What Makes a Clone a Clone?

[VT Andrew]

I have often been asked what specifically makes a clone. I recently came up with the 3 Clonemandments:

1. Identical style/look: If you'd struggle to tell it apart from the authentic, from a short distance
2. Identical functionality: Works and is designed exactly like the authentic, with no unique features
3. Logo: If it has the copied/similar logo of the authentic

I'd say there are different levels of a clone, but if it's got any of these three, it's probably a clone. If it's got all three, this is when it would be considered a 1:1 clone.

As I've stated previously, I'm not super clone-familiar so feel free to correct me on this. A good example of "lookalikes" that aren't really clones are the Igo series (although these could be clones for all I know).

Hell, maybe everything that's cheap is considered a Clone. Thoughts?

 

[Garemlin]

There is a fine line between a clone and a replica. A clone to me should be a 1:1 down to the last detail. This would include materials used in the pins and connections. One area that many "clone" manufacturers skimp on. A replica copies the style of the original without being exact. Possibly leaving some details off like engravings and logos. Perfect example are Panzer clones. To my knowledge there is only one Panzer 1:1 clone. The others out there are a little shorter or taller or have different engravings.

 

[VT Andrew]

See, I guess I would call a "replica" just a cheap/shitty clone.

 

[MistaKuraudo]

Isn't the definition of "replica" an exact copy? I would think it's the exact opposite, with a replica being a 1:1 copy.

 

[VT Andrew]

Its tough because "clone" sounds like a worse word where "replica" sounds more respectable IMO, but to be an exact copy could be considered worse by some, and better by others...

 

[Brianj]

if you're ripping off someone else's IP to profit your own ass
it's a clone,replica.....
whatever you want to call it
it's just wrong

 

[VT Andrew]

I've never owned/used a clone unless I was hitting someone else mod. I've also stopped selling just about ANYTHING that can be considered a clone...and NEVER sold something with a replica logo. #integrity


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[Chris]

.

 

[Spike64]

if you're ripping off someone else's IP to profit your own ass
it's a clone,replica.....
whatever you want to call it
it's just wrong

In some cases the original maker hasnt taken steps to legally protect their logo and/or design...in this case their "IP" isnt being ripped off...it's up for grabs...

 

[tick22]

if it says clone, it thinks it's a clone, so it must be a clone.
Ex, fast tech calls alot of their stuff,. let say spinner like, the like does not say clone but it is like the original.

So it's all in the name, really.

Most mods could be called flashlight clones but with a glow instead of a light.
You see where I am going with this?

 

[VT Andrew]

In some cases the original maker hasnt taken steps to legally protect their logo and/or design...in this case their "IP" isnt being ripped off...it's up for grabs...

Although much harder to enforce without the trademark or copyright on file, this is still their IP. Either way, it's sketchy no matter what. If you drew and amazing picture and posted it to Facebook, NOBODY owns the rights to that art except you. Let's face it, a lot of these high end products are works of art.

 

[Spike64]

Although much harder to enforce without the trademark or copyright on file, this is still their IP. Either way, it's sketchy no matter what. If you drew and amazing picture and posted it to Facebook, NOBODY owns the rights to that art except you. Let's face it, a lot of these high end products are works of art.

Thats your opinion and I respect your right to have an opinion...I disagree though...lets face it...they are flashlight tubes...

 

[thechinaman]

I fucking love clones. fuck anyone who has an idea, im just gonna steal that shit. since i already download movies and music for free and scam old people out of there social security checks for a living clones fit right in with my morally bankrupt personality.

k im gonna go post a thread about how to get my clone nemmy to work right. nemesis is such a shit mod.

 

[Spike64]

lol....funny shit right there...

 

[DC-DragonCloudsGamer-G]

Okay so most people who buy "clones" buy a lot of them. I witness this all of the time at local shops and on social media. Whether it is a mod or atty. Okay so you have 15 atty clones and 10 mod clones. Let's just say the atty's average out at 20 dollars a piece. You spent 300 dollars. Let's say the mod clones average out to 35 dollars a piece. That's 650 dollars you spent on "clones" I will be willing to say that if you tried to sell all of them, you will end up with less than half of what you spent. I been there and done that. Go over to Vape Team Media on Youtube and watch what Kanger had to say about the opportunists. Definition of opportunist is... a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans. If you "An American" want to patronize burglars and thieves from China and not patronize Modders from America (not that anything is wrong with modders from the Philippines or legit companies like Innokin or Kanger from China or modders from Europe) you just don't understand what you are doing and shame on anybody who patronizes those said thieves and crooks. Innokin has shut down a few of these operations already and will continue to do so and I applaud them for standing up for their rights. At the end of the day, whoever buys clones in bulk from crooks and thieves in China needs to understand, you are putting food in the mouths of crooks and thieves instead of legit businesses in this country who abide by a simple rule of thumb. If you buy clones, I have my middle fingers waving in the air at you. Your ignorance bleeds and I have no rap for you, because at the end of the day, I know what it's about for all of you who buy from opportunists. It's about money. Money that should be in the hands of the people who thought up the legit original in the first place. I'm tired of hearing people say "well it's about not smoking" Well if that's the case, those same people were spending more on analogs in a month than just spending money on authentic pieces from legit modders. Yep, my middle fingers are still waiving in the air at you and here is where you can see that video I wrote about. Vape Team on Location: World Vapor Expo 2014 - Miami, FL

 

[icemanistheking]

In some cases the original maker hasnt taken steps to legally protect their logo and/or design...in this case their "IP" isnt being ripped off...it's up for grabs...

So if a Chinese company copies a design, logo, brand name, engraving, etc. etc. and says, for example, "Paps-like mod", it's not a clone. Lol

 

[VT Andrew]

k im gonna go post a thread about how to get my clone nemmy to work right. nemesis is such a shit mod.

I have 3 authentic nemesis mods and NEVER had an issue with ANY of them...

 

[icemanistheking]

I have 3 authentic nemesis mods and NEVER had an issue with ANY of them...

That's exactly what the china man is saying

On clone-heavy forums, every other post is about how this mod or that mod sucks because the switch doesn't work right, or whatever.

But instances of similar occurrences with authentic mods are very rare

 

[Spike64]

So if a Chinese company copies a design, logo, brand name, engraving, etc. etc. and says, for example, "Paps-like mod", it's not a clone. Lol

Yep, its a clone....but its not a counterfeit....they are literally selling it as and advertising it as not the genuine authentic mod...doing so would be counterfeiting....literally...they are selling a clone...

Try reading it again....no one said they werent clones....

 

[VT Andrew]

Well I bought them from the chinamen at VapeRev.


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[UnrequitedAndrology]

I've found clones to be GARBAGE for the most part. I like my authentic gear. Feels safer too. Respect for the innovators!

 

[Cloudy Peak Vapes]

if you're ripping off someone else's IP to profit your own ass
it's a clone,replica.....
whatever you want to call it
it's just wrong

I truly respect this opinion. I also agree with DC-DRAGONCLOUDSGAMER-G, just can't figure out how to multi quote. Since I do own three mech clones, and two kayfun clones, I'm in about 200 on that, disregarding my vv/vw devices etc... I personally could have almost afforded one of my Stingrays, or my Akuma, but not quite with that amount of coin. Nevermind another 250 or so for kayfun lites. I know I'll get more, so the number will total authentics soon enough.

As said, I understand, respect, and in some ways agree with all of these opinions, but they are just too cost prohibitive for me, and admittedly, saving equals patience, which I often throw out the window with vape gear. I see, I want it, and if I can, I get it. Not the most mature but it's me. If I could, I would spend the money on at least one authentic, but would want a clone first to see how I liked it. I do know people who have had the same issues with there authentics as with clones, too. Less common but still happens.

Also, stealing an IP is flat out wrong, and there's no arguing that, but a slight difference in design makes it a different battery tube, really. They do need to end the copying of logos. I think that might end quite a few disagreements perhaps. Copied logo does take it too far, especially getting a svoemesto box for my lsk kayfun lite. That's not cool, though I love the clone, and it is labeled as lsk on the atty, at least.

Even American made mods will have china sourced components, though machined and built here. Metals etc... At least I'd guess. I also don't know of many American mod companies, I can think of the manhattan, but have read some less than savory things about them, meaning the company. Just what I've read, so not a personal experience, wanna make that clear, no personal accusations here. Most seem to be pinoy mods, but I am new to mechs, and still naive.

It is certainly a worthy discussion, and one that won't end. Here's a link to some authentic mod porn to make us all happy... I soooooooo want.
https://www.bigbuddhavapors.com/manufacturers/j2p-customs

 

[VT Andrew]

The best comparison for me is designer purses and professional sports jerseys. EVERYONE wants a real one, but who can really afford that shit? If you go to an NFL game, roughly 4/5 jerseys are direct from china in some aspect, and they're all knockoffs. Same with looking around the mall at the purses that ladies are carrying.

I personally own NO CLONES, but I'm a shop owner so I don't have to. On the flip side, I own half a dozen NFL jerseys and only one is authentic. I paid as much for that one authentic jersey as I did for ALL 5 of the "clones" and the clones are actually better because they're clones of jerseys that are 3-4 times more expensive than my authentic "replica" jersey.

The REAL problem lies in the US based vendors SELLING the clones. Not many businesses (outside of the flea market) will dare to sell a knockoff NFL jersey or purse (for legal reasons), but they're readily available at house parties and on the internet through sites similar to fastech. I just wish more vendors would say NO and force people to go through fastech rather than selling this bullshit in their stores.

And let's not even get into the shops where they'll sell you a "Nemesis" and not even mention that you're buying a fake version of something that's MUCH more expensive for the authentic. It seems like EVERY DAY now someone comes into the shop with their new mod and they aren't even aware that what they bought is a clone. Many of these people don't even know what a clone is and they learn the hard way. And these aren't $16 clones, they're clones being sold for $50-60 retail on average.

^^^Sounds like ur like me with NFL jerseys. Just because you can't afford em, doesn't mean you should promote the bullshit, even if you support it. IMO of course...


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[Dhim]

To me, clone is 1:1. Replica is something close to resemble the actual thing. Use sports jerseys as a comparison. They sell authentic and replicas. Often replicas have iron ons instead of sewn numbers or something like that. However both still have the team logos.

 

[VaporJoe]

Technically every mod after the Screwdriver is a clone. Its just the same shit with different cake decorating on it.

 

[Cloudy Peak Vapes]

Technically every mod after the Screwdriver is a clone. Its just the same shit with different cake decorating on it.

Have to look up the Screwdriver, but if that was essentially "the first" or whatever, than there is a ton of truth to that. Again, copying logos and engravings changes that, but they are all battery tubes.

And regarding jerseys, my swingman authentic Adidas Ty Lawson Nuggets jersey is a 75 dollar piece of crap with the nba and Adidas logos the only sewn on and embroidered logos. I bought my dad a polomalu steelers jersey, "clone" lol, for about 40 bucks, and it is sooooo nice. All embroidered, and the fabrics and numbers, literally everything is spot on to the one the NFL billionaires charge over 200 for. I'd spend 200 plus for an "authentic" and sewn nuggets jersey, too, when I could go the same route online or craigslist as I did for my dad. I also can get vintage hardwood classics clones for players that the official store doesn't carry. This is a situation where 40 bucks gets you a product equal to a 200 dollar product, and if you spent the 75 on the cheapo, ha, authentic, they are awful, and the screen printing wears off fast.

A bit different, since especially nfl owners are rolling in more cash than they know what to do with, unlike a small mech mod operation, but comparable. I definitely feel less bad about buying cloned pro sports gear than mechs, but I'm at peace with both, I just can recognize when I am at fault. It isn't right, but I do it. And again, it's wrong, but I could care less about stealing revenue from the big sports leagues. They get my money in tickets, authentic gear, and attendance.

 

[MistaKuraudo]

Technically every mod after the Screwdriver is a clone. Its just the same shit with different cake decorating on it.

Well, you can say that about anything. Shoes for example. Or even money. It's all paper, just with different faces on them.

 

[Dhim]

Technically every mod after the Screwdriver is a clone. Its just the same shit with different cake decorating on it.

I remember the screwdriver and then the clone of such. So on and so forth.

Blast from the past time. Do you remember "The Copper". I'm fairly certain that no fewer than 12 teeth came out with that thing.

 

[VaporJoe]

I remember the screwdriver and then the clone of such. So on and so forth.

Blast from the past time. Do you remember "The Copper". I'm fairly certain that no fewer than 12 teeth came out with that thing.

Yep it was a copper pipe, two big lock nuts and a 510 connector! lol

 

[Dhim]

Yep it was a copper pipe, two big lock nuts and a 510 connector! lol

Don't forget how to use it. You had to push the mouthpiece in to activate it.


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[VT Andrew]

Have to look up the Screwdriver, but if that was essentially "the first" or whatever, than there is a ton of truth to that. Again, copying logos and engravings changes that, but they are all battery tubes.

And regarding jerseys, my swingman authentic Adidas Ty Lawson Nuggets jersey is a 75 dollar piece of crap with the nba and Adidas logos the only sewn on and embroidered logos. I bought my dad a polomalu steelers jersey, "clone" lol, for about 40 bucks, and it is sooooo nice. All embroidered, and the fabrics and numbers, literally everything is spot on to the one the NFL billionaires charge over 200 for. I'd spend 200 plus for an "authentic" and sewn nuggets jersey, too, when I could go the same route online or craigslist as I did for my dad. I also can get vintage hardwood classics clones for players that the official store doesn't carry. This is a situation where 40 bucks gets you a product equal to a 200 dollar product, and if you spent the 75 on the cheapo, ha, authentic, they are awful, and the screen printing wears off fast.

A bit different, since especially nfl owners are rolling in more cash than they know what to do with, unlike a small mech mod operation, but comparable. I definitely feel less bad about buying cloned pro sports gear than mechs, but I'm at peace with both, I just can recognize when I am at fault. It isn't right, but I do it. And again, it's wrong, but I could care less about stealing revenue from the big sports leagues. They get my money in tickets, authentic gear, and attendance.

My point exactly! But totally illegal and you'd NEVER find those jersey clones in stores because they'd be shut down and have their inventory seized.

Someday our industry will be legitimate, and you'll always be able to find clone garbage online, but at least you won't see it in shops.

Right now, there are OVER 100 Shops in Buffalo, NY and they ALL sell clones (except one), and NONE have more than one or two authentics (except one). I'll let you guess who's shop is that ONE exception...



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[Dhim]

Andrew I understand what you're saying. Here's my thing. The first true mod was a flashlight. Someone "modded" it and replaced the light with an atty connector and changed the switch. The Screwdriver was the first one mass produced. Every other battery tube since then has stolen the base from that.

With that being said. Companies are free to make any variant they want of this tube and sell it. However you can't expect another company to not make copies.

I do agree that logos should not be included and the device should not be named the same thing. A simple reference is all we need to go by really.

Until "authentic" mods are priced correctly and easy to get, clones are here. However I agree, kill the logos and call them anything else.


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[VT Andrew]

So until the NFL prices their jerseys at $40, we should all buy knockoffs??? What's so much better about a shitty Nemeis clone than a SMOK Natural?


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[VT Andrew]

I think the problem is that poor people are jealous of people with GG's and so they'd rather but a copy than buy a comparable "lookalike"

And someday, when this industry is legitimate, it will be MUCH harder to find the counterfeits. All I ask is that more vendors have some integrity ad make people work harder to buy these counterfeits...


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[Dhim]

I see your point, and I wouldn't go as far as calling people poor or talking down to them about buying a clone. It's a matter of a couple things.

1) The "IP" which honestly for most of these mods, what can you really call intellectual property? Here is a picture of The Screwdriver. One of, if not the first produced mods out there. You will notice a battery tube, vent holes, a fire button, and an atomizer connection. Not to mention, that was techincally stolen by a group of DIY'ers that use to "open source" their projects. Throw a magnet here, or making a cut there on the lathe doesn't make the whole thing your IP.

I have so many point and counterpoints. I need to do a vlog on this darn topic. In the end there is a market for both. The clones shouldn't use the logos. Authentics gain popularity because of the clones. Think about how much money corporations pay for product placement on tv shows, clones do a very similar thing. I wish I could remember the thread on FT where a mod maker took it to the forum and pretty much reiterated just that. He picked apart some things wrong with the device, and then thanked them for the huge spike in traffic and inquiries from the fact their were clones posted. Leading people to look up the source and forced him to look into other ways to increase his item output.

It's not about being poor. I'm not swimming in Vapor Joes gold coin pool (joke), but I certainly bring in a comfortable living. When I see a tube for $300 and the same exact one for $20, including shipping from China there is something very wrong here.

 

[VT Andrew]

The fact that you guys think a nemesis clone is even comparable to a legit nemesis is a joke to be honest.

Not to mention, how well do you think a green jersey at kmart sells WITHOUT the Jets logo on it?

The only saving grace is that as long as everyone else is selling the clones, I don't have to jeopardize my integrity to sell them (or honor a warranty on a bullshit knockoff that falls apart)

If you honestly think that a GG or a Nemesis is the same thing as a screwdriver, you've obviously never vaped a screwdriver...


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[Dhim]

I never said they were the same quality vape or the same device. It is however the same fundamental device as any tube out there today. Sure things have improved, but its still a fire switch and pin, a battery tube, contacts, and a atomizer connector. Don't use the Nemy as personally I don't get the hype, clone or authentic.

I'll give you one thing. The GG product line has always been top notch. Even back in the day, he has put out solid, well built items. Not always the best functioning items, but always machined with superb quality. In fact, there are a number of his devices that have never been clonned. My theory on that is because some of his stuff just isn't replicated as easily. He also pushes the lines of what things can do. I remember how groundbreaking his 901 tank was. Sure it had its flaws, but he at least thought out and executed a neat device.

Now to the Nemy authentic (or clone) its tubes that screw together to = your requested battery size. A meh spring firing mechanism and annoying battery adjustments. What other than the logo makes this device so special and warranting of a $185 price tag? What with that device is groundbreaking or truly original? I'd take a $50 Smok Magneto any day of the week over a authentic Nemy, even at the same price.

 

[VT Andrew]

You had to pick the most "clonish" SMOK mod. At least my authentic Nzonic will fire an igo-w, unlike half of the magnetos that don't...

It's hard to explain what makes many authentics worth the money till you've held it in your hand, especially side by side with the clone.


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[MistaKuraudo]

I never said they were the same quality vape or the same device. It is however the same fundamental device as any tube out there today. Sure things have improved, but its still a fire switch and pin, a battery tube, contacts, and a atomizer connector. Don't use the Nemy as personally I don't get the hype, clone or authentic.

I'll give you one thing. The GG product line has always been top notch. Even back in the day, he has put out solid, well built items. Not always the best functioning items, but always machined with superb quality. In fact, there are a number of his devices that have never been clonned. My theory on that is because some of his stuff just isn't replicated as easily. He also pushes the lines of what things can do. I remember how groundbreaking his 901 tank was. Sure it had its flaws, but he at least thought out and executed a neat device.

Now to the Nemy authentic (or clone) its tubes that screw together to = your requested battery size. A meh spring firing mechanism and annoying battery adjustments. What other than the logo makes this device so special and warranting of a $185 price tag? What with that device is groundbreaking or truly original? I'd take a $50 Smok Magneto any day of the week over a authentic Nemy, even at the same price.

China has some of the cheapest labor around. I remember reading an article about how much an iPhone would cost if it was ALL completely made in the USA. It was something like an added $200 on top of what we already pay for a $400-800 phone. So what makes a device warrant a higher price tag? Higher paying labor of course. Unless you're saying that the entire world should live off of sweatshop pay? So on top of higher paying labor, there needs to be research, testing, design and whatnot. And if you actually become popular, your name and logo actually become worth something. But all it takes is one factory in China to take your labor, research, testing, design, name and logo. Everything is taken, and you get free advertising in the form of a stolen design? That makes no sense at all to me.

If it were me, I wouldn't want to work hard and build on something just to have China bend me over and ram me in the ass multiple times while others cheer them on and ask them to keep going. It makes working on something worthwhile not worth it anymore. It stunts creativity and innovation. Why work hard on something when China can easily take it away from you? It's just not worth it.

 

[Dhim]

While yes, I agree with you about all the points that you have made. The one thing you are forgetting is how the average person thinks. They want something for as cheap as possible and at the same time people want to try and make an honest wage. It's about finding a proper balance. Am I saying that should everything get shipped off to China? Of course not, however lets face it. Things can be made at a fraction of the cost there.

Repetitious tasks such as producing a mod might in fact be best sourced out there, if you want to reach a wide audience and an appealing price. Take a look at just about everything else that you buy. Shoes, Clothes, Electronics, car parts (yes even from the big 3), and just about everything else are designed in places like the US and manufactured in China (or another lower wage country).

Again I am completely with saying the logo and brand should not be placed on the device. I agree 100% there. There is no reason to stamp the mod makers logo on the device. But can you honestly say that a Hana DNA 30 is really their IP other than the logo? They put a publically available chip into a 2x 18650 battery box.

 

[Dhim]

To go a bit further. Some of the absolute best PV inventions have actually came from China.
510, 901, 306 atomizers - China
Ego batteries - China
Screwdriver - China
*cringe* dekang - China
eVic (yes this is questionable, but the tech was cool) - China
VV chips - China
The battery boxes found in so many mods - China
Flashlights which started it all - China
Our batteries - You get the point

Tell me 1 mod that doesn't pull from 1 of multiple items here. What I would kill to see is something new. Go out of the battery box or battery tube. WOW us again like the Ego battery did or the screwdriver. Just because you add a cut here and a finish there, doesn't mean you own the IP of the entire device. You just copied something else and tweaked it.

 

[MistaKuraudo]

I'm not saying that China shouldn't play a part in the ecig industry. They're a vital part in what vaping was, is and is to come, BUT they take away way too much business from all the independent mod makers. They take the entire design and copy it from head to toe. China is capable of creating their own designs but they don't have to because of how their country is run. Changing the design a bit and renaming would be fine as it would basically be doing what some indy developers are doing as well(Hell, the smok magneto you brought up is basically a copy of the MadzMod Nzonic), but with an enormous amount of support with 1:1 cloning from some of the vaping community, that'll probably never happen.

Thus, the amount of innovation you seek probably won't be happening any time soon. Who would want to spend that much time designing something so new and refreshing when China can easily steal that as well? I mean, look at the DNA chips. The newest thing to happen in what, 2012? Bam. Stolen. And honestly, they weren't terribly priced either, but that doesn't really matter anymore.

 

[Ladygadget]

Well I bought them from the chinamen at VapeRev.


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Are racist rude remarks required here?

 

[Ladygadget]

Clothes are a perfect example...If Paris, London and New York feature holes and tatters in the designer house jeans, suddenly they appear in Macy's, Penney's, Kohls, Walmart, or KMart, etc at a much, much cheaper price. The only thing that is different is that they don't sew on labels from the fashion house. I wish "clone" mfg would leave the fake markings off their mods. However, the US is not clone maker's only market. Apparently the "look-alikes" don't appeal to consumers elsewhere unless the markings are there. A clone or "look alike" is just that. now if someone sells a mod as authentic when it's a clone, that's counterfeit.

 

[MistaKuraudo]

Clothes are a perfect example...If Paris, London and New York feature holes and tatters in the designer house jeans, suddenly they appear in Macy's, Penney's, Kohls, Walmart, or KMart, etc at a much, much cheaper price. The only thing that is different is that they don't sew on labels from the fashion house. I wish "clone" mfg would leave the fake markings off their mods. However, the US is not clone maker's only market. Apparently the "look-alikes" don't appeal to consumers elsewhere unless the markings are there. A clone or "look alike" is just that. now if someone sells a mod as authentic when it's a clone, that's counterfeit.

Except China is taking from a lot of small modders. They cut off some sprouting businesses that could have the potential to change the industry. Unlike clothing or shoes or whatever else example, they don't just steal away a small portion that probably wouldn't have mattered much in the first place, they take away an insane amount of what little these small businesses have. It's a huge bully tactic that people side with. "Fuck your hard work, we make it cheaper."

And just because they sell the product as "blahblah style mod" and not as an authentic doesn't change much when you saturate the market with mods/attys that, on the surface, seem like the real thing. It would be like saturating the US with fake dollar bills. It doesn't seem like it's doing much damage at first, but in the end it's making the real dollars worth less. It may not seem like it's doing anything, but it's degrading the worth of the mod. And you can say "Well, just sell it cheaper", but no matter what price the majority of modders sell a device/atty, China can always make it cheaper. They're damned if they do and they're damned if they don't. Either way, they're going to get fucked. And eventually, it could potentially lead to a collapse. Less authentic modders able to survive in the vaping community and more chinese mods just selling the same thing but rehashed in a million different ways.

 

[CaFF]

"What Makes a Clone a Clone?"

Chinese DNA?

This:

Plus this:

Equals:

 

[VT Andrew]

Are racist rude remarks required here?

It was a joke, you know...saying that VapeRev is completely legitimate and you can buy authentic products from them without worry. Sorry if that sounded racist, but it wasn't meant that way.

 

[Cloudy Peak Vapes]

I have gotten the authentic bug, now. Thankfully I don't have the funds to impulse buy one, but I really want to get a v2 Akuma. My clone has some serious flaws mainly the locking ring, but it hits like a devil and the v2 switch is supposed to be great, and would solve my clone issues. I think I'm gonna stop buying hardware I.e. Clones if I can control myself... and save for an authentic. I've got my eyes on a few more besides the Akuma, copper is pretty much a certainty.

One day!

 

[Spike64]

And just because they sell the product as "blahblah style mod" and not as an authentic doesn't change much when you saturate the market with mods/attys that, on the surface, seem like the real thing. It would be like saturating the US with fake dollar bills. It doesn't seem like it's doing much damage at first, but in the end it's making the real dollars worth less.

That is a very poor analogy...clones being marketed and sold as clones, not as authentic, bear no resemblance to the intent and effects of counterfeit money being passed off as real currency, on purpose...clones being purposely passed off, marketed and sold as authentic, would be a far better and more accurate example of counterfeiting...

 

[MistaKuraudo]

That is a very poor analogy...clones being marketed and sold as clones, not as authentic, bear no resemblance to the intent and effects of counterfeit money being passed off as real currency, on purpose...clones being purposely passed off, marketed and sold as authentic, would be a far better and more accurate example of counterfeiting...

I was comparing the repercussions of both of them. I can see how that could be confusing if you only read what you quoted though.