The same artice and concern has been raised on other forums
here is a response from another forum , directly from an AP racing rep
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=50
I guess he has a vested interest in people buying from genuine distributors at "retail" pricing. The concerns he raises have been shared by some on this thread as well.
An interesting point to note is the S/N check on the product.
I guess at the end of the day if you end up with a "really good deal" and you arent sure how legit the product is - you can always check back with the manufacturer and do a S/N Cross check and see if the goods are the real deal in terms of OEM production - or just some accurate copies / counterfeits.
Possible issue would be if the units are in fact genuine - but are bypassing the standard process ( out the back door ) - no S/N recorded etc - then you'd never know.
Its a risk and in the end - not worth your personal safety and that of others.
I wonder how many on here would forego a tried an tested medicine, prescribed by a registered doctor / hopsital that could potentially save a loved ones life if they were really sick for something from a backyarder somewhere out in the burbs - that dabbles in "home brews" - but is whacked into a bottle that looks the same as the real med.......but its only $100 per bottle instead of $1000.00
I think when it comes to safety products - over cosmetic products on cars - choice should be easy to make.
Decisions - decisions.
Anyways - if nothing else - its an interesting topic and one that wont go away. Plenty of this kind of thing getting around in all industries. Buyer Beware.