Chinese/no-brand puck par lights?

[Alpine_Ent]

Martin's production is currently in Denmark, not China.

In regards to Blizzard- they are actively involved with the design and QC in China for all their fixtures. Being a Blizzard dealer, I've had more than one conversation with key people at Blizzard that included "hang-on, I'm in our manufacturing plant in China right now."

It might be the "same" light, but its not held to the same manufacturing standards, and not backed by the same warranty.

Wouldn't the fact that you are a dealer make you a little more bias though? I mean i totally agree with you as far as customer services warranty/replacement and all that. Plus those guys run a business and they need to make profit and eternal sells the stuff themselves but blizzard has dealers sell it for them. However, if you are looking to buy 30 battery powered uprights for 600$ a piece or something close to that, that is a lot of money vs buying the knock offs. Everyone has their preference though and as long as it does the job then why not

[Nick_EventPro]

Wouldn't the fact that you are a dealer make you a little more bias though?

Where's the bias there? Everything I said was factual. I didn't say you shouldn't buy the knock-offs and you should only buy blizzard lights from me, or anything close to that. I've always told people to do what makes sense to them and what fits their situation the best- I just try and provide info on things they may not have considered, or chime in with facts on certain issues.

Regarding the "why not" part of buying knock-offs... (this is personal opinion, and has nothing to do with me being a dealer but consider this)

It costs companies money for R&D. Supporting companies that rip off other designs and sell them cheap stunts new product development and makes their products more expensive. If its not profitable for companies to develop new ideas and release new products, they won't do it. In turn, the knock offs never come into existence because those companies don't have R&D departments.
Just food for thought.

[3owls.ca]

It costs companies money for R&D. Supporting companies that rip off other designs and sell them cheap stunts new product development and makes their products more expensive. If its not profitable for companies to develop new ideas and release new products, they won't do it. In turn, the knock offs never come into existence because those companies don't have R&D departments.
Just food for thought.

Good to know. I've always thought companies like Blizzard just rebranded these Chinese made lights.

[Nick_EventPro]

Good to know. I've always thought companies like Blizzard just rebranded these Chinese made lights.

No. It's a much more involved process than that- at least for Blizzard, and Chauvet and a few other major "importers." They are intimately involved in the design of new fixtures- spec'ing which parts to use, setting and overseeing QC processes in China, and provide QC and support in the states. It costs alot of money to do all that, but the end product is way better. Yes, it costs more to the consumer, but in the end it's definitely worth it IMO.

[Synaxis]

Good to know. I've always thought companies like Blizzard just rebranded these Chinese made lights.

Have a look at this forum topic on ControlBooth: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/l...-profiles.html

It's actually a REALLY good read on the whole knockoff/copy debate, and even a rep from Chauvet chimed in to explain the whole process.

[3owls.ca]

Have a look at this forum topic on ControlBooth: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/l...-profiles.html

It's actually a REALLY good read on the whole knockoff/copy debate, and even a rep from Chauvet chimed in to explain the whole process.

This was a good discussion. Have some rep.

[Jim Beck]

have you had luck with cheaplights.com I have heatrd not to buy from them but always looking to save money

[Nick_EventPro]

have you had luck with cheaplights.com I have heatrd not to buy from them but always looking to save money

Jim,

A production company that is an authorized dealer for a particular line will almost always be able to get you better pricing than a guitar center, sam ash or big box store etc. Feel free to email me for a quote on whatever you might be looking for. =)

[Johnnotestine]

Quick update: 6 months later and my half dozen "knock-offs" are running strong. I'm now thinking about some "knock-off" wicicle units.

Don't hate me for not supporting R & D.

[DJ Watty]

I love my imported pucks. I have 32 RGBY and no problems. I had an issue with one and they sent me a new one no questions asked.