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SugarRay
54
Nov 29, 2016
This is nearly an exact copy of the lambda top by darksucks. The difference appears to be that this one is made from stainless while the top that is being copied here is made from aluminum and brass, total brass, total copper, and some limited releases of tungsten and zirconium.
the total brass ones are still available from darksucks website (Prometheus lambda top) while there may still be some copper on bladehq. Copper is heavier than any of the other materials I listed other than tungsten, and more density means longer spin times. Also the ruby bearing is rounder than any other bearing meaning it will perform better (but is prone to crack when dropped on tile or granite so be careful in the kitchen and bathroom).
i recommend against supporting knockoffs, but that's up to you, and I am sad that Massdrop allows their site to be used for this.
ZcityUp
603
Nov 29, 2016
SugarRayMassdrop already offered the Prometheus top... This has different designs engraved on the sides and the stem is different.
SugarRay
54
Nov 29, 2016
SugarRaySame-same, but different, but still the same.
darksucks did it first, and this top is an imitation at a similar price point (about $10-20 less)
The shape and knurling of the stem is extraordinarily similar. The coring of the stem was developed by darksucks to bring the center of gravity closer to the core of the top. The idea to use ruby and ball bearings was first introduced by darksucks unless someone else can find another reference to a medical ruby being used in a top. It revolutionized the top industry in a few very short years.
this is an imititation. That won't take away from its functionality and without having both the original and the imitation side by side there's no way to know how they "perform" next to one another. I bet they both spin for minutes just fine.
darksucks failed when he didn't get a copyright; now its up to you the purchaser if you want the same features for less money.
kudos to this maker for offering the same thing for less. I have chosen not to support it and to speak up about it.
chimmychonga
21
Nov 29, 2016
SugarRayI won't deny there are similarities, such as the hollow stem, ruby beaing and donut-esque body, but to me the differences are respectable enough. This top has ornate machining absent on the lambda, a wider finger grip with varied knurling (whereas it's uniform on the lambda), the way the stem meets the body is different, and it appears to have slightly lower clearance. I mean it's a frickin' top, it needs a finger grip, stem and body. All performance tops are bound to share some characteristics with one another. Besides, I highly doubt Jason cares at this point - his tops are in demand same as they ever were (yes, I have a lambda brass, but I also have a vorso spin, f**k me right?) you don't need to publicly shame a product.
I just checked bladehq, damnit I can't believe they actually got more copper lambdas in stock. I live in maple syrup land and paid through the nose for my lambda brass. The copper though comes up to $195 cad with shipping... gah I'm gonna be broke and living on the streets with nothing but my tops to comfort me.
SugarRay
54
Nov 30, 2016
SugarRaythese features are distinctive on the lambda top and did not exist on any other tops before it in combination. The fact that they're all on this top and that it brings a lower price point is in many ways a good thing as it may bring the lambda cost down now that there is competition (Hooray capitalism).
My intent was not to shame the product, I am simply calling it what it is.. I bought the lambda because it was innovative.
I have some of those spinners myself. They are innovative.
This product brings nothing new, not with its colors or machining on the product, that are now found on every other cnc'd and pressed top on the market. If anything it's got a lower price point.
chelko
3
Nov 30, 2016
SugarRayIt has a stem and a rounded body... let go torch this copycat! Lol, every top is the same in the end. Let the top makers fight their own battles, if there is a battle to fight.
SugarRay
54
Nov 30, 2016
SugarRayYou vote with your wallet
SugarRayHey SugarRay, I can assure you as a top maker I did not copy the Lambda, infact there are numerous design elements in my top that are completely different to the Lambda. The silhouette of both tops is entirely different. Here’s a quick run down: The Scepter: - CNC machined on a lathe with live tooling. Lambda : My assumption is it is CNC turned without milling features. - Milling features need to be monitored to make sure the top is balanced, including the knurls which are milled in a specific design. - The overall profile of the top is significantly different then the lambda. (attached is my 3D rendering that I designed, as well a 2 profile of the Scepter – feel free to compare it to the lambda. - The Lambda uses a 7/32 ruby while the scepter uses a 4 mm ruby. - totally different size and the tip diameter will obviously affect the way the top spins. There are a TON of different makers drilling the stem, using ball bearings (whatever the material may be). Keep in mind a flashlight is a housing, a light bulb, and a battery. It can only be made in so many ways – Just like a spinning top needs to have a contact point and needs to be balanced. Am I making a spinning top? Totally! Does it resemble the lambda? Debatable as there is proof in comments above that he wasnt the first to make that shape top. Is my design one that could be added as a different look an feel to a collection? Without a doubt it has tons of aspects of originality to it.
As a side note this is a quote taken from http://www.uniquetitanium.com/Lambda-Top_p_755.html i can only assume that Jason did the write up. "I bet you start to see this one on "other" tops out there in top land. It didn't take long for people to catch on to the ruby thing right? I don't mind that (much) but there's still some value in life for being the "original." At least that's what I tell myself." - Kudos to him for being the "original"
I do have to say thank you for noticing that I managed to produce a top with more features for a lower value!
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Alfredaux
40
Dec 2, 2016
SugarRaySure, these the two are very, very similar. However, there is one key difference in that this one is available while the Lambdas almost never are.
SugarRay
54
Dec 2, 2016
SugarRayOk I'll admit it's a (little) bit sexier for less... Now make it in copper or tungsten (heavier metals than brass) and I will consider getting one. Seriously.