Golden Greek AFS for GGTS prototype (GGTS-AFS ‘Grande’) Initial Impressions
I managed to score from Imeo a prototype of his Automated Feed System for his GGTS mod for early testing and review, which I am giving the code name of AFS-Grande.
Seems that our intrepid Greek modder friend was about to release this model when an outcry from some in the GG community on the ECF forum caused him to go back to the drawing board and redesign the mod. The complaint was that the mod was too big, and his revamping it to make it smaller delayed its release for at least an additional month. The Grande is officially NOT for sale.
Fortunately, I was able to somehow talk him into getting my hands on a prototype, which should be the same as the official production version but for its bigger collection tank.
The Grande is an all aluminum mod that is specially designed to go on top of the existing Golden Greek Telescopic System, or GGTS. Unlike the AFS v2 (or ‘all mods’ [AM]) version, it shouldn’t work on any other product, even older GG models. It consists of a cap comprised of two pieces (like the AM) that will hold a special AFS mouthpiece or 901 whistle tip cartridge. The cap screws onto the main juice tank, which in turn screws into a bottom collection tank that in turn replaces the existing top cap of the GGTS. The air control ring (CR) is located at the top of the collection tank. Like it’s older AM brother, the Grande uses gravity and air pressure to automatically deliver the right amount of juice into a special 901 atomizer made by imeo (iatty) or a modified KR808D-1 cartomizer. When describing the Grande, I should also point out that as a prototype it does not have the final buffing and shine, nor the laser etched GG logo or wings. And unlike the AM, the o rings are just barely visible on the outside of the mod if you look hard enough; it almost appears to be a single piece of aluminum.
The Grande IS massive. Assembled, it is almost the length of the GGTS with a 18650 battery or two CR123’s. It is the same diameter as the GGTS (a bit larger than the AM) to hold more juice and roughly ½ to ¾ inches taller than a GGTS bearing the AM variant.
Another thing that stands out on the Grande’s appearance is the prominent bezels scattered throughout the outside (and inside) of the mod. Any part that has to be fastened by hand has deep bezels to assist in gripping the components. As a result, assembly and disassembly of the Grande is much easier than the AM. AM owners who have struggled with juice slicked hands to loosen and tighten the smooth brass piece of that mod will appreciate this touch. The centerpiece inside of the tank is also bezeled, which makes attachment of the atty or carto onto it, and its installation into the bottom of the tank a snap. The air Control Ring on the bottom of the collection tank is a large bezeled piece that screws down to close off the air inlet holes or adjust the draw on the Grande.
Besides the unit matching the size and aesthetics of the GGTS, the other major difference between the Grande and the AM is the liquid collection tank on the former. Myself and some other AM owners have reported leaking or seepage issues when using that mod with attys (but not cartos). Fixes or tweaks have included removing or adding o rings or adding polyfill or bluefoam disks around the atty inlet hole on the 901 or around the air inlet holes on the AM’s brass base piece. Personally, I disliked these fixes as I felt they detracted from the draw, vape and taste of the mod.
Imeo’s conclusion was the leaks were caused by inconsistencies with attys (attys with a lighter draw were deemed more likely to cause seepage and leakage) and differences in air pressure, and were to a certain degree unavoidable. His solution was to replace the top cap of the GGTS with a collection tank and to move the air inlet holes and control rings onto to it in order to contain, rather than prevent, leaks. In theory, any errant juice would gather in the collector tank to the point where it would equalize air pressure between the two tanks and stop the leakage or seepage.* The juice tank can be removed from the collector tank so that any juice inside the latter can be poured into another container for later use.
Theory aside, how does this work in reality? So far, not bad. Yes, it can leak out the air inlet holes if you hold the unit horizontally; closing the control ring prevents this. During my first day of use, a full tank seemed to seep into the collector tank within half an hour but hasn’t repeated itself since. I’m not sure if this is break in period or a change in barometric pressure. There is some minor seepage to date, but not nearly as bad as on the AM with attys. It’s time to drill some cartos again to see if they’re as stellar on the Grande as they are on the AM. Overall, I’m a heckuva lot more confident about sticking a Grande in my inside suit jacket pocket without a hankie than an AM.
Finally, how does it vape? Without hesitation, I would have to say very well. The experience matches that of the GG AFS AM, which had been my favorite setup. Like the AM, the Grande handles both high and regular voltage vaping equally well. Likewise for PG, straight VG or any mixture thereof. Modified cartos and the possibility of soon using other attys with some or no modification promise to make this mod more useful and versatile still. Overall, the unit feels very solid and reliable, even matching the durability and robustness of the GGTS itself. In every way, it is a mod worthy enough to sit with pride upon the already venerated GGTS.
And I like the Grande just the way it is. It is almost like a Field Marshal’s baton when combined with the GGTS. Henceforth, you may refer to me as Vape Marshal Clyde. I may have to get another so I can cross them in my hands across my chest and be the Vape Pharaoh.
*And I’m wondering about the effects of climate and barometric pressure upon this mod and the AM. Yesterday was dry, hot and sunny. Today-this being Oklahoma-it is cool, humid and overcast. As for its enhanced performance of today over yesterday, I’m wondering if this was difference, rather than learning to use the mod better or a break in period.
I managed to score from Imeo a prototype of his Automated Feed System for his GGTS mod for early testing and review, which I am giving the code name of AFS-Grande.
Seems that our intrepid Greek modder friend was about to release this model when an outcry from some in the GG community on the ECF forum caused him to go back to the drawing board and redesign the mod. The complaint was that the mod was too big, and his revamping it to make it smaller delayed its release for at least an additional month. The Grande is officially NOT for sale.
Fortunately, I was able to somehow talk him into getting my hands on a prototype, which should be the same as the official production version but for its bigger collection tank.
The Grande is an all aluminum mod that is specially designed to go on top of the existing Golden Greek Telescopic System, or GGTS. Unlike the AFS v2 (or ‘all mods’ [AM]) version, it shouldn’t work on any other product, even older GG models. It consists of a cap comprised of two pieces (like the AM) that will hold a special AFS mouthpiece or 901 whistle tip cartridge. The cap screws onto the main juice tank, which in turn screws into a bottom collection tank that in turn replaces the existing top cap of the GGTS. The air control ring (CR) is located at the top of the collection tank. Like it’s older AM brother, the Grande uses gravity and air pressure to automatically deliver the right amount of juice into a special 901 atomizer made by imeo (iatty) or a modified KR808D-1 cartomizer. When describing the Grande, I should also point out that as a prototype it does not have the final buffing and shine, nor the laser etched GG logo or wings. And unlike the AM, the o rings are just barely visible on the outside of the mod if you look hard enough; it almost appears to be a single piece of aluminum.
The Grande IS massive. Assembled, it is almost the length of the GGTS with a 18650 battery or two CR123’s. It is the same diameter as the GGTS (a bit larger than the AM) to hold more juice and roughly ½ to ¾ inches taller than a GGTS bearing the AM variant.
Another thing that stands out on the Grande’s appearance is the prominent bezels scattered throughout the outside (and inside) of the mod. Any part that has to be fastened by hand has deep bezels to assist in gripping the components. As a result, assembly and disassembly of the Grande is much easier than the AM. AM owners who have struggled with juice slicked hands to loosen and tighten the smooth brass piece of that mod will appreciate this touch. The centerpiece inside of the tank is also bezeled, which makes attachment of the atty or carto onto it, and its installation into the bottom of the tank a snap. The air Control Ring on the bottom of the collection tank is a large bezeled piece that screws down to close off the air inlet holes or adjust the draw on the Grande.
Besides the unit matching the size and aesthetics of the GGTS, the other major difference between the Grande and the AM is the liquid collection tank on the former. Myself and some other AM owners have reported leaking or seepage issues when using that mod with attys (but not cartos). Fixes or tweaks have included removing or adding o rings or adding polyfill or bluefoam disks around the atty inlet hole on the 901 or around the air inlet holes on the AM’s brass base piece. Personally, I disliked these fixes as I felt they detracted from the draw, vape and taste of the mod.
Imeo’s conclusion was the leaks were caused by inconsistencies with attys (attys with a lighter draw were deemed more likely to cause seepage and leakage) and differences in air pressure, and were to a certain degree unavoidable. His solution was to replace the top cap of the GGTS with a collection tank and to move the air inlet holes and control rings onto to it in order to contain, rather than prevent, leaks. In theory, any errant juice would gather in the collector tank to the point where it would equalize air pressure between the two tanks and stop the leakage or seepage.* The juice tank can be removed from the collector tank so that any juice inside the latter can be poured into another container for later use.
Theory aside, how does this work in reality? So far, not bad. Yes, it can leak out the air inlet holes if you hold the unit horizontally; closing the control ring prevents this. During my first day of use, a full tank seemed to seep into the collector tank within half an hour but hasn’t repeated itself since. I’m not sure if this is break in period or a change in barometric pressure. There is some minor seepage to date, but not nearly as bad as on the AM with attys. It’s time to drill some cartos again to see if they’re as stellar on the Grande as they are on the AM. Overall, I’m a heckuva lot more confident about sticking a Grande in my inside suit jacket pocket without a hankie than an AM.
Finally, how does it vape? Without hesitation, I would have to say very well. The experience matches that of the GG AFS AM, which had been my favorite setup. Like the AM, the Grande handles both high and regular voltage vaping equally well. Likewise for PG, straight VG or any mixture thereof. Modified cartos and the possibility of soon using other attys with some or no modification promise to make this mod more useful and versatile still. Overall, the unit feels very solid and reliable, even matching the durability and robustness of the GGTS itself. In every way, it is a mod worthy enough to sit with pride upon the already venerated GGTS.
And I like the Grande just the way it is. It is almost like a Field Marshal’s baton when combined with the GGTS. Henceforth, you may refer to me as Vape Marshal Clyde. I may have to get another so I can cross them in my hands across my chest and be the Vape Pharaoh.
*And I’m wondering about the effects of climate and barometric pressure upon this mod and the AM. Yesterday was dry, hot and sunny. Today-this being Oklahoma-it is cool, humid and overcast. As for its enhanced performance of today over yesterday, I’m wondering if this was difference, rather than learning to use the mod better or a break in period.
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