Kayfun clone??

[Robert B]

I mentioned in another post about having a suspicion the Svoemesto Kayfun v4 was actually made in China and not Germany. One of the glaring reasons was, the clone came out virtually the same time the authentic was released, and when a prominent Vape store in California got the v4's in, they said they were released from the Port of Los Angeles. If they were made in Germany, they would have come from a port in New Jersey or somewhere on the east coast.
Why on earth would a Russian company have a product like this made in Germany, where the cost of manufacturing is way higher than the United States? Doesn't make sense.
Am now 100% convinced this 180 dollar RTA is actually made in China, until someone can prove me wrong.

I ordered one from FT to confirm my suspicions and received it the other day.
I have never seen an atomizer with machining this good. Threads are perfect, deep engravings are clean and perfect. All the parts are machined with perfection, and the packaging and manuals are excellent.

It came in the proper box with the 100% genuine seal, the proper markings on the box. Inside was the atomizer, a polycarbonate clear threaded tube, a half size glass tube, the spare parts, and the manuals. The manuals, just like the "so called authentic", are exactly the same. Written in both German and English. A small poster with artwork of the Atomizer on the front, and a exploded diagram of the atty on the back. Complete with the Aztec Code or QR scan symbols, and all the copyright markings in the right places with the right fonts.

The big question is, why are these only 23 dollars? How can these be produced to retail that cheap, even being made in China? Why would the Chinese go through all this detail to produce this for a net zero gain or close to? The materials the atty is made from, labor, and packaging alone has to cost this much.

I honestly don't know the answer, but can guess that either Svoemesto didn't follow through with the manufacturer on the quantities ordered, or the Chinese manufacturer doesn't care. I'm also guessing, those that paid 180 dollars for this are wondering the same thing, therefore, they think it's not possible for these to be authentic, which is precisely what Svoemesto is banking on.

Here are some pictures,

This v4 looks like it was made for the Kato mod (which I also believe authentics are made in China), fitting perfectly with no gaps anywhere.

 

[PuffOn]

Do you have a link to this "clone"?
Looks like this is the best one to purchase.
Thanks

 

[Zamazam]

I have one too. If it's a clone, it's a really fucking good one. The only issue I had was there was a bit of machine oil in the atty, so a trip through the heated ultrasonic cleaner cleaned it up. Vapes like a Kayfun with a bit more air.

 

[mpmcb250]

My V4 clone just came in yesterday. Not sure if I can mention the site I purchased from though. I agree with the OP, the seal was on the box along with the parts poster and manual for $30.00. Washed it up, you could smell the machining oil on it but other than that all is good. I was skeptical about the clones for this having poor threads, fit/finish but it really is made well. I was concerned about the liquid flow control on/off valve being a mess but it opens and closes with out much effort at all. Even the air flow control works flawlessly. Produces good vapor and beats the flavor I get from my other Kayfun lite clones hands down. I thought my Erl clone had the best flavor out of all of my atty's but this is on par with that. Liking the M tank so far. Didn't do anything exotic on the build, 2ohm Kanthal coil with organic cotton and it's vaping well. All of the engravings or laser etching on the tank are done well. Considering the price tag of the original at $185, I can't see how much better it could possibly be. It's made by AMOD from what the site said and they compared it to the Tobeco clone saying that this one was 316L stainless, supposedly the Tobeco is 304L? If that is correct a better grade of steel then. Overall I'm pleased, easy fill, easy build and a nice looking tank. I've got some homemade honey dew in it right now and it's tasting good.

 

[M5amhan]

tobeco clone is made from 316

glad to hear good things on the clones though, im in the kayfun group on facebook and they all hate on clones and make sure everyone knows they are a piece of shit. obviously i knew they were being biased but now im just thinking they are doing everything they can to justify the insane price as the clones come out exactly the same at 1/6 the price (even from fasttech lol)

 

[M5amhan]

you can drill out the center pin to 7/64 (same size as 4s kit) which is a plus. could only go to 5/64 on the lite plus v2

 

[Robert B]

Do you have a link to this "clone"?
Looks like this is the best one to purchase.
Thanks

Get them while you can. I've ordered another one to set aside. this is the one from FT sku 2018000

 

[mpmcb250]

tobeco clone is made from 316

glad to hear good things on the clones though, im in the kayfun group on facebook and they all hate on clones and make sure everyone knows they are a piece of shit. obviously i knew they were being biased but now im just thinking they are doing everything they can to justify the insane price as the clones come out exactly the same at 1/6 the price (even from fasttech lol)

Well that's what their advertisement said about the grade of stainless, again so they say...lol. Either way I'm impressed with this tank and with reviews I've seen of the Tobeco. Looks like all of the manufacturers put in a good effort in making it right. The price is insane.

 

[Robert B]

tobeco clone is made from 316

glad to hear good things on the clones though, im in the kayfun group on facebook and they all hate on clones and make sure everyone knows they are a piece of shit. obviously i knew they were being biased but now im just thinking they are doing everything they can to justify the insane price as the clones come out exactly the same at 1/6 the price (even from fasttech lol)

FT sku 201800 isn't Tobeco. I think it's the authentic

 

[M5amhan]

FT sku 201800 isn't Tobeco. I think it's the authentic

yea tobeco has its own box. i wouldnt doubt 201800 comes from the same production line as the authentic, we were talking about this possibility in another thread before the clones were even listed. you saying they are exactly the same just confirms what we were talking about. also svoemesto said (in a deleted thread on facebook) that they have no problems with clones because they understand the price is out of reach for most and they want everyone to experience the kayfun *hint hint*

 

[mpmcb250]

Sounds like collusion to me. In a way the clones are free advertising for them. Some people out there "must have" the real deal and will spend the cash to get one. I'm not one of those. More than likely we are getting the same performance out of our V4 as they are.

 

[Robert B]

also svoemesto said (in a deleted thread on facebook) that they have no problems with clones because they understand the price is out of reach for most and they want everyone to experience the kayfun *hint hint*

Exactly, previously said "I'm also guessing, those that paid 180 dollars for this are wondering the same thing, therefore, it's not possible for these to be authentic, which is precisely what Svoemesto is banking on." Svoemesto will continue to fleece 180 dollars out of people since people refuse to believe this exact same unit could sell for 23 dollars.

As David Hannum so eloquently said, referring to one of P.T. Barnum's side shows back in 1860, "There's a Sucker Born Every Minute"

 

[Zamazam]

I think UncleRJ might want to get one of these. He dig's his kayfuns. This one is a keeper. One of my buddies has an "authentic". He tore my "clone" down, rinsed it out, rewicked it and played with it for a day. He ain't a happy camper. He told me the parts interchange and that there is no real difference between them.

The only difference he noted was that the glass tank on the "authentic" had flame polished ends, the "clone" didn't.

 

[M5amhan]

I think UncleRJ might want to get one of these. He dig's his kayfuns. This one is a keeper. One of my buddies has an "authentic". He tore my "clone" down, rinsed it out, rewicked it and played with it for a day. He ain't a happy camper. He told me the parts interchange and that there is no real difference between them.

The only difference he noted was that the glass tank on the "authentic" had flame polished ends, the "clone" didn't.

is yours 201800?

 

[Zamazam]

is yours 201800?

Yep

 

[Robert B]

I think UncleRJ might want to get one of these. He dig's his kayfuns. This one is a keeper. One of my buddies has an "authentic". He tore my "clone" down, rinsed it out, rewicked it and played with it for a day. He ain't a happy camper. He told me the parts interchange and that there is no real difference between them.

The only difference he noted was that the glass tank on the "authentic" had flame polished ends, the "clone" didn't.

Mine doesn't have flame polished glass either. But then again, those parts are sourced just like o-rings, plastic tank, etc... I can understand your Friend is pissed, I know I would be. I'd be furious with Svoemesto lying to me about these being made in Germany.

You will also notice there is a little FT hologram. I'm sure this is to distinguish which units go to Fasttech and which ones ship to Svoemesto distributors. By sourcing non polished glass saves the manufacturer a few cents on each unit. (or saves the labor to polish it)

 

[Zamazam]

Mine doesn't have flame polished glass either. But then again, those parts are sourced just like o-rings, plastic tank, etc... I can understand your Friend is pissed, I know I would be. I'd be furious with Svoemesto lying to me about these being made in Germany.

You will also notice there is a little FT hologram. I'm sure this is to distinguish which units go to Fasttech and which ones ship to Svoemesto distributors. By sourcing non polished glass saves the manufacturer a few cents on each unit. (or saves the labor to polish it)
View attachment 11925

Heh, didn't have a FT Holo or sticker on mine...

 

[M5amhan]

You will also notice there is a little FT hologram. I'm sure this is to distinguish which units go to Fasttech and which ones ship to Svoemesto distributors. By sourcing non polished glass saves the manufacturer a few cents on each unit. (or saves the labor to polish it)
View attachment 11925

haha wow thats probably exactly why thats there

 

[Robert B]

Have some suspicions about a "usa made" mod that might be made in china also. The maker is acting strange about stocking them at retailers. Won't know for sure until I get my hands on an authentic. Thinking the one I bought from FT just might be an authentic.

 

[Tom950]

I never noticed the FT on the hologram til I just tilted it. Unfortunately mine is suffering the ohms from hell like others

 

[vapinclouds]

I never noticed the FT on the hologram til I just tilted it. Unfortunately mine is suffering the ohms from hell like others

Ohms from hell like others??? What's that about?

 

[Tom950]

Means the ohms jump around. 1.2, 3.5, 2.4, etc

 

[vapinclouds]

LOL. I get that but I was unaware anyone was having that issue with the new Kayfun...

 

[Tom950]

yes and it seems its not just a "clone" issue as authentics seem to have it too

 

[M5amhan]

yes and it seems its not just a "clone" issue as authentics seem to have it too

it must be something specific they did in the authentics because my tobeco is working perfect so far

 

[Tom950]

may be the spring they have in em, some have fixed it by stretching the spring

 

[Zamazam]

yes and it seems its not just a "clone" issue as authentics seem to have it too

Ah, I think I know the issue. Make sure the spring in the bottom portion on the atty (below the build deck) has positive contact with the upper build deck, stretch it out a tad if needed. I did and it fixed the ohms jumping I was seeing initially.

 

[vapinclouds]

I was gonna say, my authentic has been fine so far.

 

[Matcas]

I got mine from FT and I have not built it but from inspecting it I really impressed. I agree with the original poster the build and maching is really good. Can't wait to try it.