Question about clones

[joeybear]

I have a buddy who travels to China about 3-4 times a year. When I showed him my PV, he laughed and said they're all over the place and really inexpensive. He was explaining how China clones everything because it's easier than having original ideas for production. He also said that oftentimes clones are better than the originals because the engineers can make subtle changes where they see a problem or concern. From experience, would people say that's true or are clones inferior to originals? I'd love a $300 Chi You and Nemesis, but if I can get both for $60 and they work the same, why not save $$? I have no brand loyalty...never have had to anyone/anything. The technology isn't rocket science so I assume that clones are just as good as originals, but I'm new and don't know if that's an accurate assumption. Thanks for the input

 

[retired1]

If you do a search, you'll find this is a commonly debated topic that tends to get rather heated with rule reminders and topic closings.

And, as usual, here's the standard admonishment for those that enjoy posting off topic remarks. Don't do it.

 

[MrStik]

there is some truth and faults in "cloning". In the sense of electronics, cloning is very often inferior. But with certain manufactured goods, such as machining, and products like mechanical mods, it is often very close if not the same. I don't really know about the superior aspect of it though. Even if there are faults in it, if it is minor enough, I wouldn't sweat it if it saves me 80-90% of the price of an original. If it works and works well, then I am willing to get one.

 

[joeybear]

I tried searching but apparently didn't search for the correct vocab or terminology. I'll search a bit deeper. Thanks, Retired1!

 

[tgardner23]

I think the main reason people buy the original instead of clones is to say they have the real thing not a clone but me personally it doesn't matter to me.

And I also feel that if there's a limited quantity made and sold people will buy them and then try and sell them for triple the price.

It's like my other hobby collecting jordan brand shoes. If it's a very popular shoe they only distribute a few to each retailer and everyone rushes In to buy them on release date and then goes home and post them on eBay for triple the retail amount.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk -

 

[tj99959]

A simple question; can you call the guy up that made your Chinese clone on the phone and get a problem resolved?

Many of us have actually met Keith, Brandon, Mike, or Rob, can't say the same about the folks making clones in China.

 

[Ref Minor]

I think you are getting 90% of the finish and performance for 30% of the price. If that is an acceptable trade off then go for it.

 

[Jwbaldy]

Check out fasttech they have some decent clones.

 

[WattWick]

A simple question; can you call the guy up that made your Chinese clone on the phone and get a problem resolved?

Many of us have actually met Keith, Brandon, Mike, or Rob, can't say the same about the folks making clones in China.

That's more of a "Made in the USA" thing for people living in the US than an original vs clone idea, isn't it? Doesn't really apply to the Pinoy or European mods, does it?

 

[Whosback]

I think it depends on what you are buying. Things that are mass produced in china I don't really mind the trade off since that is what they do in China. Also some things like tanks and coils do have a notable quality difference between the official and the clone, but that's a case by case basis. However if it's something like the Provari, or one of those really nice hand made custom Mechs, I would not buy a clone. Especially of the more detailed art like Mechs, I respect the artist too much for that.

Nothing is wrong getting a deal on some mass produced thing that has not quality difference, but just remember you do get what you pay for and it's sometimes it's worth the extra money for something made better.

 

[Myrany]

TO the OP

Only you can decide if you can live with a few things inherent in clones

1. Some have issues with the ethics of cloning someone else's creation
2. Some have issues with sending their money to China
3. Getting a clone is a crap shoot. Some are very good products but at the same time some are not.
4. For the best deals you will be ordering from Hong Kong/China shipping can be a very long wait and returns can be a pain depending on the company you deal with.

I am not passing a judgement here at all. For the record I have some cloned stuff. I found all of the above to be true. When I can afford to I tend to purchase from vendors here in the states. Just less hassle and usually better quality for what I am interested in.

 

[crxess]

I look at So called clones int several ways.
We have people here that will call anything coming out of China a clone - obviously false.
There are Mods that have some minor characteristics making them similar but not the same as originals.
There are Mods cheaply made to look like original works but poor in quality and normally extremely cheap.
Then there are actual Clones(almost). Mods made to nearly replicate the originals in both form and function.

Though some will bucket all China mods together, the later is the one Most have issue with.
Kayfun - Russian
Kayfun lite - Russian 91%
Ithaka - Hercules
Nemesis - Nemesis(HCigar's clone)

Surprisingly even a few High end owners also have the copy. Excuse - Comparison < Logic - cheaper device for out and about> Keep the real jewelry in the safe.

I pick up Chinese mods for 2 reasons
1) Availability - Mass production means my mod in my hand instead of me on a never ending waiting list.
2) Curiosity - I see no reason to make a large expense purchase on something I have never had opportunity to see/feel and examine up close. After reading Reviews from other purchasers that actually have a clue about product quality I may purchase in order to evaluate my comfort in use and its actual appeal in hand.

Example - Nemesis
To me it looks like a beautiful Mod. Love it's 18350 stance. However I have only had one bottom fire mod and it was totally uncomfortable to me.
Before purchasing a real Nemesis(in a custom finish) and investing my time I will evaluate from a less costly copy with excellent reviews.
Disposing of the copy will be far easier in my local community of Vapers should I choose to advance or simply try something else.

No, if I actually had a decent B&M near by I would likely eliminate the longer route and make one simplified choice.

 

[Caridwen]

Just a reminder as far as classifieds-

Unacceptable
Counterfeit - An exact replica of original device. This would include, logos and/or any markings in which the original device contains.

Acceptable
Clone - This is a device that may appear similar, with similar functionality, but does not contain any of the same markings.

From here out, no counterfeit device will be allowed to be sold/traded/wanted in the ECF Classifieds nor will these devices be considered for a CO-OP.

Clone devices are acceptable. As long as the device is totally absent of any markings contained by the original device, these devices will be allowed. You must disclose the fact it is a clone in your ad, preferably in the title as well as the description. Clone or counterfeit devices sold or traded on the forum that are knowingly misrepresented as the original device will result in revocation of Verified Member and also risk ban from the forum entirely.

 

[GrandSam]

This debate has been going on for some time now. I've spoken with a few shop owners about the "issue" (which isn't an issue IMO) and one owner put it best, "Get an authentic mod if you want the name, get a clone if you want functionality. Mods and their clones do the same thing, but you can't really make a profit on a clone"

 

[crxess]

Caridwen, only took me 10 days and a few likes to realize you might have been warning me -

Don't worry, by local community of Vapers, I meant my group of friends and converts at work and around my home. They all know and trust I would not sell them anything with misrepresentation. They also know I'm a cheap skate and will squeeze blood from a dime if I can get change.
Never bought or sold in the classies, though I have had some good times in the co-op section.