pennbrit,It is certainly a good exercise to first check the arf you want to buy.I always check the contents of the box, thorough inspection. I then check which other manufacturers offer a similar arf in a similar size. i'll inspect as many as I can. That way i know that some arf's are indeed the same design marketed under different brands. I simply choose the box with the arf thats been assembled the best.This rules out impulsive buying but at least what I have and how it compares to other arf's.Happy hunting