Every time a high-quality, highly desired item is released, there are bound to be copies made. Some of these copies can be quite obviously counterfeit while others are deceptively convincing, but nonetheless, they are all fake. In the case of e-cigs, a fake may not only be disappointing performance-wise, it can be dangerous to the user.
Electronic Vaping Devices
APVs, e-cig sticks, and all manner of other electronic vaping devices can be found all over the place–from brick-and-mortar and online retail shops, online auction sites, discount sites, local classified listings and much more. The trouble is that while some of these products will be quality products from reputable companies, others will be low-quality fakes, and there will be no clear indication of which is which. Making the wrong choice can be disastrous, as fake e-cigs are dangerous.
While fake e-cigs are made to look like authentic, name brand e-cigs, they do not work very well. This is largely due to the fact that they are made with cheap, low-quality materials–like impure lithium metal instead of pure, top-grade lithium metal for the battery. Needless to say, this does present a major safety issue for the user. Just a few of the possible safety issues with e-cigs include:
- Overheating, which can cause burns to the user. Overheating can also burn the e-juice and release toxins into the vapor.
- Coils that fail to resist heat well and therefore release vaporized, metallic particles for inhalation.
- Faulty batteries that can potentially cause explosions.
Obviously, this is far more than simply dealing with a faulty product, and it’s easy to understand why so many individuals are concerned about the possibility of unknowingly purchasing a fake e-cig.
Spotting Fake E-Cigs
E-cigs that are purchased from American brands and come with guarantees and warranties are extremely unlikely to be fake. It is often much easier to contact and work with the customer support in such a company. E-cigs that are imported are far more likely to be copied, which means that you run a greater risk of encountering a fake when you buy from such a brand. Due to poor customer service and other issues, it can be difficult to achieve the desired resolution when you have acquired a fake e-cig. It’s, therefore, better to know what to look for and avoid purchasing one in the first place. Unfortunately, fake e-cigs can be so cleverly counterfeit that they are tough to spot. The best indicator is the price.
Fake e-cigs normally sell for less than the authentic e-cigs they are trying to mimic–sometimes way less. This is the best indicator that it’s fake, high quality products cost money to produce and are therefore more expensive to purchase. An e-cig that seems way cheaper than usual, especially when sold through intermediaries like Amazon, eBay or discount websites, is not worth your money. Just save yourself the headache and walk away.
Some fake e-cigs will try to prove they are the real thing by displaying authentication codes. However, you have to buy the product in order to open the packaging and reveal the code. By the time you run it through the manufacturer’s website and determine it has been duplicated, you are already in a position where you may find it difficult or even impossible to return.
Finding the best e-cig for your own personal preferences and needs can take some time and effort, but it is worth it to experience the best, and safest, vaping experience possible. A basic rule of life that definitely applies to e-cigs is that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Don’t be enticed by killer deals offering apparently high-quality products at bargain basement prices–when it comes to the best e-cig experience, it is always worth paying a little bit more.
