Up until a few years ago, I would say without any doubt that Steele Rubber Products were far superior to the "off shore" products. Steele is a USA company, using quality rubber, made with quality extrusion and molding machines. However, sad to say, that they now have products made overseas. They claim that they "inspect" them to be sure they meet standards. You can't "inspect" the quality of the rubber. You have to test the composition. We don't know which are not made in their USA factory. The off shore rubber will not be the same quality as other USA Steele products. Only the form, fit and function will be near the same. The rubber quality is what controls the deterioration/strength/flexibility.
While the Steele Co. bellows is twice the price, it is probably better to buy their bellows because we are not talking about a lot of money. We can always inquire and find out if a particular part is made by Steele or supplied to Steele.
No one can ever know what goes into the "rubber" at a Chinese factory. Lots of garbage for sure. Recycled, cracks in 3 months trash. Not virgin latex/polymer.
