- Oct 28, 1999
- 62,484
- 8,345
- 126
It's hard to find the heavy cardboard "stemed" generics. They are usually plastic that bends in half as you jam it in your ear and twist away. Plus the cotton heads on them usually tear away by the second twist and make you jab your inner ear with the stick.
The name brand "Q-Tip" is far better crafted instrument of ear wax removal.
nakedfrog
No Lifer
- Apr 3, 2001
- 63,068
- 19,386
- 136
I see you speak with the voice of experience
Off-hand, there aren't a whole lot of other items where I insist on brand name. Some Suave shampoo is alright, but I go ahead and spring for the good stuff. A bottle of shampoo and conditioner is about $8, so I spend a whopping ~$100 per year. If there's a generic equivalent of my deodorant, I haven't seen it, but again, it's a couple bucks every few months, so no biggie.
waggy
No Lifer
- Dec 14, 2000
- 68,143
- 10
- 81
Originally posted by: sandorski
Any alcohol at 21(18 in the Civilized world) seems great!
hahaha yeah we baught a lot of it. also those 30 packs of high life for $9.99
now that im older and wiser i get the good stuff LOL
edit: about the Q-tips i fricken agree!
Zenmervolt
Elite member
- Oct 22, 2000
- 24,514
- 44
- 91
As others have said, it depends on the product.
- Basic drugs like aspirin or acetaminophen are definitely just fine in generic.
- Most "staple" foods (rice, potato, butter, etc) are just fine in generic (though there is definitely a taste superiority to organic whole milk, usually simply because it's local and fresher), but meats and vegetables are better fresh from a local market.
- Brand name clothing (Dockers, Van Heusen, etc) definitely lasts longer than generic, but there's no sense (IMO) in paying huge premiums for it; I can't remember the last time I paid more than 65% of the original price for a shirt or slacks. Macy's and Nordstrom's have sales just about every other week.
- Brand name tools are definitely superior, but the difference really only comes in if you use them heavily.
- Brand name CFLs come on faster and have much nicer color than generic versions. The generics also tend to hum or buzz.
- Generic drier sheets have caused me to break out in a rash, so I avoid those now.
Basically one just needs to evaluate generics on a case-by-case basis.
ZV
- Basic drugs like aspirin or acetaminophen are definitely just fine in generic.
- Most "staple" foods (rice, potato, butter, etc) are just fine in generic (though there is definitely a taste superiority to organic whole milk, usually simply because it's local and fresher), but meats and vegetables are better fresh from a local market.
- Brand name clothing (Dockers, Van Heusen, etc) definitely lasts longer than generic, but there's no sense (IMO) in paying huge premiums for it; I can't remember the last time I paid more than 65% of the original price for a shirt or slacks. Macy's and Nordstrom's have sales just about every other week.
- Brand name tools are definitely superior, but the difference really only comes in if you use them heavily.
- Brand name CFLs come on faster and have much nicer color than generic versions. The generics also tend to hum or buzz.
- Generic drier sheets have caused me to break out in a rash, so I avoid those now.
Basically one just needs to evaluate generics on a case-by-case basis.
ZV
For batteries look at the markigs and manufactoring markings. They should be the same if they are made by the same company. Like if the top has a dimple on it, or cuts in the wrap, etc... I know costco Kirkland batteries are made by duracell and work the same, great.
I have to dissagree with most of you guys on the med thing. There is actually a big difference between generic meds and branded. Tylenol is a perfect example. The active ingredient is the same for extra strength, 500mg of acetominefine (sp). That is the part that is regulated by the FDA and whatnot. It's the fillers and binders that are generic and can be completly different. Tylenol is formulated to release in your body at a specific time rate and this rate is controled by the fillers and binders. When you replace them with something else that works to bind and fill and is cheaper it does not nessecerely release the active ingredient at the needed time rate. With most generic tylenol, the binders hold on to the active ingredient too long and you end up flushing it away instead of absorbing it.
Sorry for the long rant.. I worked at Merck for a while and read a few studies... I was bored.
Sorry for the long rant.. I worked at Merck for a while and read a few studies... I was bored.
Funny thing about generics, some are made in the same factory as the name brand equivelent, the only difference being the label.
I worked in a bakery and we ran private labels and store brands from the same dough. In all I think we used 18 different bags with basically the same bread inside.
BUT... if there was a time period where the bread would be of lower but acceptable quality we would run that into store brands (private label). My boss always said, If you are paying a premium price you should get a premium quality product.
BUT... if there was a time period where the bread would be of lower but acceptable quality we would run that into store brands (private label). My boss always said, If you are paying a premium price you should get a premium quality product.
I work for a company that produces hair/skin care products for house brands. Much of what we make is just as good as the regular brands. Not all, though.
GiggleGirl
Golden Member
- Apr 18, 2008
- 1,607
- 0
- 0
ohhhhh you are wayyy off base here son! The generic Malt O Meal brand for lucky charms, titled Marshmallow Mateys are TEN TIMES BETTER than the brand. get em at walmart..... otherwise, i think you are sadly mistaken if you have tried them and disagree
GiggleGirl
Golden Member
- Apr 18, 2008
- 1,607
- 0
- 0
Originally posted by: Gand1
I have to dissagree with most of you guys on the med thing. There is actually a big difference between generic meds and branded. Tylenol is a perfect example. The active ingredient is the same for extra strength, 500mg of acetominefine (sp). That is the part that is regulated by the FDA and whatnot. It's the fillers and binders that are generic and can be completly different. Tylenol is formulated to release in your body at a specific time rate and this rate is controled by the fillers and binders. When you replace them with something else that works to bind and fill and is cheaper it does not nessecerely release the active ingredient at the needed time rate. With most generic tylenol, the binders hold on to the active ingredient too long and you end up flushing it away instead of absorbing it.
Sorry for the long rant.. I worked at Merck for a while and read a few studies... I was bored.
see, thats good info to know. but i guess i havent really noticed a difference in when I use these products because i actually purchase generic tylenol and it usually works to my specified need
Kyle
Diamond Member
- Oct 14, 1999
- 4,146
- 11
- 91
Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
Originally posted by: Gand1
I have to dissagree with most of you guys on the med thing. There is actually a big difference between generic meds and branded. Tylenol is a perfect example. The active ingredient is the same for extra strength, 500mg of acetominefine (sp). That is the part that is regulated by the FDA and whatnot. It's the fillers and binders that are generic and can be completly different. Tylenol is formulated to release in your body at a specific time rate and this rate is controled by the fillers and binders. When you replace them with something else that works to bind and fill and is cheaper it does not nessecerely release the active ingredient at the needed time rate. With most generic tylenol, the binders hold on to the active ingredient too long and you end up flushing it away instead of absorbing it.
Sorry for the long rant.. I worked at Merck for a while and read a few studies... I was bored.
see, thats good info to know. but i guess i havent really noticed a difference in when I use these products because i actually purchase generic tylenol and it usually works to my specified need
Makes me want to look in to this...I've *never* heard that name brand med's are any dif/better than generics- I'd be surprised/interested to find that this is true...no time to look in to it now... :beer: time =)
ConstipatedVigilante
Diamond Member
- Feb 22, 2006
- 7,670
- 1
- 0
Generic food, such as cereal, Pop tarts, etc, is nowhere near as good as the real thing.
Now dairy products, like cheese, sour cream, milk....I always get the store brand.
Now dairy products, like cheese, sour cream, milk....I always get the store brand.
Brainonska511
Lifer
- Dec 10, 2005
- 29,143
- 14,503
- 136
Reminds me of what my dad said about one company he did work for -
The company shipped out various clothing to different places. In particular, they sewed labels on generic, white, bath robes. The ones that got a "Sears" label sold for $30-$40, the ones that got a "SaxFifthAve" label sold for $80.
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