Defi gauges, any experience with real vs replica?

[aussie houdini]

Hi, I saw this on fleabay - Defi BF Gauge 60mm Turbo Boost Gauge Oil Temp Gauge Oil Press Gauge Car Meter | eBay

I assume they're a knock off. Feedback suggests the gauges are OK and they do state you don't need the control unit which would save $400. Does anyone have any experience with these cheaper ones, or indeed the real deal and not needing a control unit?

[piston broke]

Yeah, they're knock offs, the BF Link series uses a control box where you link other gauges and set up alarm thresholds.

I have a Defi Racer boost gauge which look very similar to the BF series, these don't need the control unit but will set you back about $A250. I also had a BF series boost gauge with the control box.
I would say you are paying a premium for the Defi name and the same thing could be produced for less as per the ebay listing but the Defi stuff is quality gear. Never had a problem with my Defi gear and you can get spare sensors & looms.

[bwen]

I have a 52mm blue defi gauge: http://i2.frsimg.com/images/detailed...801_6_3011.jpg (one on the left) which sits in my RHD air con vent (MKV osir pod). It worked 'well' for the first two years, although there were some problems when my car was parked out in the Brisbane sun it wouldn't turn on until it cooled down (happened all the time in summer). I recently went to the beach and parked my car in the sun from morning till night and my gauge seems like it's completely dead. Tested a multimeter to the wiring and everything is okay so I can only assume the gauge itself has finally died.

I have yet to replace it but I'm just assuming this isn't because of Defi's quality control but I just probably just got a 'bad batch'. In saying that I do love the design and colour scheme of it so I'm definitely looking for another Defi gauge