It’s a real shame that knock off companies are on the rise lately. The latest company to fall victim of the copycat plague is ASR. There is a company/person within the San Gabriel Valley that is producing fake black and silver (and soon to be purple) EG/DC2 ASR subframe braces within the last 5 months. This person was selling them via Craigslist Los Angeles and to a number of local import performance shops. This ballsy individual has copied the first version ASR EG/DC2 subframe brace (which is no longer in production) in hopes of deceiving unknowing individuals and making a quick buck.
Because we are a dealer for ASR on top of being good friends with the owner, we took some time to share with you how to tell Fake vs. Legit. Below you will find comparison photos that show distinct differences between real and fake.
We hope this will educate the masses and prevent this copycat in making any more money than he/she has already made. To ensure you are purchasing 100% authentic American made ASR products buy legit ASR product, please only purchase ASR products from an ASR authorized dealer such as JHPUSA.
#1 Dead giveaway – PACKAGING:
Fake ASR brace comes packaged in a generic white box. FAIL.
Legit version is packaged in a genuine ASR brown box with printed “ASR A-SPEC RACING” logo. WIN.
#2 Dead giveaway – GLOSSY FINISH:
Fake version has a glossy uneven brushed finish and is made from unknown material and strength. Safety is a big concern if material used is unknown as it may fail under certain stressful conditions. The finish looks pretty bad in real life too; looks as if the manufacturer made finishing touches by hand and not by machine. FAIL.
Legit version has a clean and flawless flat brushed finish and is made from 6061 T6 aluminum from Keiser or Alcoa. WIN.
#3 Dead giveaway – MOUNTING HARDWARE:
Fake version has low 8.8 grade nuts & bolts. Using 8.8 grade bolts on load bearing suspension components can potentially be very dangerous . FAIL.
Legit version has a high 10.9 grade nuts & bolts, which are excellent for load bearing suspension components. WIN.
#4 Dead giveaway – EDGES:
Fake version has straight cut edging. FAIL.
Legit version has rounded edging. WIN.
#5 Dead giveaway – MOUNTING BRACKETS & BACK PLATE:
Fake version has anodized black brackets that are pinned to the brace. The back plates are also anodized black and are unevenly cut that will cause improper fitment and installation. FAIL.
Legit version has non-colored brackets that bolt onto brace. The backing plate is cut evenly and will ensure proper fitment upon installation. WIN.
Again, to ensure you are purchasing legitimate ASR products only buy from an ASR authorized dealer such as JHPUSA!
