RDA clone atties quality
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RDAs are pretty simple... at least they are to people with mechanical and electrical backgrounds.
I tend to buy a mix of about 65% authentic, 35% clone... with the latter almost always from FT. I can "get away" this because my neighbor has bought practically every clone RDA FT has carried... he has over 40 as I recall, and they are all the "best quality" versions, when multiple $$$ are available.
My neighbor has fine motor control issues, so I build, closely inspect and 'test drive" most all his attys. Those that have perfect conductivity, nice fit and finish along with a good, not to tight or loose o-ring fit will go on my next FT buy list... if they are my preference, which is mostly top AFC, deep juice well, 2 or 3 post flavor attys.
Those that are sketchy, I wait to see if a better version comes out, or buy the authentic if it's not stupid money. I've sent back a few authentics, because they are no better than the clones, and in some cases, worse. There's a certain expectation that many of the questionable origin authentics are actually China made.
I have an Aeolus and REM atty from FT... both are on par with the originals in all critical aspects. Had a Marquis, didn't use it much, gifted it. Never had much interest in the Haze.
I tend to buy a mix of about 65% authentic, 35% clone... with the latter almost always from FT. I can "get away" this because my neighbor has bought practically every clone RDA FT has carried... he has over 40 as I recall, and they are all the "best quality" versions, when multiple $$$ are available.
My neighbor has fine motor control issues, so I build, closely inspect and 'test drive" most all his attys. Those that have perfect conductivity, nice fit and finish along with a good, not to tight or loose o-ring fit will go on my next FT buy list... if they are my preference, which is mostly top AFC, deep juice well, 2 or 3 post flavor attys.
Those that are sketchy, I wait to see if a better version comes out, or buy the authentic if it's not stupid money. I've sent back a few authentics, because they are no better than the clones, and in some cases, worse. There's a certain expectation that many of the questionable origin authentics are actually China made.
I have an Aeolus and REM atty from FT... both are on par with the originals in all critical aspects. Had a Marquis, didn't use it much, gifted it. Never had much interest in the Haze.
Tolerances are key with some attys. If you notice nearly thread where leaks are concerned involves 'clones.'''
If going to order from FT, read the reviews. I have bought good and bad from them. Sometimes they are as good, worse or better than the authentic.
As a hobby within a hoddy I collect and build atties. I have real ones, fake ones and real fake ones.
Often clones are crap.
Often clones are crap because they are crap. Even more often clones are crap because they are exact copies. Boy am I thinking of one of those now.
Sometimes the clone is better then the authentic.
Sometimes clones aren't even clones of anything. China has become very good at this and often add improvements.
Sometimes I like a clone so much I buy the authentic. Sometimes I hate a clone so much I buy the authentic just to see if the clone was an exact copy. Mostly it is. Thinking of that one again.
No one, and by no one I mean NO ONE, can give you a correct answer because it varies so much.
FT is a great place to buy if you read the discussions. Them boyz don't miss a thing.
Also worth mentioning is that I have boxes full of parts. Often a clone is perfect minus one tiny detail which I can fix in one second but if you ain't got that part you are screwed.
Within fasttech there are different versions you see a "b" and "value" version among a few color options for the marquis. Some of the value versions are considered "for parts" I stay away from those. After readin a few of the reviews/comments if I absolutely had to have it today (and by today I mean 3 weeks) I would go with:
$10.17 Marquis Styled RDA Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer (22mm, SS) at m.FastTech.com - FastTech Mobile
Just be warned a few of comments on all the 3 ss versions someone comments on a rusting issue. The forums post a few gimmicky solutions. But hey for 10$ you get that super excited tingling feeling in your nether regions when you see the ups truck barreling down your road. And a CHANCE at a really awesome flavor beast of an RDA.
I have a clone of the marquis and the flavor is just awesome. I got mine from a b&m and have no idea where it came from originally.
Ya win some Ya lose some. But for 10 bucks.....
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I'll second these I have the Aeolus v1 on FT and it's been super solid for me. Also have a Stumpy I picked up on there that's been pretty great apart from some grub screw annoyances. Definitely check the reviews/discussions on each of the versions in FT and you'll get a pretty good feel for how well they are made.
Also I've heard selecting e-packet for shipping cuts the time down by a few weeks. Good luck!
quite a cryptic take on the matter but i hear you (i wonder which one you were thinking of). will check out the FT discussions.
stumpy was the one i meant to include in my original post! gonna snag a stumpy clone for sure.
Good call! Make sure you have some allen wrenches laying around because mine didn't come with one. The center coil build on that atty is a flavor machine!
Clone quality has definitely improved. But you have to look at each clone manufacturers model reviews to see if there are any known issues. Fasttech has a very good setup for reporting issues to the public and that kind of open communication business model helps you make a better choice.
I also try to only buy Tobeco Clones. So many of my FT clones were used once or twice and never again. Small issues with center post spin and janky screws are always my main complaints.
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