Sig Sauer Romeo 5 Counterfeit Comparison and Identification - Watch before you buy!
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2021
- UPDATE Sig Sauer reached out and confirmed that this is indeed a counterfeit, and these noted differences are accurate
A quick comparison between a counterfeit sig optic and a real sig optic. Don't get tricked. please feel free to leave constructive feedback as this is my first youtube video. I hope this helps!
FYI for everyone concerned - the new batches of Romeo5 comes with Panasonic battery. I bought one from Cabela's, one from Scheels and one from Brownells and all came sealed and with Panasonic batteries. According to the SIG rep the best way to identify a fake is the laser unit inside of the lens and the structure of the lens/ridges since it seems that those features not easy to duplicate - the four screws that holds the sight to mount uses white adhesive on the screws when taken apart. Also the battery compartment is a good indicator.
Thank god! Mine looked exactly right but had a panasonic battery.
Just got mine yesterday, happy to see this comment with my Panasonic CR2032 in the box, thanks!
Mine also came with a Panasonic battery. I bought mine at a Bi Mart in the Northwest. After purchase I saw them for less on the internet. I have friends who bought "bargain" products on the internet only to find out they bought junk.
I ordered mine on Amazon and it came in today. Based on the battery it appears to be fake, but the unit itself looks quite real compared to the fake in this video. The battery was a Makumi.
Talked to Sig, and they had me send a close-up image of the emitter. They confirmed it was a fake, but it looked nothing like the fake in this video. It looked pretty much identical to the real one.
Dude if this is your first video you did really great! Good explanation! Thank you for the review I will make sure when I buy mine.
Thank you
Thanks very much for the encouraging words!
Agreed! Clear and concise. Seems like you've got the potential for an actual channel if you have more content.
You're awesome bro! I'm doing an AR build and got a new one on Amazon. In looking around at videos of this optic I came across this so I knew it was around before I received it. Came in today and I inspected it alongside your video. Mine is legit but it sure is nice to have this video that points out all the signs to identify a fake. Thanks for spreading the word!!!
Getting really tired of China and their high end knockoffs. Although, the real ones are assembled in China so fakes and counterfeits both come from there lol. Glad to know I had a guide with your video to verify authenticity. Thank you!!!
I'm glad it helped and that you got a legit one! Have fun with the build!
China is the biggest intellectual property thief in the universe!
The real Romeo 5 is made in China.
That packaging looks amazing, I wouldn’to be surprised If @ least part of the counterfeits where made in one of the same factories making the authentic licensed product.
Happy Thanksgiving brother in arms and Godspeed.🇺🇸🇮🇱
Informative and educational to say the least. Thank you for bringing this to public attention. Will certainly scrutinize my purchases much closer on this and similar products.
Found this video by happenstance but I was not aware that there are counterfeit Romeo 5s out in the wild. Double checked mine and mine is authentic, thankfully. Thanks for the info! Also good job on your first YT vid.
Ebay came through with full refund. Ended up even contacting Sig Sauer about the purchase details. They offered my what he said was a factory refurbished one but was really one that they used at a gun show. I bought it for same price as Ebay fake. It was exactly like the one that was real in your video of course. Thank you Sig Sauer for such a great reward I love it.😄
I almost bought a fake off ebay recently (65$) but I started researching when I remembered the old saying. "if it's too good to be true... It probably is".
Great video! Really helpful information when you’re dealing with something as important as an optic on a weapon that could potentially have your life depending on it
Thank you for this video. I recently purchased a 5XDR and will use this video once I receive it. It’s videos like this that keep us vigilant and I can’t thank you enough for putting in the time to do it.
Glad it helped!
Do the Romeo 5XDR have fake versions as well? I just ordered one and am worried now haha
This was an excellent catch on your part bro! I’m going to check all my Romeo 4 and 5s! Thank you.
Applause! Thanks so much for making this great video.
My heart sank when I ran across your video, as I literally received one from an eBay auction today. I chose this one on auction because I was leery of the other listings that seemed a bit too good to be true.
I’ll say, they are pretty good listings. I noticed the wording in the description said “For Sig Sauer”, which seemed a little funky, but the feedback was good from purchasers of the Romeo.
Luckily, mine passed all of the tests and is legit. We need more guys like you on UA-cam!
Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad it helped!
Same boat for me. I ordered on on ebay that was listed as new and as soon as you described the ebay seller and the listing I got super worried. Especially since I got a screaming deal on it. Turns out I was lucky and it matches the authentic one you described to the T. Thanks a ton for this video! I'm used to watching out for fakes for other products, but I really need to keep an eye out for fakes.
I think if I would have went to look at one in a shop or a pawn shop and the reticle looked as bad as the fake you showed, I would have thought it was poor quality from sig on a "cheaper" optic.
Just ordered one, definitely going to compare it to yours once it arrives, thanks for the insight.
Fantastic video. Just bought a new AR 15 and started buying the attachments while I wait for five days to pick up the AR 15. Didn’t open up the Romeo five yet, was going to wait till I can put it on. Came across your video and had to open it up just to clarify it was the true Romeo five. Thank you for this video!
Glad it helped!
I just got notified by Amazon my 3rd Romeo just arrived. I’ll be a counterfeit check when i get home!! Good info
Great job!!! Appreciate the details you described. Thank you.
Damn this an amazing quality video especially for it being your first ever UA-cam vid.from image to audio it was A1…props on the good work and thanks for the info…will most certainly be looking for this when I get my XDR in the mail next week
Thanks!
Does the 5xdr have fakes floating around as well?
@@Mr_Ruhl I'm not sure, I haven't come across any but it is possible.
Great Video my Friend thank you for the valuable Intel and doing the Comparison.
Semper Fidelis
My Sig Romeo5 is due for delivery tomorrow. Thanks for the info as I will go over it with a fine toothed comb.
Thank you for doing this first time video.
You did a thorough job.
I hopefully will not experience the disappointment and loss of $ that you did.
Because you provided the time to make us aware. I hate thieves.
Great first video. You were objective and provided great information.
Thank you for putting this video out, I just purchased a Sig Romeo5 and should be receiving it sometime this week (04/29/24), your video will be immensely helpful in determining it's authenticity ......... 🙂
Hey man thanks for the info I had to run to my gun room gun room to check the one that's in my optic drawer I got a real 1 but you did a damn good job For your 1st video keep up the good work man
Thanks! Glad to hear it!
Mine's supposed to get delivered very shortly thanks for the video. Most definitely will be checking it out thumbs up man
Thanks and good luck!
Great video. I encountered the same thing when I purchased a couple Streamlight TLR-1-HL Weapon lights. I contacted Streamlight and they asked me to take various picures of the sides, insides and battery compartment and contacts behind the lens head. Streamlight confirmed knock-offs and requested I send them the lights. Upon reciept of the lights they sent me 2 new ones. I contacted ebay and I got a refund for both.
Got mine on Amazon for $80 arrived and installed today . Thanks for yhe video im glad I was able to confirm its the real deal at that price i was skeptical. Great optic for the money
Ooooof, I have a few to check tonight. GREAT video. Thanks
This is a really good job for your first video
You sir are a great human being. I bought one not knowing it was a counterfeit and without this video I wouldn’t have ever known. Thank you very much!
Welcome to YT! Yeah, I’ts tricky buying optics from eBay or Amazon. Weapon lights are another common accessory that can come out to be counterfeits. I have bought clones before. But I knew they were clones (some weapon lights that are still running strong, surprisingly). But when it comes to optics and weapon lights I usually get them from PA, Midway or Optics planet. Thanks for the info, man.
Thanks for the heads up!
I own five Romeo 5's! I'm gonna have to check 'em out later. 33rd subscriber. Thanks for the share!!
Where did you buy them on Ebay or Amazon
Amazon & other places. I noticed two have a blue tint. Not unlike my Fastfire 3. The rest have clear glass. Wonder if his fake, has that same tint to it? Also, some of mine came with brown cardboard boxes. And no low mounts in the box.
Thanks for making me take a hard look. I will now be picking this up a my local Bass Pro Shop instead of Amazon. Headache avoided.......keep putting out useful information and I will be liking and subscribing....
I'm glad it helped!
Excellent and informative video - especially for your first!
Thanks for taking the time to post this - I am in the market for one and know what to look out for.
You should seriously consider more content - 50k views on this one!
Thank you, that means a lot and I'm glad it helped. As I come across anything that hasn't already been reported on in other youtube videos I'll be sure to make more!
Great first video!
Thanks to this video I have way more comfort in buying and verifying my next R5's- Seriously, thankyou!
You bet! Glad it helped!
Awesome I'm going tomorrow to look at one at Dunham's. Knowing what to look for is great!! Thanks
Good video man, no fluff or bs. Take your like good sir.
Thank you so much for taking the time to help us be aware…I ordered one on Amazon, and then saw a comment on that video saying to look out for counterfeits. Found your video, and you can bet as soon as it gets delivered I’m pulling up your video again and scrutinizing the hell out of it. Sad that this stuff is becoming more prevalent. Caveat emptor
I'm glad it helped!
With chinazon, good chance its fake.
@@CL-ty6wp actually is legit I also paid 110.00 so it wasn’t 80, or 90 like I’ve seen other sellers on and off Amazon selling it for.
Thank you so much for your video. Just ordered one from Amazon and will be comparing that with your video.
As an update, received mine and its legit. All matches your description, even the Energizer battery. Again, thank you for posting that.
Thanks a million for this. I'd definitely be interested in seeing a range comparison
Just had a fake one delivered today paid $75 for it. I appreciate the video.
I just ordered this optic from Palmetto Armory when it arrives I will be looking for any counterfit signs you mention here. Thanks for this great video.
Thanks for making this!!!
Bought two off ebay. Thankfully by comparison from this video, both are authentic. Thank you for this! Was worried!
Good video. I bought a Streamlight TLR 1-HL online same thing. Close in price to not raise alarm. Package, light, everything looked 100% real. Had a issue with the mounting screw and sent it in to Streamlight Thats when they told me it was counterfeit
Thanks a million for my peace of mind! I just received one from Optics Planet and checked it out following the steps in your video. Fortunately it is genuine. The brand of battery that came with it is Panasonic
You won't have this issue with Optics Planet because they wholesale directly from the manufacturer. It's third party sellers like Ebay and Amazon where you're more likely to run into fakes.
Thanks for the video. I am looking to pickup a Sig so this will be helpful. I did not catch where you purchased the fake version.
Thanks for video! I almost bought one on ebay but assumed it was fake. Now you confirmed my assumption as fact. Ended up buying from reputable dealer. Thanks!
Thanks!! Good first video.
thanks for this, have one on the way in the mail and I will certainly be checking these to see if it's real!
Lol! I was sweating it till you took the battery out! I don't have a knock off. Also, I remember I bought mine from the Sig Sauer store on Amazon. Great video though, thanks for posting it.
Good information. I have 2 of them and they are one of my favorites for sure. In my opinion for the price you can’t do much better than the Romeo5.
I Believe you can
@@steffensamlal1854Thanks for the reply, what's your pick in the $120-$150 range? I'm always on the lookout, haven't tried Holosun yet, I know they offer the "shake to wake" feature too. I really like that ability.
Thank you for making this video.
Thanks for the video! Just checked my Romeo's I bought a couple years ago for 75$ and they are legit 🤙
Great video man.
Thank god, i just checked mine to make sure they both have the 3 dimples pronounced in the battery compartment, this is also why you should always order from Sig direct.
Thank you so much for an awesome video! I came across a few that the price was too good to be true and simply avoid eBay and Amazon because of these.
I ended up treating myself to a Sig Romeo 5 XDR and now wondering if there’s any fakes on XDR versions
Thank you, man. I was just looking for a way to distinguish the original from the fake.
Glad the video helped!
Good stuff, I ran across this video while searching before I went to pickup a used Romeo5 from a dude. After I got a better picture form him, its very obvious by the edge cuts alone that it is a fake. The seller is telling me he didn't know it was fake. (but it was selling it cheap, $60 so I think he knew)! Luckily I found another guy selling one or 80 that seems to be legit. :D
Oh wow - I may have bought one also! I'll check it. Thanks, would have never guesses a fake Romeo5. But a lot of times with these counterfeits they choose a desirable item that is moderately priced (as opposed to a super high-end item) because most people will not notice.
Appreciate the time you spent doing this. I'm aware of the possibility of knock-offs on Amazon, but today I swallowed hard and ordered one. When it comes, I'll look over every aspect you so carefully documented here. If I smell a rat, I'll send it right back.
Good luck!
Stop ordering from chinazon. Full of knockoff trash.
With Amazon, they pay the return shipping fee if your not satisfied with the purchase.
THANK YOU...I purchased a NEW Sig Sauer Romeo5 at an unbelievably low price, 50% off $75. When I found out about the fakes I figured mine was a fake. NOT SO, everything matched exactly with your REAL one in every way. YOU set my mind at ease and made my day. THANK YOU. The silver colored contacts in the battery compartment are an obvious difference with the better gold colored contacts of the real one. It's all the more subtle differences you point out that convinced me.
Glad it was of help to you!
Where did you get it from?
Good stuff man 👍🏽
Thanks for the knowledge, this will help me protect my business.
I saw your video after I order a Romeo5 XDR. Once it arrived, it was extremely blurry after the unboxing.
Turns out my glasses were just dirty lol
I think mines real, but now I’m second guessing myself. Either way, thank for the video and the info!
Just bought a fake accidentally. Says it’s too late to cancel the order even though it is same day. However it won’t give me the option to contact the seller. How do I get this fixed?
Good job exposing true from fake!!!
I’m new to this and it’s useful information. Thank you for showing to the unexperienced.
Glad it helped. Good luck!
Man it if wasnt for this video I wouldn’t never know, thanks alot man
Wow , than k u very much friend , i will buy one from a reputable store and check what you mentioned after , thx again
you both caused me a scare, and relieved me.
Follow-up to my previous post:
Dave at Sig confirmed that MY Romeo5 was one of theirs. (Authentic.) The “5” in Romeo5 was rounded like an “S” and the inner metal tube has a slightly smaller inner diameter than my other R5’s. The finish was slightly blacker as well.
All other features were like all my other R5’s as were the box, accessories and paperwork.
Most important is that my battery compartment was like the authentic one you show and the emitter is at the same 4:30 position. I think these are the most reliable features of authenticity.
The battery was not an Energizer.
Great info! Thanks!
@@avtomatt8374 Dave at Sig said that the counterfeit version of which they are aware comes in a black plastic box from a site in FL. (Their Legal Department is on it.)
Sig’s service was great! Dave asked that I send him photos of the suspected optic from both sides and the undersurface to show the serial number. (You need to remove the base from the optic to access the SN.)
Thanks again for your video.
So battery emmiter at 4:30 and what color is the inside the copper color? And also the 5 is rounded!?
@@ThePatriotParadox Please also see my Follow-up post. It turns out that my unit WAS a counterfeit after all! It was the Serial Number that eventually decided the question and that required removing the sight from its base. On the POSITIVE SIDE, my counterfeit is a "very good copy," and works just fine! I wonder how many Chinese Factories using various components are turning-out these sights and how closely they mimic the original? I think the BEST solution for the consumer is to only buy from established Stores such as Brownells, PSA, Optics Planet, etc, not from Amazon Sellers? These established stores should have better control of their suppliers.
I just asked to cancel my order in one and they messaged back and refunded my money in less than 5 minutes....from eBay, kinda make me think I would've had a real one.... Was a US seller with 98% positive feedback. I thought about getting the MSR or the Romeo 7s from optics planet, even though 40$ more. Which version do you think is the best
Just bought one myself the battery wasn't Energizer but had all other correct authentic specs thanks for the vid also heard on the bottom of the rdr under the base is a serial number
Good info!
Another thing I noticed was the torque screw they use in the mount looks different between the two. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.
Glad it helped!
I just ordered one from Amazon hope it’s not a fake. Will be here Friday thanx for the information on this.
Good luck!
This video answered my questions about counterfeit sig sauer red dots. The price you said for the counterfeit sig red dot wasn't to far from the real sig red dot. I notice the the Chinese copy expensive optics, but you know they are copies. They seem to be trying to pass these sig red dots as real. A while back I seen them on whish for $50 all shiny & different colors & new they had to be counterfeit. I think most everything high end on whish is counterfeit, especially optics.
I watched this video before I broke the seal on mine. This video gave me peace of mind that I got the real deal.
Your information was very informative.
Thank you.
I'm glad it helped and thanks for the comment!
Bought one a few days ago off Amazon and did a full check. It’s legit
Great info..
I always get my Optics from Well Known Stores & Sellers.
I just got mine a last month from Primary Arms for $89.99 free shipping. (Black Friday Sale)
I think just about everything ships 2 day free from P.A.. However, I'm 30 miles from their Store here in SE Houston
Bought mine the other day off Amazon from their Woot store. Didn’t k ow this was a thing. I’m going to look it over again.
Wife got me one for Christmas. Me being as mature as a 2 year old, I opened the box and so far I got the Energizer battery, the emitter off-center, the serial looks legit, I just forgot to measure the tube. Lastly, I will call SIG with the serial and verify. I'm excited.
We'll it's almost Halloween 🎃. You scared the bagesus outta me. Because I just got 2 from ebay for $80 each.
They passed with flying colors. Thank you for the Trick Advisory. I will now enjoy my Romeo 5 Treat.
That is great information about counterfeit sig product!!!!!
Glad it helped!
Well, looks like I came across ur video a little to late….I ended up buying a counterfeit about a year ago n about a week ago just got around to putting it on….very good video however thanks for solid info!!
Good video. Confirms that mine is a real Romeo5, EVERYTHING is identical to a unit a friend purchased, and to your real unit. However, despite emailing multiple photos to Sig, theyre adamant that mine's a fake, and won't warranty it.
damn definitely made me check my battery fast. Got a crazy deal, Everything is legit based on your video.
Received 2 counterfeits off of eBay. “They” are now producing them with emitter offset (poorly glued), and providing an energizer battery. I had a genuine one to compare to, and even the packaging is a miss. If the price is too good to be true…
Eta- also changing/not duplicating serial numbers.
Who else removed their battery as soon as he removed it?
I did.
Thank God, mine is legit. It should be, at $220.
🙋🏻♂️
I GOT MINE FOR $62 AND WHEN I SAW THE BATTERY I WAS RELIEVED
@@Amtcboy wow, get a refund my guy. You should get 2 for that price.
@@ADLRTurk
From where I live, anything from abroad is expensive.
You should make more vids like this! Would save alot of people money and its not like there's a shortage of fake products on the market lol
A few things on the box since I happen to have both. On the side with the phonetic alphabet, the real one should have clearly black font for the and on the fake it’s more grayish. On that same side it has the sig sauer on the bottom right. If it says “When it counts” it’s a fake box. The sig logo is also a more bolder font and the color of the font and box match a little better on the real whereas the fake the font is slimmer and colors are obviously different. The actual scope picture is more crisp and clear on the real box and fuzzier on the fake and lastly the black sig Logo on the top is Bold and black and almost sticker like on the real. Looks more faded/washed on the fake. Some of these things might be hard to tell unless you have both in hand but I hope this helps someone.
Good info, thanks!
great info
Cool. Got a real one as far as I can tell. Thanks for the video
Good to hear. Glad it helped!
Thanks for your very informative video. I purchased two of these from Amazon last year, supplied to Amazon by WOOT LLC.. Sig Sauer just confirmed both units are counterfeit ?. Sadly Amazon will not offer a full refund ?
Thank you for your video. I just purchased a new Romeo5 counterfeit on ebay. It was an improved model, but I took it to Cabela's and compared it side by side with an authentic model. They addressed the defects you pointed out with the battery and battery compartment. They also moved the red dot projector to the side. You can tell its counterfeit from the finish (black vs sig bronze) and the projector while in the right location is visually different than the authentic model. They also worked on the Romeo5 logo, but its still off from the authentic version. This also had a real energizer battery. I purchased the Cabela's model and will be returning the counterfeit. If you are in the market, do yourself a favor and only buy from an authorized dealer. One last comment at Cabela's they sold a box with a low mount and a box with the high co-witness mount. They did not have a box with both the low and high. Not sure if there are authentic models with both, but I thought I would point it out.
How would I even know in this case if I don't have the authentic one to compare with?
I picked up one today it is real and it came with both the raised and the flat mount
Some retailers buy slightly different versions of an item for customer price point purposes. You usually won't see them listed on the manufacturer website, but they're legit. Fit example, maybe one doesn't have a low mount because people don't want one and they can take $20 off the price that the one with both mounts has. That's common.
@@islamuddinnoorr Might be too late to help, but you could always call the manufacturer and ask them to help you verify the serial number.
Thank you for your video. I have a Romeo 5 on the way so I will definitely be checking it out. Have you ever received an answer from Sig? Just wondering what they have to say about it.
I don't mean to doubt your findings, but Sig has been building the Romeo 5 for a few years, so is it possible that over the years Sig has changed specs on the Romeo 5 and that the differences may have something to do with what years the Romeo 5 was built? Also, Sig doesn't build the red dot themselves and contracts it out to foreign companies. Is it also possible that if there are more than one manufacturer that different manufacturers might make a slightly different product? During COVID time we have seen it where manufacturers have parts shortages and sometimes have to substitute parts for whatever they can still get. Could this be a possibility also?
Again, I'm doubting your findings, but am just wondering if there might be other possibilities. It would be nice if Sig would step forward and address this problem and let us know how to distinguish real from fake. Perhaps calling Sig and by supplying the serial number to Sig, they might be able to confirm it's authenticity.
Hey! Thanks for watching, and your skepticism has merit. Sig Sauer reached out to me in the 4th quarter of 2021 regarding my inquiry. They confirmed that my model was a counterfeit. You are correct, however, that there are slightly different variations over they years of production. The largest tell of a counterfeit is the low refresh rate of the emitter, creating a "flicker" as you strafe. Legitimate Sig Romeo 5 has a quicker refresh rate that with a consistent dot. I hope this helps, and thank you again for the good points you have brought up.
Just bought one today, got mine from a well known Outdoor store and still had to check it. Going to the range to zero it tomorrow. Still, is there anyway to stop this, or do we just keep putting up with it. Its not just the consumer that gets screwed , the manufacturer is getting the short end too. Keep up the good work , looking forward to your next video.
Wish sells them on their* app, government no longer cares about copyright infringement, in bed with China to take over the nation.
If you buy from an authorized store you usually will get an authentic sig... It's places like Amazon and eBay that sell counterfeit everything
Yeah, I even received a Counterfeit Sawyer water filter from eBay! So be careful, they're even counterfeiting something as important as a water filter survival tool!
@@sw9147 I got mine from Amazon and is a piece of trash, I think it’s fake lol I thought it was a crappy optic
@@murkyturkey5238 is it fake
Great comparison. I just received one from E-bay for $99.49 and it is luckily real. I did see other listings for less money and they put in their description either For Sig Sauer or Sig Sauer Clone. E-Bay must have made them list them as such.
Damn that's a deal
I just bought a fake one off the eBay. Sig confirmed it. Thanks for the info!
Sorry to hear that. I was able to get my money back from the ebay seller after calling them out, hopefully you're able to as well!
Great video. I ran to open my safe to check out one I bought on Amazon; they have been questionable lately. It turns out to be legit.
Good to hear!
Great vid thank you.
I ordered an MSR from ebay last year because it was in fde and at the time I couldn't find the 5 in fde. The dot has always been weak, so I'm about to go check it out
Thank you so much. I’m returning my fake tomorrow!!
Good! Glad you spotted it
Thx for the heads up
Killer job , I bought 2 on amazon at different times, luckily,both are legit, I only know because of this Video...I love this dot by the way.