I had/have no idea it was a rip off, but I have to say that with that bead that runs all around I would rather have the one I bought.
How do you know that this "rip off" company was not there first???
I'll say to you what i have already said here, good luck on figuring out who what where when and how a product comes to market.
I just buy what I want where i want and I will always try to by American. MRA is an over priced German product in my opinion and I have bought a lot of MRA products. One is posted right in this thread
actually, that "bead" is beneficial in 2 respects, and I like it from the perspectives;
it stiffens the product, and provides a stronger split free edge, while also forcing any water up against it till the "droplet" can be formed, and then flows away up and over the lip, in a controlled manner... nice touch. My Laminar Lip add on, does not have that, and as a result, torrential rain, simply waashes up and over into my face, and face shield... continuously... I slipped a piece of clear sheet metal "edge guard material" from a bin at work, over the top edge to make that happen... worked well...
as for Gary, goading me on about FSM theft and such, I just consider the source, and know he's just jerking my chain... it's all good.
peace out, and ride safe you crazy kids.