I'm considering starting mining for the first time and it looks like Antminer S9 is the way to go in that price range (other suggestions in $1000-$5000 range is welcome. $0.08 per kWh).
Is it safe to buy from Bitmain? If I pay for an order now, am I sure to get one from the november batch? Or am I risking that they suddenly are out of stock even after I pay?
I don't feel so good about paying so far in advance, with a currency that is charged immediately with no refund possibilities.
What do you think? Should I go for it?
They're flaky, take long to
mine with the machines you've paid for actually deliver, but that's what you know beforehand. Although we can have a long discussion about the business ethics of Bitmain, their machines are relatively stable and therefor get sold. A lot.