RBAs: clones vs. authentics

[onefutui2e]

Hey all,

Sorry if this was asked before, but I Googled the topic and it only returned one thread that seemed to be saturated with opinions so I didn't quite get the answer I was looking for.

My question is: are there any differences between the authentic rebuildables and the clones? For example, my local shop is selling the hcigar Kraken for $40, which is a lot less than the real one for $120. A lot of reviews out there seem to convey that a well-made clone is almost indistinguishable from the real deal.

What makes the real one that much more expensive?

Not really looking for opinions on whether or not it's right to support these copy-cat companies churning out clones; I'm wondering about the merits from a technical standpoint.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Xaiver]

I own a GG Penelope, I happened to be lucky enough to get in on the pre-order and dropped 130 dollars on it. That was 2 years ago, it's still running perfectly. I've replaced the ceramic insert once (2 dollars) and other than replacing wick/wire, I haven't spent anything else on it.

I also own a Terminator-C, and an iSmoka Magoo. They run about 50 dollars each. They both work great...except.. The Terminator wasn't build with a solid base, the flange around the 510 thread is built separately from the unit itself, and then fitted in. Three or four accidental drops and that base slipped a bit. Now if I try to put liquid in it, it just pours out the bottom. Don't get me wrong, I used the device for a few months before it got to this point, but... it's still non-functional now.

The Magoo is a dual-coil set-up and it burns through juice so fast, I don't have it in my normal rotation. It's been collecting dust on my desk for a while now because of that...and the coils seem to get gunked up much faster than Penelope. Is that a design flaw? Probably not, it's more likely just an issue with having 2 coils crossing each other.

My point here is this: If you're going to test the waters and see if you like this type of RBA, then, by all means, grab a clone. They'll work and let you try them and see if you like them. If you don't, then you spent 40 dollars instead of 120. If you do like it, you can always move up to the real deal, and feel like you made a good investment in the clone.

If you've been using rebuildables for a while and generally know what you prefer, then I would skip the knock-offs.

Typically I would give the same advice for mods. If you know what you're looking for, go for the real thing. At worst, you've got something that's solid and dependable as a back-up, or you could sell it for a decent amount. I've got a kicked Silver Bullet that I used for a solid 3 years, and it's still working fine, but the total price of it was still more than my ProVari.

 

[tmcase]

The differences are quality of materials and machining. So many of the clone are mass produced using inferior material and the machining leaves something to be desired. Not all clones are inferior but typically you get what you pay for.

 

[chuckie]

I've used both clones and so called originals,I've been so happy with the clones and so disappointed in the originals that I traded or gave away my originals and only use clones now.They're only two end caps with holes and a tank,pretty basic.