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You can't tell it's a fake until 2-3 weeks later the paint starts stripping, the case gets ding'ed easily and the screws are stripped if you take it on/off a couple times. In some pics from the sellers you can see the paint (especially on the white) already chipped. And if you ever feel the real one in your hand, it feels so much better.

I bought 3 fake ones and ended up selling 1 to a friend and gave the others away. It's a lesson in keeping things REAL. You're not going to wear a fake rolex or rock an iPhone clone, so why put a fake case on your new iPhone 4S. Just a thought. All my real ones are perfect after 2-3 weeks of use. I've had the silver/silver, first edition, blackops, and silver/orange - there is nothing like holding the real product in your hand - it just feels better.
 
You can't tell it's a fake until 2-3 weeks later the paint starts stripping, the case gets ding'ed easily and the screws are stripped if you take it on/off a couple times. In some pics from the sellers you can see the paint (especially on the white) already chipped. And if you ever feel the real one in your hand, it feels so much better.

I bought 3 fake ones and ended up selling 1 to a friend and gave the others away. It's a lesson in keeping things REAL. You're not going to wear a fake rolex or rock an iPhone clone, so why put a fake case on your new iPhone 4S. Just a thought. All my real ones are perfect after 2-3 weeks of use. I've had the silver/silver, first edition, blackops, and silver/orange - there is nothing like holding the real product in your hand - it just feels better.

lmao, this is utter BS. the fake ones Ive got look as good as the day they arrived. Stop spreading your FUD.

The only difference is they are 1/4th the price and dont have GPS issues like the real one does on the iPhone 4. :p

I guess we exposed another Element shill. Taking over from applegirl ? lmao.
 
I just got my Vapor Comp and I am VERY unimpressed.

The plastic bowing looks ugly, and the case is holding down the power/sleep button when installed.

I read about some people removing the rubber lining. But the fact is when you pay 100$+ for a quality case, you shouldn't have to modify anything to make it work.

I sent a refund request.
 
I just got my Vapor Comp and I am VERY unimpressed.

The plastic bowing looks ugly, and the case is holding down the power/sleep button when installed.

I read about some people removing the rubber lining. But the fact is when you pay 100$+ for a quality case, you shouldn't have to modify anything to make it work.

I sent a refund request.

To be honest, I dont mind spending the money for a quality product.

However, the real deal would need to offer superior customer service, provide the actual shipping you paid for, a product that works better with GPS, and better fitment. Then they could brag about this is what you wont receive when you go with a competitor. However, they not only fail miserably at all of the above, their competitor does it better AND for less.

I got my fake simply because I get fantastic communication and service and a product that doesnt have the GPS problems. I have the same refund options too. The ONLY thing element offers is probably a slightly better quality, but not enough to account for that high of a percentage of cost. Just my 2 cents.
 
Received two Vapor Pros from XJD on Ali Express today.

It amazes me the lengths they will go to over there to make a "quality" knockoff. Everything is legit from the exact same packaging materials (quality box), certificate of authenticity (ha!) on card stock, Element embossed travel kit and screwdriver. It really is a straightup knockoff down to the smallest details.

As to fit, both fit great, no problems with either of them. I'll try and post some pictures in a bit when my screen protector install is complete and I put them back on. For $50, I'm not complaining and if they turn out to be POSs, I won't really cry too much since I knew what I was getting from the jump. All in all, quite pleased though.
 
As to fit, both fit great, no problems with either of them. I'll try and post some pictures in a bit when my screen protector install is complete and I put them back on. For $50, I'm not complaining and if they turn out to be POSs, I won't really cry too much since I knew what I was getting from the jump. All in all, quite pleased though.

This is good to hear. I bought two from this seller. The total came out to $66 with DHL shipping. Like you, I fully understand that quality might suffer over time, but for $30 a pop I wont be complaining. There was no way in hell I would have paid $150 for the authentic. I can't justify spending that much for a case, not that there's anything wrong with those who can.
 
Just posted pics of the wife's new bootleg white vapor pro in the lucky labs thread. Too lazy to repost the pics.
 
Received two Vapor Pros from XJD on Ali Express today.

It amazes me the lengths they will go to over there to make a "quality" knockoff. Everything is legit from the exact same packaging materials (quality box), certificate of authenticity (ha!) on card stock, Element embossed travel kit and screwdriver. It really is a straightup knockoff down to the smallest details.

As to fit, both fit great, no problems with either of them. I'll try and post some pictures in a bit when my screen protector install is complete and I put them back on. For $50, I'm not complaining and if they turn out to be POSs, I won't really cry too much since I knew what I was getting from the jump. All in all, quite pleased though.

The only difference I can tell from the seller listing is the weight. The authentic Element cases are 19-22g while the replicas seem to be heavier, ~60g. Does those 60g make the phone noticeably heavier?
 
If you choose free shipping they will mail it out same day, if you choose next day they wait til day 5 so that all customers receive their package at the same time. They want to treat everyone equally, I called about it and that was the answer I got.

That is BS
 
white iPhone 4/4S with black vapor pro

anyone here is using the white iphone 4/4s rocking on with the black vapor pro?
 
The only difference I can tell from the seller listing is the weight. The authentic Element cases are 19-22g while the replicas seem to be heavier, ~60g. Does those 60g make the phone noticeably heavier?

I stand corrected.
 
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I have the white 4s and am debating between the white vapor pro and the stealth without the backing. Anyone have both?
 
How long does it take Vapor to reply to their tickets online to report warranty/returns/etc? Already waited 24 hours with no reply.
 
How long does it take Vapor to reply to their tickets online to report warranty/returns/etc? Already waited 24 hours with no reply.

Same here, I'm getting a little upset. My problem is with the plastic portion on the vapor stealth bowing out.

Crazy part, when I submitted a ticket asking what armband works with that case I got an answer within 5 minutes in which they said "I do not know what case would work" and we exchanged 4 e-mail back and forth. This new ticket regarding the case, 72 hours later and still no answer, I even asked the original guy that I was talking about the armband with and he said... "If you created another ticket they will get back with you shortly".
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...hone-4-Aluminium-Bumper-Case-wholesalers.html

Search for "weight":

Weight:
60g

As I said, it is in the listing itself. I am about to order some so I am just asking. I don't think an extra 40g would make me spend 4-5 times more on one from EC :p

But it seems like they are similar weight which is great. Putting in an order today!

I think he's being sarcastic as the weight would be unnoticeable to a human... Does nobody get how light 25g's is???
 
Received two Vapor Pros from XJD on Ali Express today.

It amazes me the lengths they will go to over there to make a "quality" knockoff. Everything is legit from the exact same packaging materials (quality box), certificate of authenticity (ha!) on card stock, Element embossed travel kit and screwdriver. It really is a straightup knockoff down to the smallest details.

I don't think that all of these cases are straight up 'knockoffs' made in someones metal shop or something. I think as with many other 'counterfeit' items coming from China they are made in the EXACT same facility by the same people using the same materials and processes. They just make extra and sell them out the back door to bootleggers.

That said, I don't have one of these knockoffs yet and have never seen an orignal but I know this is the way it's done with many products.
 
for the replicas on aliexpress, do you think its possible to get a white/black combo?

I havent seen one like that. but I guess u could buy the white and the black versions from the same seller and then interchange the pieces ? just make sure both versions are exactly the same (from pics).
 
I don't think that all of these cases are straight up 'knockoffs' made in someones metal shop or something. I think as with many other 'counterfeit' items coming from China they are made in the EXACT same facility by the same people using the same materials and processes. They just make extra and sell them out the back door to bootleggers.

That said, I don't have one of these knockoffs yet and have never seen an orignal but I know this is the way it's done with many products.

While that might be true for other cases, Element Cases manufactures theirs in the USA. Also, it's been reported that some knock-offs don't have as many reception issues as older EC models, so it's clearly not the same material.
 
I don't think that all of these cases are straight up 'knockoffs' made in someones metal shop or something. I think as with many other 'counterfeit' items coming from China they are made in the EXACT same facility by the same people using the same materials and processes. They just make extra and sell them out the back door to bootleggers.

That said, I don't have one of these knockoffs yet and have never seen an orignal but I know this is the way it's done with many products.

It is true with clothing and but probably not in the case with Vapor frames (which EC claims to be all manufactured in USA unless they lie about it :) ).

But those kind of metal items are all machine cut/shaped and I'm sure there are plenty of those machines lying around in China waiting around for something to copy... I mean produce.
 
It is true with clothing and but probably not in the case with Vapor frames (which EC claims to be all manufactured in USA unless they lie about it :) ).

But those kind of metal items are all machine cut/shaped and I'm sure there are plenty of those machines lying around in China waiting around for something to copy... I mean produce.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious, which is Element claims Made in USA. But that was my point, the lengths of making even a knockoff, embossed screwdriver is just dedication haha.
 
My bad. Poor research on my part I did not realize Element was made in the USA. I really want one but can't get my head around paying $149 for a white one.
 
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