40 Knots Clones

"### Olfactory Experience Diamond Cut opens with a bracing hit of sea salt, a touch more synthetic than Xerjoff's 40 Knots, but convincing enough. The initial green notes are sharp, almost grassy, softening quickly. The heart leans heavily into driftwood. It's pleasant, conjuring images of sun-bleached wood washed ashore. The salty marine accord lingers but plays second fiddle to the woods. Dry down brings cedar forward, softened by a whisper of myrtle. The similarity to 40 Knots is around 90%. It's missing the smoother, almost creamy undercurrent of the original. ### The Verdict Diamond Cut captures the breezy, coastal vibe of 40 Knots without the hefty price tag. If you crave that sun-drenched, seaside feeling and don't mind a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge, this is a solid alternative. The original is undoubtedly smoother and more nuanced, but This is for the guy who wants to smell effortlessly cool and collected, like he just stepped off a yacht. It's a casual, approachable fragrance for everyday wear. ### The Performance Stats Diamond Cut projects moderately for the first hour, leaving a noticeable scent trail. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is average. Expect around 5-6 hours before it becomes a faint skin scent. Not bad, but not beast mode."

"### Olfactory Experience ÉCLAT 980 VIP aims for Xerjoff's 40 Knots, and it gets respectably close. The opening presents a briny sea salt accord; the promised green notes are subtle, more of a marine algae impression than distinct foliage. The heart attempts the woody aquatic character of 40 Knots but struggles. It's undeniably aquatic, but the woody notes lean slightly synthetic, creating a sharper, less rounded effect than the original. The drydown offers a cedar-forward base with a hint of myrtle. The overall impression is approximately 88% similar to 40 Knots but lacks the latter's sophisticated depth and naturalistic blending. The original's smoother transitions are notably absent. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, then settles into a close-to-skin scent for the remaining duration. Expect approximately an arm's length of sillage in its opening. This is respectable point, but far from Xerjoff's performance. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? ÉCLAT 980 VIP provides a decent approximation of 40 Knots . If you appreciate the general scent profile – salty, woody, and aquatic – and are budget-conscious, it's a worthy option. However, those seeking the nuances and higher quality of the Xerjoff original will likely be disappointed by the synthetic edges. For others, this offers an acceptable compromise. It is a good buy for someone who wants a "dumb grab" marine fragrance."

"### The Scent Profile No. 665 opens with a pronounced sea salt accord, a decent mimicry of Xerjoff's 40 Knots, though rendered with a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge. The promised green notes are present but fleeting, contributing a vague freshness that quickly fades. The heart reveals a woody accord dominated by a cedar-like aroma. Here is where the divergence from 40 Knots becomes more apparent. 40 Knots has a richer, more complex woody character. No. 665 feels streamlined, almost simplified. The seawater note is there, but more of an impression rather than a photorealistic depiction. The drydown is primarily cedar and a lingering salty marine vibe. Overall, I'd say it captures approximately 90% of the essence of 40 Knots, with the primary differences being the quality of ingredients and complexity. ### Is it Worth It? No. 665 is a competent clone for the budget-conscious consumer. If you're seeking a near-identical match and are willing to pay a premium, stick with Xerjoff's 40 Knots. However, if you enjoy the general profile and are happy with a reasonable facsimile, No. 665 offers decent value. Someone new to marine fragrances or those wanting an inexpensive daily wear should consider it. ### Performance Reality Check Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is acceptable, clocking in around 5-6 hours on my skin. It's a workday fragrance, not an all-day powerhouse."