Is it safe to buy a cheap binder off Amazon?

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Hi everyone. This question has nothing to do with ASD so sorry about that but I think I've come across at least a couple of transmasculine people on here who might be able to help me out.

Amazon is the easiest way I could get a binder at the moment. When searching for 'chest binders', I found a couple for about £30 and tons for about £6. I know it can be really dangerous to wear some binders, but I really can't afford the £30 one. Have any of you guys purchased a cheap binder from a site like Amazon and do you expect it will be safe or is there a risk it's so cheap because it's going to damage my ribs or chest?

Thanks

If you are looking for moderate or less compression but wearing it for 8 hrs/day, I'd worry more about neck and back problems. One other problem with the really inexpensive ones is that they don't last, because they really skimp on either materials or workmanship, and then you find yourself buying yet another cheap one. Maybe a middle ground? Underworks in the USA has a line that runs right around $18 USD ( £14 or so?). Something like this one will last for years and is less likely to cause damage or pain: http://www.underworks.com/econo-high-power-compression-chest-binder-top . Is there something similar available where you are? I've heard a lot of guys in the UK end up ordering from Underworks, but the shipping adds to the cost.

Also, some guys have success with a super wide ace bandage over a sports bra, or two sports bras, one slightly smaller than the other. With an undershirt over it all it doesn't show under a dress shirt. But the extra layers are uncomfortable in the heat!

General consensus usually runs to underworks general "tritop" or gc2b are also often recommended.
There are cheaper ones, usually of Asian origin, but far from being "dangerous" these models are reportedly just useless. They're half the price because they don't work.
A lot of trans paraphernalia can be expensive but really you're better off prioritising and paying for the more expensive brands - they'll work, and last, without causing damage to your body. Plus many of these products like the above two have been made specifically for trans people, and save you trying to compensate with bras and bandages.

NOPE NOPE NOPE

Avoid cheapo binders at all costs. 90% of the time they are made with stiff, non-breathable fabrics not meant to be worn so tightly around the chest and often end up with the same end results as ace bandages. (Binders that are supposedly “100% cotton” are a red flag.) Look for fabrics with a bit of give or stretchiness to them. My binder has a front panel that has no stretch at all to keep my chest pressed down, while the rest of it is stretchy. This is good.

I'd recommend the store I personally bought from, except it's very expensive. I've heard good things about Underworks, which run at about $20ish USD. Underworks sells binders for about the cheapest amount of money you can get for a safe binder.

Please, for your own safety, never bind with ace bandages or duct tape.

It is definitely worth it to save your money and buy a better quality binder; it will save you many hours of discomfort / pain, and also last longer. It doesn't have to be super fancy [I buy mine from Underworks, which are okay], but avoid the cheap ones.