The original Stingray mechanical mod is made by JD Tech, and retails for $185-200 USD. The SS edition Stingray mechanical mod clone featured in this review was ordered from Focalecig.com, sku 18776, and is priced at $26.74 USD. The package was securely wrapped in a bubble wrap envelope, and comes in a simple white box.
Product Specs:
Material: Stainless steel (Tube) Brass inlaid accents
Product Type: Mechanical mod (modular)
Connection : 510
Battery configurations: 18350/18500/18650
Weight: 110grams
Other Features: Laser engraved logo and serial number
Silver plated brass contacts
Stainless steel locking ring
Bottom firing magnetic switch
22mm diameter
BUILD QUALITY:
While the authentic JD Stingray is finished in phantom brass, aside from the finish, this SS edition Stingray clone is otherwise 1:1 with the original Stingray mod. Like the authentic JD Stingray, this mod is comprised of a main tube with the Stingray logo on front, and serial # on back, two extension tubes, and a top cap, and bottom switch with a brass inlay wrapped in stainless steel. The body of the mod has a very smooth brushed finish, with polished stainless accents on the locking ring, switch, and top cap.
The aesthetic high points of this mod are the nearly invisible seams/joints between tubes, the attractive logo’s on the body, and switch, and the unique styling of the stainless steel with brass inlaid top cap, which has a functional beyond its aesthetic appeal. The thread pitch is very fine at .5mm like the original JD Stingray, and this makes for buttery smooth threading between all tubes, and the top, and bottom caps.
The main tube is used alone for the 18350 battery configuration, the shorter extension is for 18490/500 battery configurations, or 350/kick, and the larger extension tube for 18650, or 490/500/kick. You can also use all three tubes for an 18650/kick configuration.
**Please note** Several Stingray clone owners have complained of the inability to use a kick in any configuration, while many others have reported success with using a kick with this mechanical mod. Based on my research I have found that a kick can be used provided that a) you use flat top batteries, b) you use an authentic 15mm Evolv kick 1 (kick clone is 17.5mm) , and c) you may have to adjust your switch to the point of exposing a thread, or two.
The top cap has a floating 510 pin, with silver plated brass contacts which means that any top device can be flush mounted. The recessed brass inlay in the top cap is not just aesthetic. It also functions as air flow channels that lead out to four air paths cut into the stainless steel so that you can use this mech with top devices that receive its air from the 510 connection.
I think that most Stingray owners would agree that the bottom firing magnetic switch design of the SR is one of the best switch designs available in a mechanical mod. The fire action of the switch is controlled by two opposing magnets installed under the negative contact, and the base of the switch. Similar to the Nemesis mechanical mod, the Stingray’s switch is adjustable for battery fitment.
To create more space within the tube for battery fitment, turn the outer part of the switch counter clockwise, and to eliminate battery rattle, turn the switch clockwise. The locking ring is not reverse threaded however, it does not need to be as the threading for the locking ring is machined on the outer tube, while the switch itself is screwed into the female threads of the main tube, and so there is no risk of accidentally unscrewing your switch when you are engaging/disengaging the locking ring.
To get the best performance out of your switch, it is recommended upon receipt to disassemble your switch, and thoroughly clean all parts. Be careful not to lose the rice pin within the switch assembly as this pin is what prevents the switch from spinning.
The Stingray is also one of the smallest mechanicals mods in 18350 mode available, being only 2.3 inches tall. The smaller form factor also applies to the 490/500, and 650 battery configurations as well, so the Stingray mod is pocket friendly.
Who is the manufacturer? This is a question often asked within the realm of clones. I have a brass Stingray clone made my Infinite, and when compared side by side, and part for part, I have every reason to believe that this stainless steel Stingray is also made by Infinite. All of the parts are 100% interchangeable between the two mods, the machining quality, buttery threads, and near invisible seams between tubes, and serial # font used are identical.
PERFORMANCE:
There is not much to say here other than the Stingray is a top performing mechanical mod. The silver plated brass contacts, in addition to a floating 510 connection, and a magnetic, adjustable bottom firing switch makes the Stingray a hard hitting, and functionally pleasing mechanical mod to use. Barring any manufacturing defects, there is nothing to not like about this device … unless you are short on patience, in which case the fine threading may be seen as a double edge sword by some, as it does take a little longer to thread the movable pieces on, and off the device.
Whether you are in the market for a good, and reliable every day mod, or are an avid collector of mechanical mods, the Stingray Mod is a great one to have.
