A Cautionary Tale...... How Good Fakes Are Today! (2024)

Let me start by saying even a seasoned collector can get duped once and a while.

I have been watching a pair of Collectors SubZeros online for a while. The seller had multiple pairs and at first glance looked legit. My original thought was maybe some leftover parts from HQ with an unreleased lens paired together. I was still skeptical but after multiple sales and no neg feedback I thought what the heck. I pulled the trigger. I knew I wouldnt know for sure until I had them in my hands. eBay buyer protection, paid with a CC so LETS GO!

I knew as I opened the box I had been taken. Cheap flimsy case, cloth etc. The seller had them listed as used but these were clearly new. In the pictures the real one is always on top.

The color on the fake lens looks great in person. Notice the groove in the lens is cut differently, the nose piece is different and the width is smaller.

The text on the arm is a different font, slightly. Rubber put on backwards however with current Oakley QC this is possible on any pair.

Lenses are glued in on the fakes with glue visible.

The overall pattern is very close but a little bigger than OEM. The frame finish is also glossier.

Sloppy work on the logo but seen this from OEM as well.

The seller has not be cooperative and after digging a little further every pair he has listed is a fake. Based on his feedback he has already suckered a few others that dont know any better. eBay is making me return them for a refund and the counterfeit side is handles by a different department.

Be careful out there folks...

BTW here is the seller.

ready2drip

Atticus said:

Curious where this shipped from?

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My guess originated in China

I'm looking for a fake Valve 1.0. Anyone have one in hand? I would definitely love to have detailed photos of it. Especially if you have a real one to place side by side. Another member pointed out a site that at first looks like it has all fakes. But I'm starting to have doubts. To me, the Valves used looks like just a mixture of OEM parts. Bridge texts can be rubbed off. And the frames in the picture may have been worked on some to make them look clean. Hence no text. But the lugs look like OEM colors. The other reason that makes me question whether or not it's fake is the price. If it said $50, I can see people falling for that. But $500? You can buy a real pair cheaper than that.

Lopaka KaMars said:

I'm looking for a fake Valve 1.0. Anyone have one in hand? I would definitely love to have detailed photos of it. Especially if you have a real one to place side by side. Another member pointed out a site that at first looks like it has all fakes. But I'm starting to have doubts. To me, the Valves used looks like just a mixture of OEM parts. Bridge texts can be rubbed off. And the frames in the picture may have been worked on some to make them look clean. Hence no text. But the lugs look like OEM colors. The other reason that makes me question whether or not it's fake is the price. If it said $50, I can see people falling for that. But $500? You can buy a real pair cheaper than that.

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Agreed. It’s a head scratcher

Lopaka KaMars said:

I'm looking for a fake Valve 1.0. Anyone have one in hand? I would definitely love to have detailed photos of it. Especially if you have a real one to place side by side. Another member pointed out a site that at first looks like it has all fakes. But I'm starting to have doubts. To me, the Valves used looks like just a mixture of OEM parts. Bridge texts can be rubbed off. And the frames in the picture may have been worked on some to make them look clean. Hence no text. But the lugs look like OEM colors. The other reason that makes me question whether or not it's fake is the price. If it said $50, I can see people falling for that. But $500? You can buy a real pair cheaper than that.

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HK$500 is equal to $64 USD.

Mystiko Neossia said:

We are seeing OTT Fakes and now this? These people must be bored or have nothing better to do. I predicted soon we will see Fake Medusas and Moon Feils.(fail)

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There are fake Medusas. I don't have a link handy, but they exist.