I looked at the off brand ones and they looked fine to me and seemed to offer all the same meshes.

I can say that after working with an 8 bag kit that a 4 bag kit would be fine if you are not looking to separate as many grades or get that ultra_white_so_blond_that_you_sport_wood bubble... Mmmm, I will be right back...

*cof*

All that being said I am very happy with the 1 gal 8 bag kit.

No matter what, you can't go wrong with bubble. Yummy descibes it perfectly.