etching, and air holes were not drilled cleanly; imperfect circles, burrs, etc. emailed VLS and they sent me a full replacement w/ shipping label to return defect. awesome customer service.

so not all authentics are 100% but the fact that you can contact them directly for issues is what matters most. didnt spend on a dime on replacements either.

my norbert Origen Dipper V3 though... best fit and finish i've ever seen. everything is finished and sanded smooth. didnt even come in a nice box like other "high end" atties. i dont even care about a nice box.

i find that companies that focus more on their marketing hype will tend to fall short on quality bc they're rushing to get their orders out instead on quality.

I'm surprised about the Vector. Although I wasn't crazy about how mine vaped, it was one of the most well machined attys I've owned, at any price point. I guess no one bats 1.000 though.

And I absolutely agree on the Origen V3. Easily the most well made atty I've every owned. The fit and finish is incredible. I actually smile every time I snap the top cap on. The thing is a work of industrial art.

 

[Mr.Mann]

I'm surprised about the Vector. Although I wasn't crazy about how mine vaped, it was one of the most well machined attys I've owned, at any price point. I guess no one bats 1.000 though.

And I absolutely agree on the Origen V3. Easily the most well made atty I've every owned. The fit and finish is incredible. I actually smile every time I snap the top cap on. The thing is a work of industrial art.

I am totally with @inswva right here on the feelings about The Vector (I love mine, but only *now* as an item that sits on my shelf! LOL), but we should notice (and champion) how they handled that situation. That is what I am talking about!!! Anything that VLS (and a few others) puts out I would feel 100% confident in buying. Can't say that for too many companies. And to me it's sad that they do everything they can to bring extremely quality and affordable gear to our community, but vapers will still toss good money after bad trying to save a buck instead of supporting a stand-up outfit! And let's be honest here, anyone that buys clones (*plural*) has the money to buy a ~$50 atty. Want a deal on it? Wait for a sale. It'll still be there.

p.s. I disagree with the Origen v3. I think the nod goes to the Origen v2. Stellar work.

p.p.s. That was a joke. I think the v2 and v3 are equally brilliant work., i.e., "industrial art".