pretty sure the quality of authentic is a lot better.. they may look the same, yes. they do the same function, yes. but which will be more durable?
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I don't really view hard tops as a consumable. Chances are if you have an $8500 hard top your car is a garage queen and durability doesn't matter anyways.

 

pretty sure the quality of authentic is a lot better.. they may look the same, yes. they do the same function, yes. but which will be more durable?
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The only function for the hardtop is to replace the soft top that blocks out water and wind. Durability shouldn't be an issue. This top should be a lot more durable and do a better job than the soft top lol. And from the looks of the pix, it fits pretty damn good. Wheels, suspension, and engine parts is however a different story if your worry about durability :-)

 

so paper or plastic? lol

 

Exactly.

Why do we have consumers on here bitching about replica parts? Replica parts are nothing but good for all of us consumers, even you "Authentic-only" guys. Replicas drive the cost of the authentic item down to something more realistic. The bigger the difference between what it costs a company to make something and what they charge for it, the more likely they are to be copied, and rightfully so. It keeps manufacturers from getting too greedy which is all too common in niche markets like aftermarket parts for cars that are no longer produced.

 

so paper or plastic? lol
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Not sure I follow what you're trying to say

 

You're kidding right? If spoon and amuse never made a top to replicate how would people be buying replicas? Do you not think that those manufacturers deserve to recoup their R&D? I think as far as pricing goes yes, it's good for the consumer. Obviously. But as far as being apart of a community replica parts are the opposite. You buy a part because of the look or the benefit of the part/design. Guess what, both of those things come from the original manufacturer... The one that's so well off from their expensive parts that they can't find it economically feasible to legally fight these replica companies. I think somehow people forget that this is a niche market... You aren't buying a phone or a dishwasher. You can't expect quality and innovative design for dirt cheap.

 

^ that.

 

If anyone on this forum thinks that Andrew's priority is to "show off in parking lots" then you have severely misinterpreted his actual hobby.

His point is about the principle of replica vs. authentic, and that's about as obvious as the fact that most people on here prioritize showing off in parking lots, and not actually using the function of their s2000.

 

You're kidding right? If spoon and amuse never made a top to replicate how would people be buying replicas? Do you not think that those manufacturers deserve to recoup their R&D? I think as far as pricing goes yes, it's good for the consumer. Obviously. But as far as being apart of a community replica parts are the opposite. You buy a part because of the look or the benefit of the part/design. Guess what, both of those things come from the original manufacturer... The one that's so well off from their expensive parts that they can't find it economically feasible to legally fight these replica companies. I think somehow people forget that this is a niche market... You aren't buying a phone or a dishwasher. You can't expect quality and innovative design for dirt cheap.
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Not kidding in the slightest and its comments like these that motivate my statements. Yes it's a niche market, the car's aren't being made any more. So what? First of all, do you think RSG is going to put Amuse and Spoon out of business? And if they do, do you think nobody else is going to step up and make parts for the S2000? As far as fighting RSG in court, it's not that they can't "find it economically feasible"(afford it? Amuse? Spoon? really?) it's that it's not worth it. The Amuse top is what, twice as much as the RSG? There's no way R&D and the extra QA account for the difference in price. There's a huge markup for the name.

I'm coming from the 944/968 community. When was the last time you've seen one of those cars at the track--or anywhere for that matter. I've heard the same thing over there for over 10 years that it's a niche market so you have to just bend over and take it. I've seen big names in parts for that crowd fall off and every time there's someone else there to step up and take their place.

RSG is a site sponsor and this is their thread announcing their product. What makes you guys think it's cool to come on their thread and bash the way they do business? If you don't like replica parts I'd say just don't buy them and leave it at that. If you feel the need to bash them then send them a PM or start your own thread, don't do that here.

 

I believe it is just the way the economy works. S2000's are still plentiful here in the US, and those that want a hardtop will have many choices. It's really up to the consumer what they want for this particular part. Replica or authentic...Mugen, OEM, or Amuse...it really just comes down to what the customer is looking for in terms of function vs price.

Not everyone will have the opportunity nor the funds to buy the real deal each time, and that's what these replica companies are doing, which is catering to those who will never have enough disposable income to buy these authentic parts. Sure, these replicas may or may not fit as well as their authentic counterparts, but it should be able to perform what these parts are intended to do (protection from weather, security, looks, etc.)

Yeah, it sucks that Amuse or Mugen's potential clients may be lost, but considering the price of hardtops from these manufacturers, and with the economy the way it is, its simply capitalism at it's finest. We see this with not just hardtops, but with any product in any market out there.

Personally, I'd just be happier with getting an OEM hardtop (when I can afford it ). I just want the peace of mind knowing that I have the correct fitment, having the rear defroster window, and OEM quality seals all around. But not everyone has the same reasons for getting a hardtop, and that's where the difference is.