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Clone Mods, whats your take on it

Ruppy_bear

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so as u know i live in china and clones are very very accessable over here. most of my friends dont really have the balls to try a clone but i have a friend that owned and hes doing well atm.

im very temped in buying one just cuz i cant afford the real thing right now. (thats a great reason lol) but whats your guys take on it.
 

DogMan

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i've owned many clones over the years

early on, i was trying everything, to narrow down my tastes

once i found my style, i ended up with all originals (except 1 016 rda clone)

i am glad i had clones, to let me try everything
 

Ruppy_bear

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i've owned many clones over the years

early on, i was trying everything, to narrow down my tastes

once i found my style, i ended up with all originals (except 1 016 rda clone)

i am glad i had clones, to let me try everything
i thought u guys would be less accepted of ppl like me. (shoe guys hate me for wearing fake shoes)

did u have any problems with your clone? (im looking a mech mod and im a little worried)
 

DogMan

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i thought u guys would be less accepted of ppl like me. (shoe guys hate me for wearing fake shoes)

did u have any problems with your clone? (im looking a mech mod and im a little worried)

most were pretty good, some undistinguishable from original

read the reviews on vendor site. There are different brands of clone. Sometimes one is better than another. SXK clones are generally very good for eg
 

Jinx'd

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I have a Reload clone, using it right now. the fit and finish isn't as good as a real. but it is just the same where it counts.
and $10 instead of $50-60-70-80 +, I'l take it.
 

wildgypsy70

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I have quite a few clone RDAs. And quite a few OGs. I have no problem with clones or people who buy them, but I do understand why people get their knickers in a twist about them. I feel like they’re a good way to try something before shelling out $$ for the real thing. It would suck to drop $80 on a RDA and find out you hate it.
 

Carambrda

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I don't get my knickers in a twist about clones, nor even about the simple fact clones are equally as fake as the fake claim that there exists a Reload the shape of the interior of which is an actual 1:1 copy of the authentic regardless of what the fit and finish is like. Instead, people who get their knickers in a twist by trying to fool others into believing they have compared the so-called 1:1 clone to the authentic just make me laugh so hard that my knickers fall authentically off of my butt even before I stand a cloned chance of getting them in a half twist.

That said, if not getting a clone effectively forces you to continue to smoke cigarettes, then get a clone.
 

Ruppy_bear

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but most clones dont even match up to half of what the og mods are here in china. i think its a great idea to try it out before shelling out big money for something og, but im not sure that theory works with the ones in china. (bad quality mod)
 

Silver79

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Clones never bothered me. I always likened them to "kit cars". If you took a real Lamborghini and a Lamborghini kit car side by side, they will have a similar look, they will both drive and for normal driving purposes they probably have similar performance.

The difference's are the quality of material it's composed of, its re-sale value and its performance at the extremes.

I've used many clones, never had any safety issues. Also if there were any performance concerns, what I "lost" by not having a authentic was never enough for me to notice let alone give a shit about what anyone else thought what I could or could not afford.
 

The Cromwell

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I have used quite a few clone mods. Only for mechs though. Some of the mech clones are as good and can even be better than the original in a few cases.
I have a couple of Kato clone mods which are top notch quality. I picked them up for $10 each on clearance about 3 years ago.
And if I pulled one out now it would work perfect with no cleaning. They are the best quality ones I have bought. although the New Yorker mech is actually better quality than the original mod it was cloned from.

Regular people cannot buy some of the original mech mods due to their limited production numbers.
Same with some authentic attys. Nearly Impossible to get even at a very high price.

Resale value is not an issue with me as I buy them to use and if I do not like them I give them away.

I personally have no issues with clone vape stuff. Or shoes for that matter :)
 
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Carambrda

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but most clones dont even match up to half of what the og mods are here in china. i think its a great idea to try it out before shelling out big money for something og, but im not sure that theory works with the ones in china. (bad quality mod)
To shell out real money on a product that's essentially the equivalent of a counterfeit product, to then be able to do a fantasized comparison instead of doing an actual real comparison, is what I call wishful thinking (i.e., the exact opposite of a great idea).
 

Carambrda

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I've used many clones, never had any safety issues.
Here comes the $64,000 question. Have all your clones been lab tested for things like trace amounts of lead and cadmium, or are you just getting your knickers in a twist about this particular part of the subject, and, how much did the counterfeit experts pay you to get your knickers in a twist? ;)
 

The Cromwell

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Here comes the $64,000 question. Have all your clones been lab tested for things like trace amounts of lead and cadmium, or are you just getting your knickers in a twist about this particular part of the subject, and, how much did the counterfeit experts pay you to get your knickers in a twist? ;)
what assurance do we have that authentic vape stuff has been tested for trace amounts of lead, etc?
I do not think that there are any regulations requiring that it be done, be they authentic or clones.
Possibly for some made in the EU?
Another point is that many authentic's are now made in China by outfits that make clones too.
 
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Ruppy_bear

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truth is a lot of stuff is made in china now and we dont even know whats in it or has it been tested (the right way)

clothes and shoes is a great example, most ppl call out those that buy fakes cuz they are pretending to be someone that cant afford it and also for original design. ya they might talk shit about quality but alot of ppl buy Jordan mostly for looks not comfort. (maybe used them on court once a while)
 

Silver79

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Here comes the $64,000 question. Have all your clones been lab tested for things like trace amounts of lead and cadmium, or are you just getting your knickers in a twist about this particular part of the subject, and, how much did the counterfeit experts pay you to get your knickers in a twist? ;)

I can neither confirm nor deny that any such testing has or hasn't taken place.......lol......I can't say that I have the answer to that question, but I think you understood what I meant by it. I never worried about a clone (mech tube,more precisely) device failing while I was using it.

The only twisting here is when someone throws shade at another person for using a clone device. Without being to preachy, the authenticity of a device someone uses to stay off cigarettes shouldn't be anyone else's concern.
 

Carambrda

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what assurance do we have that authentic vape stuff has been tested for trace amounts of lead, etc?
I do not think that there are any regulations requiring that it be done, be they authentic or clones.
Possibly for some made in the EU?
Another point is that many authentic's are now made in China by outfits that make clones too.
Here in the EU, for every vaping product that either enters the EU or is manufactured in the EU, accredited lab testing is required by TPD law. Manufacturers and importers in the EU also have to submit a registration for each and every individual product by using the EU Common Entry Gate (EU-CEG) online system/platform, and, they don't have to submit the actual lab report itself, but they have to specify when and where the lab test was conducted, and they have to store the lab report and be able to present it to lawful inspectors (who, at least here in Belgium, very often eat people alive if they see, hear, or smell something that they don't like...).
 

Carambrda

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I can neither confirm nor deny that any such testing has or hasn't taken place.......lol......I can't say that I have the answer to that question, but I think you understood what I meant by it. I never worried about a clone (mech tube,more precisely) device failing while I was using it.

The only twisting here is when someone throws shade at another person for using a clone device. Without being to preachy, the authenticity of a device someone uses to stay off cigarettes shouldn't be anyone else's concern.
Of course I understand. But you're wrong when you claim that the authenticity shouldn't be anyone else's concern, at least in part, as the lack of an authentic safety report with these products is damaging to public health and is detrimental to the entire vaping industry the reputation of which already is under heavy constant attack enough that we, vapers, shouldn't support the general impression that we are OK with stealing the intellectual property of truly innovative companies that help us get better quality vaping products or that we should let our market get flooded with counterfeit items till our lawmakers decide to force a complete ban of online sales of vaping products to consumers (like already happened here in Belgium) under the guise of "a vaping epidemic among teens".
 

The Cromwell

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Here in the EU, for every vaping product that either enters the EU or is manufactured in the EU, accredited lab testing is required by TPD law. Manufacturers and importers in the EU also have to submit a registration for each and every individual product by using the EU Common Entry Gate (EU-CEG) online system/platform, and, they don't have to submit the actual lab report itself, but they have to specify when and where the lab test was conducted, and they have to store the lab report and be able to present it to lawful inspectors (who, at least here in Belgium, very often eat people alive if they see, hear, or smell something that they don't like...).
No such law in the USA on vape stuff. Whether domestic authentic or imported.
Plumbing stuff and other things yes but no regulations at all on vape stuff.

and does that import restriction apply to individual imports for individual use or just for sale?
 

f1r3b1rd

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I don’t have any issues with clones in general.
HOWEVER
Lord knows I’ve bought hundreds of clones over the years. In the early days, I purchased many a clone to dissect and figure out what I preferred. If I liked the clone, I would buy the authentic. In some cases the authentic was much better than the clone, in other cases the clone was better than the authentic.. in smoke cases the clone fixed an issue with the authentic -rare but it’s happened on more than one occasion.

All of that said, buying clones still requires more research.. especially when it comes to things like insulators and magnetic switches. To get a 100$ attty or mod for 10$ means that a manufacturer is cutting corners or shaving cost somewhere. Material? QC? Tooling? Not all clones are created equal. So long as you make educated buying decisions, and play it safe, you’ll be ok.

Another nice side of the clone market has been watching the price of authentic gear come down a bit and become a tad more available in some cases, in order to compete with the clone world.
 
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Silver79

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we, vapers, shouldn't support the general impression that we are OK with stealing the intellectual property of truly innovative companies that help us get better quality vaping products or that we should let our market get flooded with counterfeit items ".

I'll certainly grant you that point, but this is also exactly where most vapers who take this stance (or a similar variation) lose me. Often times the same people who talk about protecting "intellectual property" are the same ones using a generic or knock-off brand of something else in their daily life. I'd say its a safe bet that very few people only the buy the original name branded "whatever" for all of their household needs. Off brand food, cleaners, toys, electronics, clothes, you name it. They are all made to resemble or essentially copy something else.

Unless everything in ones house is the original and authentic, it would be hard to hear them talk about valuing intellectual property.....Ya know.
 

Carambrda

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No such law in the USA on vape stuff. Whether domestic authentic or imported.
Plumbing stuff and other things yes but no regulations at all on vape stuff.

and does that import restriction apply to individual imports for individual use or just for sale?
Under the TPD law, an importer is defined as the owner of, or a person having the right of disposal over, tobacco or related products that have been brought into the territory of the European Union. I think the easiest solution for Brexit is to just slip seriously big clouds through the Chunnel. :cuss2:
 

The Cromwell

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Of course in around 2 years all vaping stuff not sold in the USA before 2-2007 is banned unless the Deeming regs change.
 

Carambrda

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I'll certainly grant you that point, but this is also exactly where most vapers who take this stance (or a similar variation) lose me. Often times the same people who talk about protecting "intellectual property" are the same ones using a generic or knock-off brand of something else in their daily life. I'd say its a safe bet that very few people only the buy the original name branded "whatever" for all of their household needs. Off brand food, cleaners, toys, electronics, clothes, you name it. They are all made to resemble or essentially copy something else.

Unless everything in ones house is the original and authentic, it would be hard to hear them talk about valuing intellectual property.....Ya know.
A generic or knock-off brand isn't necessarily the same thing as a clone the title description of which literally specifies both the name of the brand and the name of the product/model that's used to uniquely identify the authentic counterpart, but anyway, that is not the reason why you lost me. The reason why you lost me is because vaping is different in a very fundamental way, as vaping saves lives and is already being under serious attack in such a way that, from a purely moral standpoint IMO, your comment merits no further reply.
 

Carambrda

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The Cromwell

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I thought the PMTA deadline had recently been moved from August 8, 2022 to August 8, 2021 so if that's the way it's gonna go then there's a lot less than 2 years left, or am I missing something? https://www.vapingpost.com/2019/03/15/fda-moves-pmta-deadline-from-2022-to-2021/
Thanks, had not seen that yet.
So right at 2 years now. Of course that only impacts products on the US market between Feb 2007 and Aug 2016. Any product not on the US market before Aug 2016 has never been legal to sell or import into the US. Enforcement was just delayed, and that can change at a moments notice.
 

The Cromwell

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Have been reading thru that draft and we can expect more stringent age verification for online sales of vape products.
 

Ruppy_bear

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funny how vaping doesnt really save lifes here in china. (we try to promo it like that but not.really working)

thats why so many ppl buy clones as its another great way to smoke and look cool without breaking the bank. (if u cant afford it)

another thing im curious about is do u guys buy reps/ clones like the same with clothes and shoes? u know we love jordans but i cant afford some of the shoe and the fact that shoes like jordan 1 (which was like $100 usd or so) just sky rocketed these few years due to crossover partnership/limited editons. (u know buy the mods just for looks)
 

f1r3b1rd

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I don’t personally; but, I’m not into anything else that has rampant counterfeiting.
Fishing, aerial photography(drones) and cutlery
 

The Cromwell

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I am not into fashion. Never really have been.
I do not wear clothes with free advertising on them especially if I paid a premium price for them.
I go for comfort and function not looks or bragging rights on how much something cost.
 

Carambrda

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I am not into fashion. Never really have been.
I do not wear clothes with free advertising on them especially if I paid a premium price for them.
I go for comfort and function not looks or bragging rights on how much something cost.
On occasion I advertise for Americans and the fact their assery is bad. :giggle:

american-badassery-t-shirt-purge-mods.jpg
 

Jinx'd

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I could be wrong. but I think the clones are made in the same factory as the OG's. the client hires the factory to make, say, 5000.
at the end of the run, the factory keeps churning them out. but, to lower costs, they may/may not use cheaper materials, eliminate/change some design, let tooling go a little longer,etc. in order to make them less expensive. then these clones are put on the world market for folks that can't afford the high markup of the OG.
 

MrMeowgi

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I just wonder how much it eats you alive that I vape the same mod as you but at a 16th of the cost. Like my purge slam piece clone. Works great. Honestly I can't see the authentic being that much better to raise the price another $470. Just because Matt haggerman didn't touch it himself. And the argument it's not made in China is not valid when the authentic is released and 12 hours later fasttech has it. Pretty obvious they're both made in the same factory
 

f1r3b1rd

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Pretty obvious they're both made in the same factory


It is, but I hasten to think all clones are. Which, is where that research comes into play.
 

f1r3b1rd

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Oh definitely There are some bad clones for sure. Research is key to vaping
What manufacturer slam piece were you referring to?
-asking for a friend :teehee:
 

nadalama

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I just wonder how much it eats you alive that I vape the same mod as you but at a 16th of the cost. Like my purge slam piece clone. Works great. Honestly I can't see the authentic being that much better to raise the price another $470. Just because Matt haggerman didn't touch it himself. And the argument it's not made in China is not valid when the authentic is released and 12 hours later fasttech has it. Pretty obvious they're both made in the same factory

This literally just happened with the release of the Zeus X. Thing went on sale en masse, and almost immediately clones were available.

I buy clone atties a lot, and have several older tube mech clones. Most of the ones I've bought have been quite good. There have been a few exceptions, but not many.
 

f1r3b1rd

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I have heard great things about the kindbright Mech mod clones and SXK has been Known to be a good brand for ears now.
Anyone remember the aqua v2 blow up? They basically got caught red handed using a clone company to manufacture the tanks. At the time the v2 was something around 120$.
When they released, fast tech put the authentic up for 35$.
Turned out the same manufacturer for the clones was making the authentic and there was a foul up.
Can’t hate on it though, footoon has always made some of my favorite gear.
 
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MrMeowgi

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I have heard great things about the kindbright Mech mod clones and SXK has been Known to be a good brand for ears now.
Anyone remember the aqua v2 blow up? They basically got caught red handed using a clone company to manufacture the tanks. At the time the v2 was something around 120$.
When they released, fast tech put the authentic up for 35$.
Turned out the same manufacturer for the clones was making the authentic and there was a foul up.
Can’t hate on it though, footoon has always made some of my favorite gear.
Oh wow I didn't hear about that. Whoopsie. Lol
 

MrMeowgi

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I'll vape clones but will always note if a clone or not. Not trying to look cooler than I already am. But I'm definitely proud of my authentics and have no problem spending money for them. Happy Easter everyone
6e695f473244f460b30e7ea26608fe08.jpg
 

f1r3b1rd

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I'll vape clones but will always note if a clone or not. Not trying to look cooler than I already am. But I'm definitely proud of my authentics and have no problem spending money for them. Happy Easter everyone
6e695f473244f460b30e7ea26608fe08.jpg
Amen to that!
I personally I stopped buying clones a few years back. The only time i would make an exception is in the case of something altogether new; which, doesn’t happen much anymore.
I either wait for a sale or buy from the classies. However, can’t judge anyone for their own buying decisions.
 

Synphul

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I'm of the mindset that I worry about my own stuff. If anyone's gonna rip loose from their blow hole about morality or anything else they wish to judge me on, they can kindly suck it. If you're not making my meals, paying my bills or giving me a happy ending your opinion is irrelevant. I have some authentic, some clones. I don't worry about whether or not a clone performs as well as the original, I judge it based on its performance period. Does it work well? Does it give good flavor (subjective and according to my own opinion which is all that matters)? Was it worth the price? It's not like I push others to buy one or the other, it's their money and judgement.

A perfect example is my manta rta. It's not a full out clone though very similar to the reload. Many reload fans. That's cool. The manta isn't better than the reload, however I enjoy it and while people paid $70+ for the reload I paid around $26 shipped for the manta with the straight glass, bubble glass and 2 spare bubble glass. Instead of spending $70 on the reload, I paid 26 $for the rta, around $26 or $27 shipped for the ipv eclipse, $6.50 a piece for my sony vtc6's and the remaining $5 or $6 covered a bag of japanese cotton that will last me 2yrs. I'm good with that.

Just like picking up a couple rda clones that give me good flavor for $15-20 total instead of paying $100 for authentics. Sure it's only $80 but not only have I had a couple enjoyable rda's that I personally like regardless of what name they are, that $80 paid for my garden the past 2yrs. I looked and looked, but the csmnt description didn't include an entire summer's worth of veggies (400-500lbs conservatively). Would be cool if it did though. lol. Worth is a personal calculation. (Did I mention the veggies are authentic? hahaha)
 

Synphul

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500lbs = wow. I would be lucky, and happy, to get 50.
Last year was a bit less due to odd weather taking its toll but the year prior, every 2-3 days I was hauling out 4-6 grocery sacks full. Everything from squash, zucchini, eggplant, jalapenos, bell peppers, tomatoes, peas, oregano, cucumbers. I had veggies, neighbors had veggies, left some sitting in a box at a store, traded for some other stuff at a small produce stand.

I'm sure it would've been more manageable with a green house, but some seasons you fight alternate bouts of heavy rain and high heat which causes several things to bolt. Actually looking to do things a bit different this year, instead of planting in ground (where it risks getting flooded by heavy rains) going to go with raised mounds.
 

Jinx'd

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we have a raised bed. I did it because my wife is disabled = easier for her to get at stuff. but the last few years have not been good for ours, and idk why. luckily our neighbor had plenty extra. idk about this year, she is getting divorced, and he did the getting it started stuff, so.....
 

Carambrda

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I just wonder how much it eats you alive that I vape the same mod as you but at a 16th of the cost. Like my purge slam piece clone. Works great. Honestly I can't see the authentic being that much better to raise the price another $470. Just because Matt haggerman didn't touch it himself. And the argument it's not made in China is not valid when the authentic is released and 12 hours later fasttech has it. Pretty obvious they're both made in the same factory
It doesn't bother me at all the fact I own 28 authentic mods by Purge Mods, just like it doesn't bother me at all the fact I own 3 mods (not by Purge Mods) that are hand engraved directly onto the mods by Mathew Hagermann. I just know Mat is a good guy and a seriously talented artist, I really love his art, and, you couldn't even spell half of his name right. :giggle:
 

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