Third-party CLI-8 cartridges offer significant savings but require careful quality assessment
This 32-pack from Inkjetcorner represents a substantial investment in compatible ink for Canon Pro9000 Mark II printers, offering potential savings over OEM cartridges. Buyers should understand that while compatible cartridges work with the same printhead system, they use different ink formulations that can affect print longevity and color accuracy. The specific CLI-8 cartridge design requires precise chip communication with the printer for ink level reporting.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The 32-pack format suggests high-volume printing needs—evaluate whether you'll use all cartridges before expiration (typically 18-24 months after opening).
- Compatible inks may have different drying characteristics than Canon OEM, potentially affecting print head maintenance cycles and requiring more frequent nozzle cleaning.
- The Pro9000 Mark II uses individual color cartridges—this bulk purchase makes sense only if you have uneven color usage patterns that would leave some cartridges unused.
- Verify your printer's firmware version, as some Canon updates intentionally block third-party cartridges through chip authentication changes.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality compatible cartridges should maintain the CLI-8's integrated printhead design rather than using sponge-based alternatives. Check reviews specifically mentioning color matching to Canon's Lucia inks and absence of banding in photo prints. The cartridge chips should accurately report ink levels without premature 'empty' warnings that waste remaining ink.
Inkjet Ink Cartridges Market Context
Market Overview
The compatible ink market for Canon's professional photo printers remains active despite Canon's aggressive protection of their OEM cartridge business. Third-party manufacturers have reverse-engineered the CLI-8 chip system, but quality varies significantly between suppliers. Recent market shifts show consolidation among reputable compatible manufacturers as cheaper alternatives face quality control issues.
Common Issues
The most frequent complaints involve inconsistent ink flow leading to banding in photo prints, color shifts particularly in magenta and cyan channels, and chip communication errors that prevent printing. Cartridge leakage during shipping is also common with bulk packs due to pressure changes in transit. Some users report that compatible inks fade faster than Canon's Lucia inks when exposed to light.
Quality Indicators
Look for manufacturers who disclose their ink formulation approach—pigment-based versus dye-based—as this affects archival quality. Quality cartridges maintain the same foam density as OEM to control ink flow. Reputable suppliers typically offer some form of satisfaction guarantee specifically addressing printer damage concerns, which Inkjetcorner appears to provide based on review patterns.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with 15% estimated fake reviews indicates generally trustworthy feedback with some manipulation attempts. For this specific product, the 0.29-point difference between the raw 3.89 and adjusted 3.60 ratings suggests inflated positive reviews rather than negative review suppression. The verified purchase status of all reviews significantly increases confidence in the remaining feedback.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on the verified reviews discussing specific technical aspects like color accuracy, nozzle clogs, or chip compatibility rather than generic 'works great' comments. Given the 15% manipulation rate, be particularly skeptical of extreme 5-star reviews that don't mention print testing or 1-star reviews complaining about shipping damage without printer performance details.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews that mention testing with specific paper types (like Canon Photo Paper Pro) or include photos of print results. Look for patterns in mid-range (3-4 star) reviews that often provide balanced assessments of value versus quality trade-offs. Pay special attention to reviews mentioning long-term use (2+ months) as some compatible ink issues manifest over time.
Expert Perspective
The 3.60 adjusted rating for this 32-pack suggests acceptable but not exceptional performance for professional printing needs. The concentration of reviews around the middle ratings indicates predictable trade-offs: significant cost savings versus potential quality compromises. For the Pro9000 Mark II—a printer capable of professional photo output—the choice between OEM and compatible inks involves balancing economic factors against color fidelity requirements. The bulk packaging makes this suitable primarily for high-volume users who can consume cartridges before expiration.
Purchase Considerations
Consider your print purposes: documents and casual photos may tolerate compatible ink variations better than gallery-quality prints. Factor in the printer's age—older Pro9000 Mark II units may be more forgiving with third-party cartridges than newer units with updated firmware. Calculate your actual cost per milliliter rather than per cartridge, as compatible inks sometimes contain less volume than OEM despite similar packaging.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare Inkjetcorner's offering against other reputable compatible brands like LD Products or InkOwl, and consider remanufactured OEM cartridges which reuse Canon's original housing with new ink.
