My complete BB thoughts (a mini review sorta, kinda)

[Bandit]

Forum posting issues. Seems I can only post small sections at a time... it will NOT allow the full text to be displayed in one single post. My apologies.........


Ok, so now after vaping the BB for a straight 24 hours, I want to give my impressions. Normally I don't do impressions, but my Elvis impression killed in Vegas, so it built up my confidence.


Firstly, my images are here in case you've been living under a rock and have not seen them: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/altsmoke/47309-my-bb-smooth-images.html I didn't feel the need to be redundant & repost them here.


Secondly, please bear in mind two important things:

1) I did NOT pay for this device. If you think that changes my views somehow, bite me. This is a prototype and Rob selected 3 members to get one and try it out. Once I first heard about this, I had already told Rob that I was going to buy one, so whether I got it this week, or next (proto or production piece), I would have written the same thing.

2) As mentioned, this is a prototype, so it is not 'perfect'. Some things might change a little in the production devices.


Now that I've satisfied the ninnies with a disclaimer, I shall carry on..........

 

[Bandit]

Aesthetics:

After owning a Silver Bullet, I was unsure if an all-black device would really "do it" for me as far as 'wow appeal'. Afterall, I already own a black powdercoated Prodigy, and all my previous e-cig types were all black as well. Rob is offering 2 choices, smooth finish (a low-reflective matte black finish) and a crinkle finish. I chose smooth because... well... I'm a smooth mother****** that's why . I have to admit I am wowed honestly. It is a very sleek, no nonsense type of finish. Kinda stealthy (for a moment there I thought I was a ninja, but my wife said "No, you're just a buffoon carrying around a black PV wearing my black tights"... but I digress....), and in some odd way it is sort of classy and elegant. I highly recommend putting a Janty Dura atomizer on it at least one time... the wide gold band really makes this look elegant.

The bulbous (tee hee, I said 'bulbous') shaped button is good looking and keeps it from looking like just a black Silver Bullet. It also feels great when you use it, but more on that later.

 

[Bandit]

Performance:

The BB has the ability to run at either 3.7v using a standard 14500 (AA sized) battery, or at 6v using two CR2 batteries. CR2 are not made in protected versions, so do this at your own risk. I shall risk it because I am a 6v ..... and this will be my smallest 6v device.

Speaking of size, it is 90mm long and 21mm in diameter (not counting atty in length, or switch in diameter). So while this is a good size for a 3.7v device, it is a very small size for a 6v device. This is where I believe the BB will impress the most folks. For it's proposed price (around $100), it will be one of the most convenient devices out there. You can do 3.7 or 6v by merely switching batteries AND have a very small device to do this with. No fussing with sleeves, extra parts or buying a secondary device.

The switch is absolutely marvelous. While it looks nothing like the switch on the Silver Bullet, it operates as perfectly. A solid 'click' that you can feel and hear, and it glides just as smoothly as the SB switch. Some are going to belly-ache that it is not a recessed switch, well I can see your point, but get over it. Most of us are not actually pocket carrying an expensive device anyway. Just be mindful of the switch, or unscrew the body 3 or 4 turns to prevent batt contact if you must carry it in a manner that may push the switch.

In the prototype the 14500 batt fits a little sloppy. I sometimes have to shake the BB like it's been a naughty baby just to get it to fire. Remember... this is a prototype.... I brought this up to Chad and he assured me that production models have tighter tolerances, so this should not be an actual issue. All I need to to is pop the spring out and stretch it a bit anyway. The side to side looseness should allow for a protected 14500 cell by the way.

It vapes as you would expect it to. In every way as good as my SB and all other devices I own. I am very, very pleased.

When these release for sale you will have the option to buy a sweet accessory... a USB passthru! I plan to buy one for sure. I think my BB will be in my hands often.

 

[Bandit]

Quality and Fit/Finish:

The threads in the body are as amazingly smooth as the SB threads. Each BB will ship with a coating of NOALOX on the threads to prevent seizing, and I would suggest within a month that you buy a tube of your own to keep up on this. The unit glides open and closed like it's on rails or something.

The switch is fitted nicely with a polished (but still black) ring around the button. The activation of the button is sure and smooth. I like the feel of the convex plastic button under my finger/thumb, this also allows for sure activation because you know it will depress fully. Some folks still don't push their SB switch in all the way.

The powdercoating is very smooth and well-applied. Surprisingly good for a prototype I have to admit. Finish seems durable, but I wouldn't pull a redneck "Hey y'all, watch this" kind of stunt with it in your hand... it can only take so much there Super Dave.

Don't think of it as "shiny" though. While it has a semi-reflective finish, it is not a black mirror, it is a matte finish that is low-reflection, but does have a sheen to it. No machining marks or brush marks are showing, so it is truly smooth. The ring around the button is a polished, black finish that is more reflective.

In the end, there are no real improvements I can suggest for it. I see this as a terrific choice that is at the top of the heap because of the very small size and still able to vape at 3.7 or at 6v. It would be a great choice if someone wants to buy only one single device and experience everything that vaping has to offer.

 

[DaMulta]

If it's not in your pocket how do you carry it around?

Nice review Bandit.

I'm thinking this may become my main USB device, but I'm still up in the air about it. Yet, your review just pushed me more towards it. I can't wait too see what she looks like with the USB attachment on it.

 

[The Drizzle]

I can't wait to get one! It just looks so good, and if it performs just like the SB, then that seals the deal. The only question I have is: If we're running unprotected CR2's to get 6v (since apparently they don't make protected CR2's), and the unthinkable happens, where is the vent? The SB has one in it's switch, but where is the vent in the BB? Does your prototype have an obvious one?

 

[Bandit]

I see no vent, and I'm not going to try and pop off my switch to see if there is one.

I'm betting there is, but Chad will surely come along soon and answer.

 

[youtubecommercial]

Thanks for the review and pointing me to it
I myself would only use the AA 3.7V in it for now anyway, Im looking at the black crinkle one? dont know though hummmmm .... , now I do have a good feel about the BB and I like it! ....

 

[youngunner]

If it's not in your pocket how do you carry it around?

fanny pack- duh.

 

[halopunker]

fanny pack- duh.

Maybe I'll fly someone to some random country to make me a custom made fanny pack =P

 

[randpost]

He will be named Leaford2 and he will drink from the sweat of little orphan children in a sweat shop.

 

[BrockJ]

!! New Therad !!

Why you should be chosen to fly to another country and design the BB Fanny Pack

 

[cddz]

I can't wait to get one! It just looks so good, and if it performs just like the SB, then that seals the deal. The only question I have is: If we're running unprotected CR2's to get 6v (since apparently they don't make protected CR2's), and the unthinkable happens, where is the vent? The SB has one in it's switch, but where is the vent in the BB? Does your prototype have an obvious one?

The BB has the same style under switch vent.
Chad

 

[terranlanding]

Maybe I'll fly someone to some random country to make me a custom made fanny pack =P

hahaha then call it the "Black Sack". Who wouldn't buy one? lol

 

[EDO]

If the switch goes bad after a year or so of use...how do you replace the switch? DO we need to send this back to you or can we replace it ourselves?

 

[cddz]

If the switch goes bad after a year or so of use...how do you replace the switch? DO we need to send this back to you or can we replace it ourselves?

After the warranty expires you will send it to me. The switch, atty connector would be replaced. The unit will be repolished to mirror like the day you got it. Virtually a brand new unit

 

[EDO]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[nj1001]

Chad's the MF'n man!!! It don't get no bettah than that!

 

[nj1001]

Oh & just in case big brother doesn't like implied cursing: MF'n may mean manufacturer'n or manufacturing... ;o) either way you translate it it implies the same fact