I've used/given away over 100 of these (Ego-C) so far and had zero issues outside one threading problem just the other day. You were the unlucky one. I would try again and return the lemon as this isn't typical, there are just a few random reports of bad ones. If it makes you feel any better, I just got a Genuine Smok branded 25 dollar spinner/twist battery from a US vendor and it was dead out of the box. It does happen... and more frequently than it should. The catch is that with FT, you will have to wait a long time for that replacement. You might want to consider double-ordering if you REALLY need something, and that's not just with FT either. This stuff is all Chinese, failure rates are higher than they should be.
As far as mechs go, I got a Nemesis clone (
https://www.fasttech.com/p/1448300) and I love the thing. Does all battery modes AND will take a kick; same as the Chi-You clone. It's modular so you take out the tubes you don't need and that includes the kick extension ring. This leaves a LOT cleaner looking and more solid feeling device. I've decided I do NOT like telescopic tube mods at all even though they are more convenient (you don't have to store and lose tube pieces that you may need tomorrow).
Having said that, I haven't seen the Chi clone to compare, but I have one on order... I've seen others compare clones (Nemesis v/s Chi-You) and say they like one or the other about equally the best I can tell. I can say this, there is almost no way the Chi-You can be better in aesthetics or build quality than the Nemesis unless the switch is better. The Nemesis switch leaves a little to be desired but still works very well if you setup the device properly... and the same holds true for the Genuine REAL Nemesis so I've heard.
If you go for the Chi clone, make sure you get the one that is marked "Laser Etched" (
https://www.fasttech.com/p/1438500). Apparently the other versions are not as good (I can't remember details, you'll need to read the comments on the FT site).
