clone vs original- noticeable difference?

[TheJakeBailey]

Hey guys. This is NOT a morality/immorality, clones are good or bad on principal type thread.

So I'm coming up on my 6 months since I quit smoking. 5 months ago I said I would get a Provari when I hit 6 months. Then after that, I thought a vv Reo would be the way to go. Then I thought the Billet box would be super sweet lol... And now I'm leaning another direction yet again.

I have a few mechs already. A terrible Tesla, a pretty ok UD, an Origin clone, and a Nemesis clone. Of them all, I really like the Nemesis clone the best, and it's not a very close race.

So here is my question... Is there a noticeable quality difference between a good clone, (hcigar, etc) and an original mod. for example...even after adjusting multiple times, I really hate the switch on the Origin. It just feels janky, and loose, and wobbly no matter what. Is the original this way? On the other hand, I think the Nemesis clone works very well! Is there something about an original Nemesis that would really wow me after using the clone that I already have. Thicker tubing, deeper or better engraving, better materials in the switch, that sort of thing.

I realize this is kind of a case by case deal, which is why I used the Nemesis as an example. (The Poldiac is a mod I would LOVE to have, but it seems they haven't really gotten the clone right, and the original is out of my budget.)

So there it is. Convince me to spend my money! lol

 

[Joka]

Never seen a thread like this, I have the nemmy too, and now I'm curious as well lol

 

[Jonathan Tittle]

I've vaped on a real Nemesis and then on my HCigar Nemesis Clone and while there are subtle differences in the machining, there's nothing that would drive me to immediately say that the clone isn't worth using and that I need to buy the original right now to have a good vape.

The button on a real Nemesis, much like the HCigar clone, is a little crunchy, but a little lubricant and that's no longer an issue. The Nemesis tubes (anodized?) fit the HCigar clone, so you could head over to the VapRev online shop and buy a colored tube and swap them out if you really wanted to as the HCigar clone is meant to be a near 1:1 replica, baring a few minor details. Again, nothing that says "fork over another $170-$180 for the real deal" just right now.

As far clones in general, HCigar, IMO, makes the best ones. The ones from Tobeco are hit or miss. Some are nice, some look and feel like complete garbage and the same thing goes for their atty clones. The fake chrome-like finish doesn't appeal to me and they tend to overdo it on a lot of their items, but then again, they are generally cheaper than HCigar clones, so that's probably why.

 

[TheJakeBailey]

Thanks tactical. I've read a lot of "VS" reviews online, but it usually seems like that reviewer is pro/con on clones before they even started, and rarely are the results different then what they expected before they started. If i dropped some cash on the original, but didn't notice a difference I would feel like I wasted my money. There are definitely some affordable (for a treat) originals out there, and I'm not opposed to using the classies. That being said, If I got a few clones for the same money, well that would be ok for me as well. lol

 

[sd401k]

My only clone experience is with the Hcigar Aqua atomizer clone. It looks just like the original, has nice smooth threading but performance wise, the two airflow channels are different sizes leading to one coil getting more air than the other. Definitely not a good performer when compared to the original. I did also recently get to hold and use both a Nemesis clone and Nemesis original mechanical mod and I noticed a big difference in materials used, for example, switch contacts which contribute to voltage drop. The difference in price however, is huge. If you can possibly afford it, go for the original.

 

[Jonathan Tittle]

The way I see it, clones are a good thing as they promote fair pricing in the industry. The Nemesis is the only mech I use and I think very highly of it due to the simplicity of the design and the feel of the mod in my hands. It's just comfortable and it fires when I press the button. I paid $40 for the clone because I wanted it sooner rather than later (a la FastTech), but for $40 + $5 shipping, I saved well over $120 and I am happy with the functionality.

Would I buy a real Nemesis? Probably, if they offered some customization options that clones didn't. For example, if they allowed me to pick my own tube and mix and match top cap, locking ring, etc. I could see that being worth $170-$180 and it'd be showing my support for a really well designed mod. As it stands though, they don't and the clone works as it should without any failures. With a newborn here as well, it's hard to justify that cost right now as well .

I did make one change to mine though; I swapped the spring for magnets to prevent wear down. I can now sit a full Kayfun 3.1 clone on top of it and not have to worry about wobble or potentially firing the mod should I sit it down to quick.

 

[Miata GT]

Has it been your experience that HCigar makes the best clones? For the devices I've looked at or purchased it depends on the device. When I was looking for an Aqua/Origin clone the TOBECO seemed to be the best whereas their Kayfun clone is junky, IMO.

 

[TheJakeBailey]

And that brings up another good point, though i might be derailing my own thread a bit. I LOVE the spring tension in my Nemesis clone. It has a very firm press, and I can set it down with not a chance of firing. Even with the heavy as hell Fogger V3. (not saying I ever got the Fogger to work well, only that it was on there! lol) Do the magnets have this firm of a press?? I would have guessed that they would be easier to press, not harder. I've been wrong many times before, so it's OK for me to be wrong here as well. Just curious.

 

[TheJakeBailey]

Has it been your experience that HCigar makes the best clones? For the devices I've looked at or purchased it depends on the device. When I was looking for an Aqua/Origin clone the TOBECO seemed to be the best whereas their Kayfun clone is junky, IMO.

THIS! But I hated my Tobeco Aqua. I think the other one I have is an Hcigar, but I'm not positive. It came with the two drip tips, and the red o-rings. I like everything about it better then the second one I ordered, which was the Tobeco. lol I guess there is no right answer.

 

[Jonathan Tittle]

Has it been your experience that HCigar makes the best clones? For the devices I've looked at or purchased it depends on the device. When I was looking for an Aqua/Origin clone the TOBECO seemed to be the best whereas their Kayfun clone is junky, IMO.

Based on my purchase history, all I own are HCigar Clones where they're available. I've held and used Tobeco clones and I simply don't like them. They look and feel cheap to me and the chrome-plating look that they use on most of their clones is what gives it that feel. I've seen chrome plating chip on way too many cheap-o items in the past, enough to where I don't feel like messing with it when it comes to something I'm using to inhale from, whether it's a mod or atty.

They may work fine for some, but it's personal preference.

And that brings up another good point, though i might be derailing my own thread a bit. I LOVE the spring tension in my Nemesis clone. It has a very firm press, and I can set it down with not a chance of firing. Even with the heavy as hell Fogger V3. (not saying I ever got the Fogger to work well, only that it was on there! lol) Do the magnets have this firm of a press?? I would have guessed that they would be easier to press, not harder. I've been wrong many times before, so it's OK for me to be wrong here as well. Just curious.

The magnets came from Fat Daddy Vapes and are designed to the exact same specifications of those from Atmomixani, but they're supposed to be improved and more sturdy. I don't have a set from the vendor to compare to, but I can tell you that there's zero wobble, the button press is actually firmer (with just 2 magnets - not 3 like some people use on the cheap 10-packs from FT or DealExtreme) and the heavy Kayfun 3.1 ES clone, with a full tank and the stainless steel tank section is no trouble at all. It doesn't fire when I sit it down and I've even had it unlocked in my pocket without any firing.

 

[DaveP]

Reviews reveal the differences. Someone has to buy it and talk about it before we know if we want it.

I like to watch PBusardo videos before plunking down the money. Some knockoffs and new products are good and some aren't.

 

[TheJakeBailey]

Reviews reveal the differences. Someone has to buy it and talk about it before we know if we want it.

I like to watch PBusardo videos before plunking down the money. Some knockoffs and new products are good and some aren't.

I didn't think Phil did much with clones? Maybe a Russian/vs Kayfun, but not a real clone vs original.

 

[crxess]

Remember - Even when comparing Apples to Apples, you have to really look carefully to find the Worm.

I had seriously considered purchasing an original Nemesis after using my FT SS copy. Decided to order the FT Brass instead and once received, I combined the two.
Well, 2 Months later I have 5 copies including one HCigar(SS Version) and No Original.
All 5 work so near original and look so nice, I see no reason - at this point - to make that large a single purchase.

Every original vs clone will need to be evaluated on merit. Nemesis Clones seem to have stepped up.

 

[John_]

From my experience the main differences are quality and longevity. I've had clone mods that stick and don't work quite right where as the authentic version is smooth and functions perfectly. (K100) I had a clone of the IGO-L it rusted after a few weeks of use. I bought an authentic IGO-L, it has yet to show any signs of rust 7 months later.

 

[crxess]

From my experience the main differences are quality and longevity. I've had clone mods that stick and don't work quite right where as the authentic version is smooth and functions perfectly. (K100) I had a clone of the IGO-L it rusted after a few weeks of use. I bought an authentic IGO-L, it has yet to show any signs of rust 7 months later.

Just sounds Wrong having issues with a China Clone of a China Dripper

 

[FearTX]

Hey guys. This is NOT a morality/immorality, clones are good or bad on principal type thread.

So I'm coming up on my 6 months since I quit smoking. 5 months ago I said I would get a Provari when I hit 6 months. Then after that, I thought a vv Reo would be the way to go. Then I thought the Billet box would be super sweet lol... And now I'm leaning another direction yet again.

I have a few mechs already. A terrible Tesla, a pretty ok UD, an Origin clone, and a Nemesis clone. Of them all, I really like the Nemesis clone the best, and it's not a very close race.

So here is my question... Is there a noticeable quality difference between a good clone, (hcigar, etc) and an original mod. for example...even after adjusting multiple times, I really hate the switch on the Origin. It just feels janky, and loose, and wobbly no matter what. Is the original this way? On the other hand, I think the Nemesis clone works very well! Is there something about an original Nemesis that would really wow me after using the clone that I already have. Thicker tubing, deeper or better engraving, better materials in the switch, that sort of thing.

I realize this is kind of a case by case deal, which is why I used the Nemesis as an example. (The Poldiac is a mod I would LOVE to have, but it seems they haven't really gotten the clone right, and the original is out of my budget.)

So there it is. Convince me to spend my money! lol

The differences between a good Nemi clone and a real Nemi are not enough to make me spend more money. TBH HCigar and EHPro versions are spot on.
Magnet upgrades are cool, buy the set of 10 from FT you can add more than 2 to get the button stiffness you want.

There is a pretty cool place to go to here in Austin to get your hands on some "genuine" stuff. Try Vapor Logic on Congress just north of Ben White. They have some nice stuff in there, they carry the Taifun as well as a few nice RDAs. The real deal Patriot RDA is indistinguishable from my clone Patriot. I kept "almost" buying the Dookz, I was looking at the Kato Hammer as well. The Dooks has the same voltage drop as my M16 clone (really good) and the Kato Hammer has the same voltage drop as my hammer clone (terrible)
I think All About Vapor has stepped up their game as well, they now carry a few high end mechanicals and are about to get the Hana V3 in.

 

[Bad Ninja]

Seems the simple mods and designs are really close.
I have about a dozen clones. Some like the king clones, have excellent fit an finish, silver plated contacts and a bulletproof design.
Then again I have others (Caravela, Tobeco Origen) that arent as close to the originals in finish, this still with every cent they cost ($45-55).

The price gap between clones an originals do not justify the differences in build quality or performance, if that's what you are asking.

 

[sparc]

Magnet upgrades are cool, buy the set of 10 from FT you can add more than 2 to get the button stiffness you want.

I bought a set of Atmomixani magnets and the weight of Nemesis clone (18650 mode) plus Kayfun lite+ has the potential to trigger the switch. I added 1 more magnet which works like a charm. Beware the magnets are very fragile and slight drop of mod can cause the magnet(s) to shatter. I already shattered 4 magnets within a months time. When my remaining magnets break I will go back to using the springs, I don't want to keep spending $ on replacement magnets.

 

[Joka]

This thread has been really helpful. So now I've decided I want to try magnets in my nemmy. Best choice?

I have an hcigar nemesis, and Caravela. Both are my first two and only mech's I have up until now. They are both sweet stuff tho =]

 

[TheJakeBailey]

The magnets came from Fat Daddy Vapes and are designed to the exact same specifications of those from Atmomixani, but they're supposed to be improved and more sturdy. I don't have a set from the vendor to compare to, but I can tell you that there's zero wobble, the button press is actually firmer (with just 2 magnets - not 3 like some people use on the cheap 10-packs from FT or DealExtreme) and the heavy Kayfun 3.1 ES clone, with a full tank and the stainless steel tank section is no trouble at all. It doesn't fire when I sit it down and I've even had it unlocked in my pocket without any firing.

Thank you! I just ordered some magnets for the Nemesis clone. Also grabbed some for the Origin. Can't be any worse than what it came with! lol