For kicks (and a waste of a little disposable income), I decided to investigate these knock-off cables. Or at least one in particular, the AudioQuest Vodka48. I knew I'd be throwing away money so I picked one that was fairly cheap. I happen to own a genuine Vodka48 and so this was an easy choice to make.
The outer box looks pretty good but I have yet to compare it to my legit box which is stored away. I also knew right away while opening the box, this cable was phony. It is significantly lighter in weight than any of my AQ HDMI cables. I own (3) Carbons and a Vodka48. After finally untying all the tie-wires, I got the cable out and it was way, way too flexible. The real AQ cables are VERY stiff. This faux-AQ cable feels like many of the $15 - $20 generic cables that I've bought off of Amazon for my less expensive video sources. The outer weave on the cable is also shinier and more blue than the OG. But overall, it looks decent though that you probably wouldn't notice unless you do a direct comparison. The connectors are probably the most realistic looking out of everything. They did pretty well in copying the look of the AQ jackets.
But if anyone is looking to buy used AQ HDMI cables (which I would never recommend even if a dealer is selling them), the cable is the most obvious clue in counterfeits. AQ cables should be VERY stiff and heavy. These are quite pliable, light and cheap feeling. I am not even going to hook this piece up to any equipment.