ASTRO MOD 2014: CLONE REVIEW
The Astro 2014 mechanical mod from Focalecig.com is a near 1:1 clone of the original Astro Mod by Kato, which has been called the world’s smallest telescopic mechanical mod, and sharing in common the 59mm height in 18350, the clone is no exception.
I did quite a bit of research on the original Astro Mod by Kato, which included written, and video reviews so that I would have some sort of comparison with the original. While the Astro by Kato was consistently referred to as beautiful, there were also some consistent slights against the original as expressed by several reviewers, and mod owners. Specifically crunchy threads, a very stiff fire button which also had the tendency to come undone, and a locking ring which sometimes gets stuck. In addition, many challenged the Astro’s claim of being the smallest telescopic mod in the world due to the need to telescope the mod during use with nipple top batteries.
This cloned 2014 version of the Astro mechanical mod has the following features:
all brushed stainless steel construction (the original has a polished finish)
laser etched logo and serial # on the main body
engraved top cap with a brass floating fire pin
telescopic tube which can be installed either at the top, or the bottom of the main tube,
kick extension ring which can also double as 18500 extension tube
delrin insulated spring load bottom firing which with an adjustable brass contact
Reverse threaded locking ring
23mm outer tube diameter
Accommodates 18350/18500/18650 battery configurations
Can be kicked in all battery configurations
** BONUS FEATURE** The included kick ring threads on perfectly to the SS Vamo V2 to form a 18500 battery configuration on the Vamo V2. (see 2nd photo collage)
Build quality, and construction: Right out of the box the first eye catching detail is the beautiful, and deep engraving, and design on the top cap. Unlike the 2013 mixed brass Astro clones light laser etching, this top cap is actually engraved like the original Astro Mod by Kato. This is one of the most attractive elements of this mechanical mod, which unfortunately becomes covered up once you install your top device.
This is a lightweight feeling mod, which weighs in at approximately 98 grams. Now, lightweight should not be confused with flimsy, which this device is not. In fact, the tone, texture , and feel of the stainless steel body leads me to believe that it may be constructed from 316 SS like the original(in spite of the differing finish). I have another telescoping mod constructed of 304 stainless, which is also comparable in weight to the Astro however, the Astro has a stronger feel to the metal, which is not the result of a difference in thickness of the tubes
Another aspect of the Astro clone which is impressive, is the lack of thread markings on the telescopic tube. Anyone who owns a telescoping mod knows that more often than not, the threads of the inner main tube leaves ring like thread marks on the telescoping tube, which often appear on the mod straight out of the box … this includes high end mods as well. The finish on the telescoping tube of the Astro clone is as clean, and even as the main body tubes, even after one week of everyday, all day use of this mod.
The machining of the threads of the Astro clone is very clean, with no machine oil, dirt, or metal burrs appearing on the threads. There is no squeaking, or crunch in any of threading, including the telescopic tube, and the top, and bottom caps, and this is without any noalox, or vaseline applied to the threads. The reverse threaded locking ring is also well done, works as it should, and requires approx. two full turns to activate and/or release. This may sound like a lot, but considering the smooth, resistance free action of the lock, I don’t find it be a problem.
I will say however, if you are a pinky, or ring finger firer, be mindful of your finger action as you activate the fire button, and release it. I found through regular use, that the action of brushing my finger against the lock ring on its way down to the fire button and back up again, that I can turn down the locking ring a bit, which will cause the mod to misfire.… so be mindful of that.
The spring in the switch to be a very good one, neither too stiff, or loose. I find the length of the throw, which I would approximate at 2-2.5mm, to be acceptable, specifically for this switch design. The distance is comfortable for my ring finger style firing. I am also able to sit the mod down, in any battery configuration, with RBA attached, without it firing under its own weight. There is very little wobble, more like a slight tilt when placed down in the unlocked position.
It is important to note that if you are using nipple top batteries, you will need to slightly telescope the mod out in 18350 mode with kick ring removed (approx. 1mm), and in18500 mode with kick ring attached( approx. 2mm). This is consistent with statements made by several reviewers regarding the original Astro by Kato as well.
Finally, the machining on the top part of the telescopic tube, specifically the top underside where the top cap threads in, is a bit sharp, so you must watch your hand positioning while using the mod in 18650 mode. If I allow my index finger to rest directly under the head of the telescopic tube in 650 mode, the repeated pressure applied while firing the mech will eventually make your finger feel a little raw and tender. It is better to handle to the mod from main tube, especially while firing it in 18650 mode.
Performance: What can I say … other than instant connectivity. Between the brass positive and negative contacts, the floating center pin in the top cap, and the telescoping tube, connectivity should never be an issue. Just remember to push in the floating pin after changing out one top device, before you mount another device, and you are ready to rock!
Since I do not own an inline volt meter, I cannot speak to voltage drops however, I have used different RBA’s with resistance ranging from .8 – 2.0 ohms, and I was very satisfied with the mods performance. The mod does what it is supposed to do, and it does it well.
Overall: There are only two con’s that I can give this mechanical mod .. 1) the need to slightly telescope the mod in 18350 and 18500 modes (with kick ring) when using a nipple top battery. 2) the sharp machining on the top/underside of the telescopic tube (when telescoped out to 18650 mode). All in all, I can live with that.
What really impresses me is that all of the negatives that were reportedly found on the original Astro Mod by Kato, ie: crunchy threads, a stiff fire button, and a locking ring which is prone to sticking, are not present on this cloned version of the Astro mod. Based on these points alone, the Astro clone is the better buy … not to mention the less expensive choice. As the saying goes “more does not necessarily mean better”.
I am pleased with the way that this mod looks, feels, and performs. I am also quite happy with how utterly perfect its stainless steel finish matches up with the finish on the Taifun GT, which happens to be my favorite RBA at the moment. My original intention was to use it with the Fogger V3, however, the finish is a perfect match with that of the Taifun GT.
The Astro clones light weight, and smaller form factor makes this a pocket friendly mod. And let’s not forget that the Astro’s kick ring can turn a SS Vamo V2 into a 18500 APV… who doesn’t love an unexpected surprise?
