Wide variation in head gasket prices...?

[49er]

According to Vesrah's site, they were (and are) the OEM supplier to many manufacturers. This probably explains my trust in them, back when.

See above. I'm collecting OEM essential gaskets like cylinder base and head; the ones that when they let go, are really time-consuming to change again. I'd happily buy Vesrah if I could be sure they weren't knock-offs.

I would also use Vesrah again too, if I could be sure they were genuine parts. Alas, I won't take the chance again.

My base gasket failed badly and when disassembling the top end, I found the composite material adjacent to the bore rings was breaking down/dissolving on the head gasket. It wasn't leaking, but wasn't far from doing so.

I snagged an oil ring when re-assembling, so I wasn't a very happy camper.