Okki Nokki RCM-5 vs VPI 16.5

I know(and stated) how the VPI works. Is there a problem with your comprehension? To quote YOUR post, "The VPI's arm
has a history of breaking if you press down on it too hard OR at an angle." Maybe you didn't understand my question.
WHY would anyone PRESS DOWN on the VPI's arm? I strongly
prefer NOT to have ANY metal anywhere near my vinyls,
especially while they are being handled(why take any
chances?). I bought an HW-16 in the 80's and used it
successfully for a couple decades(now own the 16.5) There
must be a lot of, "dunces" in the World, given that
the 16.5 is so vastly popular, and the VPI machines have been in production for over 30 years.

Never tried the Okki Nokki RCM-5.........simpy because I bought the HW-16 in the early 90s and, after two decades, its STILL in perfect working order.

I use the Walker Audio Prelude (4 steps) Record Cleaning System with the HW-16 and I've only changed the vacuum tube strips twice with Disc Doctor replacement strips.

Nothing broken in 20+ years and still working like a champ!

As I've stated this before on here, I have probably the oldest VPI HW-16.5 serial number 15.

It started as a HW-16, then when VPI offered the .5 upgrade kit, I installed it. My unit is well over 30 years old and has cleaned tens of thousands of records.

I have NEVER had any problems with it. It's never leaked or had a burned out motor or had a broken tube.

The way I understand the broken or cracked tube problem is that owners are leaving the arm tube over the platter when they are done and the weight of the lid is causing the issue. All you have to do is swing the arm tube out of the way and bingo problem solved. I always swing the tube over and leave it facing the back of the unit. My lid still hits it, but all it does is push down on the spring a little bit. Since there is open space below the tube, it doesn't cause any problem. Not sure why anyone would leave the tube out over the platter when not is use?

I was also a VPI dealer for many, many years and sold hundreds of these units and never had any complaints. Pretty good recommendation if you ask me...

Hardly ever clean my records with my machine.....a brush before playing and I'm off.

Then you have no idea how much better your lps will sound when cleaned with a vacuum machine, not to mention the fact that your cart will last much longer!