Introduction:
So I received this unit about 3 weeks ago, and thoroughly tested it before writing this review. My initial impression when opening the box was that it looked fancy as ....... The small square ridges that are engraved into the tube really gives this mod a unique impression. It's not as apparent as it looks when holding, but does offer a very premium feel. There are subtle differences about this mod that really differentiates itself from other tube mechanical mods; the switch, and the top fuse pin. Now your probably wondering why I said fuse, instead of connection pin. I will go further into this later into the review.
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Switch:
Here is quite possibly, dare I say one of the greatest switches I've ever used. The feel of it, the throw of it, and the overall use of it. This switch does something every unique, it incorporates a ball bearing mechanic to it. The pole of the switch glides upward through this ball bearing ring before making contact with the battery. Not only does the ball bearing ring provide a smooth transition, but also guides the switch. This means that the switch could be pushed from every corner, and it would still be smooth as hell to push. This is hands down one of the greatest qualities of this switch.
However there is a subtle thing that keeps this switch from being the best thing since slice bread, and that is the gap when the locking ring is fully turned. There is an unnecessarily huge gap between the button and the base when the locking ring is fully locked. This may be an issue for many who wishes for their mods to be fully flushed at all times. Another thing is the throw is surprising long, it is about 5mm before the switch will fire. This would be a issue for many who loves a short throw on switches. Besides these minor gripes with the switch, you truly have to feel how it works to fall in love with it. It is soft, smooth, and quite the joy to use. I've never had any misfires from this switch.
Body:
The body of the device is your typical telescoping design that has been incorporated many times over already. There is no real innovation here besides for the unique squared patterns that has been engraved within the tubes. The machining on the threading is good, not spectacular. There is a very slight crunchiness to it, but could easily be remedied by a bit of use, or noalox. This also because I've been spoiled with the threading from the GP paps X, Templar, and Valkyrie to make this statement. It is not bad at all in the grand spectrum of things, but it is also not the best that I've seen.
The square texture engraving is really something else, it adds class, and a really luxury feel to it when held in your hands. When first looking at pictures, I thought these square ridges would stick out like a sore thumb, but in actuality they are very subtle, and really adds elegance to the basic design of tube mods. However since design is very subjective, it is only a matter of my personal opinion. What I think looks beautiful, might be horrid to the next person.
There are slight brass accents within the tube itself, and I personally really enjoy it. I think it's very minimal, but at the same time adds a little punch to the design.
The body is made from 304 Stainless steel, and could accept 18350's, 18500's, and 18650's. It could also be used with a Kick in 350, 500 mode (not 650).
Topcap:
Here is the major deciding factor if this mod is for you. There is a fuse embedded within the top pin. It is a 5A smd fuse, and what this means is that no matter what batteries you place within the mod, 5 amps is the maximum ampage that is outputted into the atty. This is mainly done because of safety reasons to prevent your battery from overloading itself. Think of it as having protected batteries, without having protected batteries. If anything would malfunction or short, the fuse will simply blow and not fire. This is great for people who wants to get into mechanical mods, but is extremely restrictive for people who are advance and wishes for more amp output. With a 5 amp fuse the lowest ohm you could achieve is .8 ohms before the fuse will no longer fire. There are different fuses you could purchase, including a 12 amp fuse, but this is an additional purchase.
(If you wish to purchase more fuses/Higher amp fuses, you can purchase them here: Replacement fuse for variable pole tele and G22 GUS [A05-F0110] - €16.00 : Gus-mod&more...!, An idea made material)
Jkuro's voltage drop thread mentioning switching out the fuse pin, with a nemesis top pin to help with this restriction. However by doing this, you lose the ability to run the mod in 18350 (possibly 18500 as well)
Speaking of running 18350's and 18500's, this mod can adjust to ALMOST every battery with the telescoping feature, as well as the additional add-on pins to help with battery rattle. I've used all sorts of batteries such as Aw's, Mnkes, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony batteries.
There is a small issue involved with nipple tops however. With nipple top batteries, the nipple end of the batteries goes past the hole within the top pins, causing the device to misfire, or not fire at all. This happened to my EH nipple top, as well as my Efest nipple top batteries. Gus mods however mention a new fix for this, with no ETA on the date.
Surprisingly there is an AFC (Airflow control) within the top section of the mod. It is very subtle and extremely hard to noticed if you don't pay attention. The SS ring on the top swivels around the brass segment, offering you control over how much airflow you wish to have, if your using an Atty that takes its airflow from the 510.
Conclusion:
Overall this is a fantastic device for the price. If your not willing to spend 200+ for a high end device than this is the perfect one for you. It has one of the greatest switches I've ever used, an elegant design, and works extremely well. However you must be aware of the restrictive 5 amp limit of the fuse, and can only truly sub-ohm with a much higher capacity fuse such as the 12 Amp one. Also nipple top batteries are out the window if you plan on using this device, at the moment most nipple top batteries do no work with this device. I however found a very simple solution to this issue, and that is simply put in the batteries in reverse (+ side on bottom, - side on top). This fixes the issue with nipple top, but I'm unsure if this is really safe or not. I've used it for a few days with reversed batteries and had no issues, but that does not necessarily mean it's safe.
Both top and bottom pins are full brass, and the devices dimensions are:
18350: 68 mm
18500: 83 mm
18650: 97 mm
Diameter 22 mm
Included are a little baggie of spare springs, an extra 5 amp fuse, and additional bottom pin add-on's to help adjust for battery rattle.
+ Price
+ Great looking device
+ One of the best switches ever.
+ Machining is pretty good
+ Unique in design
+ Innovative
+ Works with almost all batteries + kick
-+ 5amp limit
- Restrictive for advance users
- Long throw for switch to fire
- Large gap between the switch and base when locked
- Has issues with nipple top batteries.
Overall I give it 4.2 out of 5.
Where to buy: http://gus-mod.gr/zencart_gus/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=47
PS: Sorry about all the cat hair. I've got two cats that walk wherever they please.
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