I just wanted to clarify some things and give you guys a little bit of an update since this new contender on the market has had some drama surrounding it.
I can't speak for the Imotion2 V+, that's cigstar's deal. The Vario however has been pushed back after the review model was rejected by Tim Campbell, the owner of Vaporbeast. The problems with it have been discussed at length, but suffice it to say, the product was nowhere near ready for market. If Cigstar chooses to release it in its current incarnation it will tank hard. As far as Tim knows he will be the first to bring the evolution of the Imotion2 V+, the Vario, to the American market. Whether Cigstar chooses to provide other vendors with the Imotion2 V+ afterwards is up to them. Everything negative that has thus far been revealed should not reflect on the Vario. If the product isn't right when he gets it back again, Tim said he will "cut his losses". He's not going to release a substandard product, so don't worry about that.
I just wanted to let everyone know that, because of these dealbreaking issues, the Vario release date has been pushed back to a minimum of ~2 months (and a maximum of never if Cigstar can't provide Tim with what he wants) while these issues are dealt with. The Vario will either work properly, and at 5 amps, or it'll come out without Tim's modifications as the Imotion2 V+ and he will wash his hands of it. We also spoke of a paid extended warranty option (on top of what looks like will be a ~90-120 warranty for free) to alleviate people's obvious fear of the "Chinese Factor". Whether or not the extended warranty will come to fruition we will just have to wait and see while Tim ponders his options. None of these numbers are set in stone until we get closer to the release date and take it from there.
As a note to the folks who have been following this....
Had a rather long conversation with Tim from Vaporbeast regarding the posts made by ShogaNinja. He has assured me that this poster does not speak for Vaporbeast.
That being said- neither do I. But I do know some facts.
Suffice it to say that Tim informed me that ShogaNinja's characterization of thier conversations were not reflective of their content.
1. If Vaporbeast were to carry the Imotion2 V+ (rebranded as a Vario) it would be the same unit as generally available.
2. There is no special "American variation" of the Imotion2 V+ in the offing.
3. Certain feedback has been provided to Cigstar/Feel Life from a great many people who have had test units and now the supposed production unit. This *may* result in a revised unit. If/When/and why are unknowns to me at this time. Tim, is part of this group.
4. I am not endorsing Vaporbeast as a vendor, or saying anything negative. Any communication I've had with Tim has been productive and apparently honest.
So I apologize to those who thought the interactions between myself an ShogaNinja were negative.
I'd like to point out that as a long term member of the community it's important to me that projects I've worked on (In the form of reviews/shows) be accurate. In this case I felt strongly that a particular vendor was being over promoted, by a person who's never used the mod. Considering my desire to be open with my peers in the community, I had to say something regarding the characterization of the relationship between myself, Cigstar, Feel Life, and Vaporbeast. Which is to say- I've got open communications with two of them- Cigstar and Vaporbeast. But in a limited scope- I'm just providing feedback on a product.
In my case.. I talk to vendors about technical issues when they ask. Which is the totality of my relationship with Vaporbeast. If a vendor asks me my opinion on a mod, I take it as a compliment, try to help, and move on with a smile. As was the case with Tim. I expect Tim and I will consult again in the future.
Regarding ShogaNinja, I feel somewhat attacked by him. I think there was shilling going on for a particular vendor (for whatever reason). And it can be a sometimes bitter payback when my hobby, which I do for free, becomes.... not fun.
I think it's pretty bush league to try and "play the big man" or "build a reputation" by trying to rip someone apart. Ripping ideas apart is ok- but never people. If Shoga had information that he thought was relevant- it would have been best for him to PM me with the info, and I could have followed up.
That being said... assuming Tim decides to carry the Imotion2 V+ under *any* name- it will be the same model as generally available. Vaporbeast does not, and will not have, a special "re-engineered version" that is different from any regularly available version. And reports of an "American Variation" of this mod- are not from Vaporbeast.
I hope this issue is closed. My review of the unit, should be out Tuesday or Wednesday of this following week. I think you will find it interesting.
