Authentic "Epic design studios" SMPL performs same as "Infinite" smpl clone. With a time and lots of use, spring on infinite will get weak, not so on "Epic". Infinite is still well worth the money since Epic is $130.00 compared to $27.00.
I've seen bad clones, and bad authentics. Authentic XXIX can be had for $60.00 and it is a great tube so why spend 35$ on a clone.
It all depends.
If you are spending $100+ on a mech mod look into series boxes, those provide more power and you have more opinions with different coils. Imo these are only mech mode that can compete with todays 200Watt + regulated mods but more compact. Shockingly small I would say. Something like Noisy Cricket, Anubis, VCM Piglet(VCP), or MCM Underground. Cricket being around $15, and MCM Underground around $140.