I believe that purchasing American-made products actually costs the racer less over the lifetime of the product. The initial price you pay for a Chinese knock-off may by less than purchasing---for example---a Novak controller. But here is a scenario:

You have a Novak GTB purchased 2years ago--the wires are messed up and something seems to be wrong. You can Trade it in (anytime) for our newest version, a GTB2 with many cool, new features: price $59. Can you keep replacing your clone with newly-designed escs for a Lifetime?

If you don't want the GTB2, you can exchange for any other Novak esc you want. Can you send back your clone and pick out a completely different controller?

Same with our BL motors; if you bought the wrong wind ( or want to change events), you could either return it for trade or exchange or you could buy a new wound stator and transform it yourself. If you have an old SS Pro, you can get a Ballistic---any size or wind in exchange. Does your clone motor MFG give you an option to swap out your motor for newer versions whenever you want?

Over the lifetime of your item, purchasing a Novak product would be your thriftiest option always allowing you to exchange into our newest products at a significantly reduced price.