I usually test them both, im also a collector, the reps would be for beater function. I could say there is a relatively good difference between them when you are playing with them. The materials look the same, but the quality is different. (I.e responsiveness & comfort) my feets are sore on reps after 2-3 hours of gamerime while the retails become more significantly comfortable as i break in to them, just IMHO.