This will be an initial impressions and performance overview of the Chuck battery modification created by Jeffakamax on the ECF forums. The performance review will cover battery life, durability, construction, aesthetics, connection performance, and an overall impression of the unit and all functions in unison. The impressions section will cover my experiences with ordering, processing, delivery, initial impression, 1st day and 2nd day.
Product website:
THAG BUILT: You think you can break it?
Product type: Battery modification (casing) w/ model 510 connection
batteries: #18650 - 3.7 volts 3000maH
Performance review:
Battery Life
This is the main reason I was in the market for a battery
mod and the reason I opted for a Chuck. I researched battery mods and most advertized 11 hours or less of total battery life, one mod flaunted a 24 hour time frame on a battery charge under ideal conditions. Jeff was one of three mod makers that responded to my inquiry (out of 7) and of those three one wouldnt go on record about the life of their battery, one admitted that 7 hours was the top limit, and Jeff replied, without hesitation, that his mod would perform for 2 days of battery life for a heavy vaper using a 18650 battery rated 3000maH and up to 4 days for an average vaper. So, it was under these assumptions that I tested the battery life:
Does it perform at, or better, than standard 3.7v batteries through out its charge: Yes
Does it perform for more than 24 hours (best advertized battery life for other mods): Yes
Does it perform for 48 hours under heavy vaping: Perhaps* (max under testing was 43 hours)
Is the performance constant throughout the charge: Primarily. Initially out of the charger the battery performs a bit above normal for around an hour and then plateaus into a nice performance until the last 30 minutes to an hour of battery life. Overall the performance is constant.
* For the duration of the test I increased my own vaping frequency and duration. Considering that I am a heavy vaper and I added approximately 25% more drain through my testing its a fair to believe that these batteries could last 48 hours under normal heavy vaping conditions.
Durability and Construction
There is not much to cover on the whole of the unit; it is comprised of a copper tube with two brass end caps, and a switch. The rear end cap is knurled and makes getting the battery in and out simplistic. The rear cap has a recessed inner thread to keep the battery spring in place but also allows for easy removal and maintenance. The forward end cap is lathed with a reservoir and recessed connection. The reservoir is designed to catch any overfill leakage from the atomizer and the recessed connector keeps the connection end safe from accidental injury.
Durability testing I put the unit through a few tests to check the paint finish, connection integrity, battery spring security, and switch integrity. All tests were performed with due consideration to normal use. I did not, nor will I, perform factory grade testing, such as a 50,000 press switch test to find the fail limit. I was working to test the craftsmanship and durability under higher than expected normal use. I did pay for this mod with the intention of using it for more than a weekend.
Paint finish I emptied the unit and gave it a wash with a moist and rough scrubbing pad to check for flaws in the clear coat (holidays). No flaws were found and the clear coat remained seemingly untouched. The second test was to check for light degradation in the coloring. This test was performed with the second unit I purchased. The unit was placed under a high watt UV lamp (used for drying lacquer) for 14 hours to simulate extended periods of sun exposure (the battery was removed for this test). No apparent degradation in color was found. The third, and final, test was an impact test directly to the finish, for this test I used the edge of my marble counter top and gave it a few generous thumps
I know my level of precision is astounding. This test was to simulate normal use and abuse or wear and tear. The clear coat under close inspection is a bit indented but nothing visible from any considerable distance, the under coat was unaffected.
Connection integrity This test was to apply general disturbance to the recessed connection on the forward end cap to simulate dropping the unit from a distance and having it land on the atomizer end. The attempt was to break the connections ability to perform or to loosen the connection from the end cap. I threaded a standard 510 atomizer into the unit removed the cart and tapped on the atomizer with a ball peen hammer to jar the connection. 15 tests were performed amidst grunting and cussing once when I missed and dented my counter top. The atomizer met its maker but the connection remained firmly in place and functional. This was by far the most rigorous test I performed.
Battery spring security This is less of a test and more of an observation. I purchased two units and in one the spring fits into the threading nicely and needs to be turned to actually get it out while the other doesnt want to stay in side the threading. I remedied this with my trusty ball peen hammer and flattened the lower most coil of the spring to fit better into the threading. Im not sure if the threading was cut too thin or if the spring coil was too fat but they didnt mesh well until the fix.
Switch integrity I was concerned over this test because it has been the issue of major contention between advocates for the Chuck and those against it. The test was performed over the 48 hour period in which I was testing the battery. The test consisted of wiggling, knocking, twisting, prying, bumping, pushing, and shoving the button while in or not in use, along with the normal pressing of use over a 48 hour period. The button and switch have remained true, secure, and functional within the unit and perform the same in the same fashion that they did out of the box. I subjected the button to every avenue of force shy of gnawing the damn thing off and it doesnt even look phased. I did not, nor will I, try to simulate a drop on the switch of the Chuck.
Aesthetics (looks)
For me the selling point of the Chuck was the battery life but for some it will be the personalized graphics and myriad of colors that the Chuck is available in. I bought two units one was a mirror black finish and the other emerald green illusion finish. I was impressed by the finish and craftsmanship in the application of the paints. Pictures and videos do not do these units justice in terms of showing the public how good the paints look in person.
Connection performance
Before I touch on this aspect of the Chuck Id like to make a note, warning, or disclaimer to those reading this review:
No singular aspect of a personal vaporizer (PV) creates good vapor or strong throat hit. In fact many facets of the PVs use or manufacture can create a deficit in vapor production and throat hit. If the battery is low, the atomizers connection is faulty, or your e-juice is low youll get less vapor. If your atomizer is flooded, your e-juice is low strength or badly made youll get a decline in vapor and less of a throat hit. With that in mind, it is only under normal operation of each and every piece of the PV and with an understanding of use from the user that a person gets great vapor! and awesome throat hit! I cannot with good conscience make a claim that any one singular piece creates an experience.
With that being understood, the connection performance review is an overall review of the Chuck with a 510 atomizer and Tropical Punch e-juice from the DIY Flavor Shack and comparisons are made against a stock 510 model battery with a 510 atomizer and the same e-juice.
With a 3.7 volt connection the Chuck is able to get me the same vapor cloud as a stock 510 in a lower amount of time. A normal (lung) drag for me is 8 -10 seconds with the Chuck I am able to cut that time down and get the same results in 6 - 7 seconds. I prefer to maintain an 8 10 second drag time and therefore see more vapor production from the whole unit. I am noticing a higher rate of e-juice consumption throughout the day but after the testing period this equated to more down time from the PV. In other words, I was able to put the PV down longer before feeling the urge to grab some nicotine.
Overall Impression
Heres the anecdotal review youve all been waiting for. Vaping the Chuck is like getting a 5 volt mod for the price of a 3.7 starter kit. The batteries run at 3.7 volts but perform much higher and longer. This thing is constructed to withstand a nuclear winter and keep your tootsies warm through it all. Ive tried and tried to find a serious flaw in this device. I really hate not being able to find one thing that annoys me
I like being annoyed, its a family trait. The Chuck is a solid mod and thats about the best review I can give any mod.
I'm glad I bought it, not only for the personalization, but the performance is outstanding.
