I totally get it that not everyone is able to pay, or willing to pay, the premium cost of Profoto gear. I have used Canon flashes for years: 430, 580, recently three 600EX-RT's, two of which I have given away. All of my Canon flashes were excellent flashes. After I bought a Profoto A1X, that was the end of my use of Canon flashes. For one thing, I love its integration with my Profoto AirRemote and wireless studio flashes. As for cheap rip-offs, a lot of them are pretty good. But compare them for consistency and color 10 years down the road and you'll know where your Canon or Profoto money went.