Is this a clone?

[_sidekick_]

I recently bought am 18350 vanilla, but I think it may be a clone. I've tried searching, but I haven't found any vanilla clone vs authentic pictures. I already own an authentic 18650 vanilla, but the switch is totally different and the tube engraving is different as well. Can anyone verify or give me some info on whether or not this is a clone?


My 18650 switch on the right, the 18350 switch on the left.


The machining seems to be rougher overall on the switch assembly and tube. There are also heavy vertical lines in the engraving.

Thanks for any help!

 

[tayone415]

The one with an M in front for the serial number is a clone.

 

[stevegmu]

It is obvious the one on the right has higher quality finishing, so is the real one.

 

[tayone415]

Other tips, if it came in a box and with 2 tubes, it's definitely not authentic, most if not all of the vanilla clones' serial number begins with an M, the authentic doesn't have a letter in front. I own an authentic Vanilla and made sure I wasn't buying a clone, since I got mine cheaper than most places, If you google vanilla mod clone you'll see M before the numbers and the build quality, and logo on the mod and switch isn't the same, and the grooves are not the same either.

 

[crxess]

The one with an M in front for the serial number is a clone.

Maybe.....Maybe Not.

Smok-e Mountain Vanilla 18350 | The Vaping Buddha

 

[tayone415]

Maybe.....Maybe Not.

Smok-e Mountain Vanilla 18350 | The Vaping Buddha

I haven't looked in to the first version Vanilla mods, the link you posted is for the first version. The picture the OP posted is for the second or third version. On that particular version posted by the OP, is the same version I have, and I researched clone vs authentic before buying mine, and there is no "M" for this version. Also looking at the grooves on the top and bottom are different from the authentic, and I also seen a review of clone vs authentic somewhere before. Also the logo on the tube is way off.

Here is a link for the authentic Vanillas in all colors and sizes

Smok-E Mountain - Vanilla mod – localvape

 

[_sidekick_]

Thank you for the help everyone. Unfortunately, it seems like it is a clone.

 

[tayone415]

Thank you for the help everyone. Unfortunately, it seems like it is a clone.

You're welcome, sorry it seems like you bought a clone. Did you buy it at a B&M? Hopefully you didn't pay an authentic price for it.

 

[_sidekick_]

You're welcome, sorry it seems like you bought a clone. Did you buy it at a B&M? Hopefully you didn't pay an authentic price for it.

I actually bought it in the classifieds here at the price of an authentic. I paid $80 shipped, which is twice what a clone costs new. I'm talking to the seller now.

 

[tayone415]

I actually bought it in the classifieds here at the price of an authentic. I paid $80 shipped, which is twice what a clone costs new. I'm talking to the seller now.

Good luck!!!

 

[_sidekick_]

Good luck!!!

Thanks! I'm hoping he will make it right.

 

[tayone415]

Thanks! I'm hoping he will make it right.

If not, I would try to make sure he can't sell on the classifieds and advise other members about him.

 

[coaldriller]

I can tell you that the #m0445 is an authentic smok e mountain, as I am the original buyer from local vape . Don't have the receipt, but I can go back and get local vape to verify. This mod new was $160.00+ tax and shipping.

 

[coaldriller]

Also the 18650's had no letter, just the serial #...the 18500's had an H (half) then the serial #...And last but not least, the 18350's had a M (mini) then the serial #

 

[jwhorner6]

Other tips, if it came in a box and with 2 tubes, it's definitely not authentic, most if not all of the vanilla clones' serial number begins with an M, the authentic doesn't have a letter in front. I own an authentic Vanilla and made sure I wasn't buying a clone, since I got mine cheaper than most places, If you google vanilla mod clone you'll see M before the numbers and the build quality, and logo on the mod and switch isn't the same, and the grooves are not the same either.

The original 18350 vanillas have a m in front of the serial number. The 18500 has a H in front and the limited editions have an Le in front. The regular 18650 has nothing in front. This information came from smoke e mountains fb page. Also I have googled and not been able to find any vanilla clones in just 18350. All the clones are either 18650 or come with both tubes.

Also I have not been able to find any clones via google search that have the stainless steel top cap and lock ring. They all (at least all I have seen on google) come with brass top cap and lock ring.

 

[coaldriller]

The original 18350 vanillas have a m in front of the serial number. The 18500 has a H in front and the limited editions have an Le in front. The regular 18650 has nothing in front. This information came from smoke e mountains fb page. Also I have googled and not been able to find any vanilla clones in just 18350. All the clones are either 18650 or come with both tubes.

Also I have not been able to find any clones via google search that have the stainless steel top cap and lock ring. They all (at least all I have seen on google) come with brass top cap and lock ring.

This 18350 #m0445 was purchased before the vanilla clones were ever produced..

 

[crxess]

Best thing is, if you can produce a receipt for the buyer, ignore all this and do so.

 

[coaldriller]

Receipt was obtained.

 

[LowOhms]

I bought a clone mod sold to me as an original, at the authentic price at a local head shop. They wouldn't take the return, ...... me off to no end. I will never buy ecig gear from a headshop again! In fact both headshops in my town do this. So don't feel too bad, it happens. I don't mind clones, i just buy them from real vape shops that label and price them as such. Beware of headshops that sell ecigs and eliquid

 

[tayone415]

I bought a clone mod sold to me as an original, at the authentic price at a local head shop. They wouldn't take the return, ...... me off to no end. I will never buy ecig gear from a headshop again! In fact both headshops in my town do this. So don't feel too bad, it happens. I don't mind clones, i just buy them from real vape shops that label and price them as such. Beware of headshops that sell ecigs and eliquid

It could be that they are crooks and intentionally rip off their customers or they were ripped off themselves and didn't know they were selling clones.