Hayward CX1200RE Replacement Cartridge Filter Element for StarClear Plus C1200 | Compatible with Pool & Spa Filtration Systems | Easy Maintenance for Clean Water

I agree with others who have said that it's not worth buying "compatible", or even so-called "OEM replacement" filter cartridges. They may cost half as much, but they are cheap and don't last, nor do they clean as well.I have had bad experiences, even here on Amazon, buying what is supposed to be an authentic -- and more expensive -- Hayward OEM cartridge that doesn't turn out to be authentic. I couple of years ago I bought one that even came in a Hayward box, had Hayward wrapping and the labeling on the filter itself also all said "Hayward". However, when I unwrapped it and looked at it closely I noticed that some of the finishing details were "off". Such as small pieces of plastic that weren't completely trimmed off the end caps. Also, some of the filter pleats were wrapped unevenly. Also the inside rings that provide strength looked different than what I had seen before. I used that filter and sure enough, after a few months it stopped cleaning as well.Talking about this one from this vendor: It truly looks like a genuine Hayward filter. And for the price I expect it to last as long as on OEM filter. Every detail on it is perfect. The pleats are well-spaced and uniform. There are no extraneous pieces of plastic that haven't been properly trimmed. Etc. Maybe some of those people who say it's not genuine somehow ended up with a bootleg version for some reason -- intentional or not, no way to tell -- but at least in my case I seem to have received a genuine filter that should last. And so far it's working fine.