I do think that the price is a little high but as far as the " Don't get a Tip stuff" There are a lot of very happy tip owners out there with me being one of them. As far as a desirable color combo, that would be what YOU like. Ed
You say he claims it's red. How do you know for sure? People can claim anything on the internet.
I'd get an independent shop to check that out before just taking his word for it.