Clones v. Authentics (sigh)

[bigdavid77433]

Just wanted to weigh in on the controversy.

I know with other industries the authentic v. Clone/replica is an ongoing issue be it handbags (Louis Vuiton, coach, etc) or watches (Rolex, breitling, etc). In those cases I can see the OEM argument regarding quality and misrepresentation of a brand a company has spent millions on marketing and having an established expectation of quality and/or warranty.

In the case of gaping, I don't understand how the authentic OEM has any beef with clones. They are the same stainless steel tube, buttons, and design, however, I don't see any difference in the marketing dollars spent or established reputations being in jeopardy as clones are sold as clones, and anyone with half a brain should know what they are getting. A replica version.

Is there really that much difference in a straight stainless steel tube that would justify the difference of hundreds of dollars? Anyone spending $10,000 on a Real Rolex would expect support, warranty, and dealer support. Does one have the same expectation of a stainless steel tube?

Just my 2 cents

 

[bigdavid77433]

°vaping should be the 5th word of 3rd paragraph

 

[Juggernaut666]

I don't know, don't really care, I have no horse on this race, I buy clones because I simply can afford to buy "authentic". I am saving my pennies for a P3, but other than that I have a handful of clones on order, could've bought one "authentic" but for the same price I got 6 clones, with 3 rdas, and 3 rtas, clones as well. But this affords me to learn how to use each individual style, and if I find something that works extremely well for me, I just may save up and buy the real thing.

But in reality, I just can't really afford to spend that kind of cash regularly, I wish I could, but can't.

 

[Equilibrium]

Meh... yes the materials are better and the machining is better. BUT is it $100 - $150 + better? Hell no!! Is it taking money out of the originators pocket? No! They can't keep up with demand as it is. Look at the long lead times for production dates. Their products are sold before they produce them.

Just my

 

[rc3po]

I don't buy clones anymore. I would rather save up and get the authentic. How many mods do people really need anyway?

 

[Equilibrium]

I don't buy clones anymore either. Got more than I need. I'm saving up for my last mod ever (hopefully).... a Reo Grand

 

[rc3po]

I don't buy clones anymore either. Got more than I need. I'm saving up for my last mod ever (hopefully).... a Reo Grand

I'm not a cloud chaser, so I'm very happy with my e-LVT's. But I've been thinking about getting a Reo also.

 

[bigdavid77433]

I am waiting for my first box mod the new Cloupor T8. Hope with the vv/vw from 150-180-200 watts should last me a while tinkering with different coil builds, attys, RBA, RDA, RTA options.

 

[Coldrake]

Geez, we haven't even finished with the last Clones v. Authentics thread!

 

[clydesdalekevin]

I have an authentic Squape Reloaded which is my favorite thing EVER! An authentic Tobh and what I think is an authentic Plume Veil. Other than that, my battery mods, Nemesis and Hana, are clones. Because of the price. That said, whenever I can afford it, I buy the authentic to support the small manufacturer. My next purchase will be a REAL Hana once I can afford it...unless the next run of Squape Reloadeds come out before I buy the Hana. In which case, I will at least be buying the Wide deck, and probably ANOTHER Squape R, since I love this one so much! Its the only thing I use anymore! Even the Plume Veil is gathering dust.

Kev

 

[nothingbutapage]

Just wanted to weigh in on the controversy.

I know with other industries the authentic v. Clone/replica is an ongoing issue be it handbags (Louis Vuiton, coach, etc) or watches (Rolex, breitling, etc). In those cases I can see the OEM argument regarding quality and misrepresentation of a brand a company has spent millions on marketing and having an established expectation of quality and/or warranty.

In the case of gaping, I don't understand how the authentic OEM has any beef with clones. They are the same stainless steel tube, buttons, and design, however, I don't see any difference in the marketing dollars spent or established reputations being in jeopardy as clones are sold as clones, and anyone with half a brain should know what they are getting. A replica version.

Is there really that much difference in a straight stainless steel tube that would justify the difference of hundreds of dollars? Anyone spending $10,000 on a Real Rolex would expect support, warranty, and dealer support. Does one have the same expectation of a stainless steel tube?

Just my 2 cents

Sure he has. When you get an authentic product you can expect manufacturers (or vendors) to solve all the issues with your mod/atty/whatever it is. And it costs a lot more to produce a mod in USA for example then in China, ya know (that's why Mutation X costs 25$).

But yeah, I don't want to pay 200 dollars for a stainless steel tube. I think maybe 60-80$ is a deal for a good mod, but not more.

 

[Warpigs]

Silver Bullet is around 80-85 bucks if I remember correctly. Bought it when I started vaping, and it still works like the day I bought it.

 

[havinfun1]

FT nemisis clone. Payed I think $26 for it 10 months ago. Use it most days, still works like the day I got it, which is great. Never a problem.

 

[unsure]

I believe for the most part (not in every case) in the adage "you get what you pay for". I said it before about Clones v. Authentics...nobody buys a clone because its better than the authentic. No such animal. A clone can only be as good at best. By definition its a copy. They are purchased for the savings and no other reason. If a clone is better then it NOT a clone and something else. If you make an improvement to the authentic then it ceases being a clone and shouldn't be called that imo.