Finally got my FastTech, and yet...

[TheDarthJager]

So I finally got my SVD from fasttech after 3 weeks of waiting, for those of you who don't know the button on my old SVD died so I ordered a new one from fasttech and then my old one Zombied itself back together and works fine now, anyway. So I get my package yesterday and I'm pretty psyched, I get upstairs and put in a battery and screw on a tank and...nothing. Ok, that's pretty strange. Let me try this again. I take a drag...and noth-...hold on...oh, there is vaper...sorta.

So the SVD I got to replace the one I'm having issues with is a piece of junk, which is funny since its the EXACT same thing, not like China is gonna clone something it actually made itself for once. The finish on the device is pretty bad, you can see stains from where it wasn't polished thoroughly, the threads are extra crunchy, the battery cap doesn't match the finish on the tube at all. All this I can live with, except the performance. My suspicion is that the pin on the 510 connection is seated lower than it is on the older model. They did add a type of plastic rubber coating to the screen and button so I'm certain this is a different version of the same device, the issue is that even after pulling the posts of my cartos and using a 510 to 510 adapter I can't get the device to make a solid enough connection to make decent vapor. I've got an older SVD and a MVP 2.0 that I've never had problems with (excluding the SVD button issue that fixed itself) that work fine but this thing was a complete waste of money.

Now I'm sure people are gonna say the obvious, "its a cheaply made Chinese mod so its to be expected" and I agree, I didn't expect Provari level performance out of this thing, I due feel screwed over in the fact that the later version of the same device performs worse than a previous version. If your gonna make improvements don't bother changing the things that already work fine. Well all in all I simply wanted to share this for anyone looking at the SVDs from fasttech, don't get them there. If possible try to get them in person so you can see what kind of quality your getting. Personally I'm just ...... that now after spending the money to get this BRAND NEW mod I'm have to spend more money to get it fixed.

 

[vernhall]

Fasttech has great (at least in my experience) customer service... Just file a complaint and let them work thru it for you... Should get a replacement at no cost soon...

 

[ScottM]

Sorry to hear that. I followed some of your posts when you were placing your order for a new SVD.

In multiple short trips, anywhere from one to four months at a time, I have spent around 2 1/2 years in China for work. While I haven't travelled there for eight years, here is my observations on China's manufacturing:

They are more than capable of making excellent quality goods. Seemingly without fail, their manufacturing process either degrade, or become erratic. There is a big and constant push to reduce cost. Maybe someone in purchasing finds a cheaper source for raw materials and supplies. Maybe it is cheaper to reduce maintenance and calibration schedules of production equipment. Regardless, inconsistent quality creeps into the process. Chinese products are typically priced into a bracket where people generally accept the low quality.

The same thing occurs in other countries, and companies. High and consistent quality has become a rarity, and it usually comes at a cost. Unfortunately, some companies price junk products into the high end to generate the appearance and perception of quality.

If you spend some time with your SVD addressing the flaws, it will be a good device. Try not to get completely frustrated with it. "Tweaking" maybe is how to look at it. Maybe this is why the term Mod and PV have become interchangeable.

 

[ScottM]

Good point- I have not ordered from FastTech, but have heard many good things about their CS.

 

[crxess]

Sounds like you got a Dud. A few more test to confirm and Back to FT for replacement.

Good thing your oldie reanimated. Take good care of it.

 

[footbag]

They are more than capable of making excellent quality goods. Seemingly without fail, their manufacturing process either degrade, or become erratic. There is a big and constant push to reduce cost. Maybe someone in purchasing finds a cheaper source for raw materials and supplies. Maybe it is cheaper to reduce maintenance and calibration schedules of production equipment. Regardless, inconsistent quality creeps into the process. Chinese products are typically priced into a bracket where people generally accept the low quality.

I agree with this completely. I do business with many companies that manufacture in China. For some reason, Chinese manufactures manage to nail the prototypes. Then for some reason the quality falls. I have seen some disgraceful quality just a few months after being told and showed how well they manufacture. Maybe it's just the result of the strategy being to make it cheaper. At some point, there is nothing left to cut out, but that doesn't stop them from trying.

I have a vendor who didn't like the quality of Chinese wood. So they send containers of wood over to china to have furniture produced. The furniture was produced and when it arrived stateside, it was made with completely different low grade wood. The vendor, who was into this for millions, had no recourse but to stop dealing with them. They will not do business in China any longer.

In America, labor is expensive. You have to get it right the first time or it gets expensive. In China, labor is cheap. So they are willing to produce two or three of an item before getting a working one. That drives me nuts because I'm the one who has to bring my kids toys back to Toys R US when they don't work. I give up after the second, which I'm sure is what others do. I would say kids toys are 50-50.

 

[retired1]

Moved to FastTech Social Group.

 

[TheDarthJager]

Took it to the shop down the street (the guy theres much more about this then I do) and we concluded its most likely a faulty device, most likely the chips that regulate the voltage are not calibrated correctly. I'll get in contact with FastTech customer service and see about getting a replacement.

I appreciate the comments and if this gets fixed I'll be pretty happy.

 

[szot]

Its returned to a Florida address since U are in the USA...U should be all set with their customer service..

 

[vantagebox]

I just went thru this process with FT; the frustrating part is dealing with all the delays in responses right now but they'll take care of you sooner or later. My suggestion: get pro-active. Take pics and attach them to your ticket when you open it. Also, include the cost of shipping to Florida in your ticket. These are all questions they'll ask you back and forth... After you send it back to Florida (using USPS with tracking), don't wait, follow up with them to give you your gift certificate immediately after they get it. If you keep waiting for the back and forth communication (with three days in between) the process will seem endless to you...

 

[PinoyBoy]

Should have bought a Provari. Now you know why everything else always break! Just joking with ya!

Price wise, I've never encountered such a big problem with FT product as what you've just experienced. All of my warranty related issues were dealt with professionally and unexpectedly amazing. My items that were defective were small ticket items, less than $5, so my experience will more likely be easier for them to deal with. Hopefully they treat you well as much as they have done me, and many others, good. Like what the posters above have said, pictures! pictures! pictures!

Good luck dude or dudette!