I really think this is one of those threads that really is not going to help or solve anything. No matter what anyone says, there are still going to be people that will believe what they want. Personally, I don't think this thread looks good for either vendor. We have seen these discussions before. Should Chevrolet be upset that someone is making a hinge other than theirs? The geometry is close but not exact between the billet hinges and the stockers. Both of these vendors are very good and very knowledgeable. Each have their own specific strengths. I think the consumer needs to research both products and companies and choose what fits. As an aside, I have not purchased from either vendor. If either one had a part I needed, I don't think I would hesitate to buy from either. Let me expand more. As some of you may know, we are building a truck. I love the look of the billet hinges. For quite some time, no one made a billet hinge for our truck. I am an Engineer and decided to design my own. I have one modeled in Solidworks. I just have not gotten to the point of building it because we are not ready for it. Now, a couple companies offer it. If I were to make mine now and try to market it, would I be accused of copying? At this point, I will probably purchase one that is on the market now. It simply does not make financial sense for me to follow through with my design. It would cost me far more than just buying them. Let's take it a bit further. If when I buy a set and by chance decide I am not happy with the quality or operation, am I precluded from redesigning them and trying to bring a superior product to market just because mine would look similar to another? I think you will find there are a huge number of companies that have been born and thrive based on the sole principle of trying bring their own superior version of something that already exists to market. The best example I can come up with is the wheel industry. If the first billet wheel was the only one allowed, we would all be pretty unhappy.
In the end, I think the Ring Brothers are first class and highly talented. I don't think you guys should be worried or upset. If you feel you were copied, be flattered and continue to raise the bar. Also, Fesler has introduced many more products to the market that allow all of us to have choices when it comes to bring our visions to life. Parts that RB do not offer. We should all do our own research an decide based on our own wants and needs who we purchase from. I think that is what a free market is all about. I encourage all the vendors to keep pushing the envelope of design and performance so that we don't end up with cars that all look the same!
