The back-story.
For my first foray into mechanicals, I picked up one of the original FT brass Stingrays, and the experience has been less-than-satisfactory.
The switch is still sub-par (even after putting in quite a bit of work, including cleaning, polishing, sanding, replacing the rice pin, etc). It has a long-throw that sticks and binds and wobbles and crunches and misfires. I have to flick the switch after pressing to ensure that it stops firing (it doesn't always stick, but I've gotten in the habit).
The locking ring is thin and gets stuck in the unlocked position, and takes 5+ (too many, IMO) turns to move it to lock. And when unlocked, I can only stand the 'Ray on the switch if I'm *very* careful, and even then it is about a 50/50 on firing with anything larger than my micro dripper. It also lists drunkenly to the side when standing on the unlocked switch (not a good look!)
I have to connect the atty before putting the battery in, otherwise I'm left with a sizable gap between the top cap and the atty base. Even then, most of my attys will not screw all the way down to the top cap. The best fitting will still leave a razor-edge gap (not super noticeable, but noticeable, and, more importantly, *I* know it's there and it activates my OCD, lol...)
So, I'm looking for another mod. I realize that buying an authentic is probably the best way to ensure I get what I want, but seeing as the Missus looks askew at ANY vape purchase, authentics are out of the question.
Here are my criteria, in order of priority:
1. A short-throw, smoothly operating switch that doesn't bind, stick, or misfire. Magnets seem to make sense as the better mechanism, but since the magnets in the 'Ray aren't producing any miracles, I don't know that I'm attached to magnets.
2. Needs to have very sturdy 510 threading that can allow numerous attys to sit flush to the cap. Particularly without needing to remove the battery first - floating pin is a plus.
3. A fluid, quick spin locking ring. If it could be operated one-handed, that would be swell. Couple of flicks and locked would be my ideal. Reverse threading would be an awesome bonus.
4. Ability to stand on the switch without firing would be much appreciated. No wobble or lean when standing would really make me happy.
5. Low voltage drop (duh). 'Nuff said. Probably leaning towards SS/brass over copper at this point, even though copper probably has the lowest voltage drop. Not a hard rule, that one....
6. Looks good.
7. Cheap enough for me to sneak it into the house (or the budget) unnoticed, lol...
Suggestions?
For my first foray into mechanicals, I picked up one of the original FT brass Stingrays, and the experience has been less-than-satisfactory.
The switch is still sub-par (even after putting in quite a bit of work, including cleaning, polishing, sanding, replacing the rice pin, etc). It has a long-throw that sticks and binds and wobbles and crunches and misfires. I have to flick the switch after pressing to ensure that it stops firing (it doesn't always stick, but I've gotten in the habit).
The locking ring is thin and gets stuck in the unlocked position, and takes 5+ (too many, IMO) turns to move it to lock. And when unlocked, I can only stand the 'Ray on the switch if I'm *very* careful, and even then it is about a 50/50 on firing with anything larger than my micro dripper. It also lists drunkenly to the side when standing on the unlocked switch (not a good look!)
I have to connect the atty before putting the battery in, otherwise I'm left with a sizable gap between the top cap and the atty base. Even then, most of my attys will not screw all the way down to the top cap. The best fitting will still leave a razor-edge gap (not super noticeable, but noticeable, and, more importantly, *I* know it's there and it activates my OCD, lol...)
So, I'm looking for another mod. I realize that buying an authentic is probably the best way to ensure I get what I want, but seeing as the Missus looks askew at ANY vape purchase, authentics are out of the question.
Here are my criteria, in order of priority:
1. A short-throw, smoothly operating switch that doesn't bind, stick, or misfire. Magnets seem to make sense as the better mechanism, but since the magnets in the 'Ray aren't producing any miracles, I don't know that I'm attached to magnets.
2. Needs to have very sturdy 510 threading that can allow numerous attys to sit flush to the cap. Particularly without needing to remove the battery first - floating pin is a plus.
3. A fluid, quick spin locking ring. If it could be operated one-handed, that would be swell. Couple of flicks and locked would be my ideal. Reverse threading would be an awesome bonus.
4. Ability to stand on the switch without firing would be much appreciated. No wobble or lean when standing would really make me happy.
5. Low voltage drop (duh). 'Nuff said. Probably leaning towards SS/brass over copper at this point, even though copper probably has the lowest voltage drop. Not a hard rule, that one....
6. Looks good.
7. Cheap enough for me to sneak it into the house (or the budget) unnoticed, lol...
Suggestions?
