new and renewed mini 14500s

[rudy4653]

A low profile 14500 Mini with the new contacts and 510 connector would be awesome. I would just have to decide on black wrinkle or TRA. I hate slick, slimy finishes like on my current silver anodized 14500. I also had a smooth powder coated door once and I hated it enough I striped it off after using it two days.

How does TRA compare to the anodized and smooth powder coated finishes? How about your views on some of the other textured finishes?

I have both, my mini is black anodized ( I stripped the door recently to raw aluminum for a change of pace) and a TRA Grand. They both feel very similar, very smooth to the touch but the TRA does not show fingerprints like polished aluminum. Doesn't get a "slimy" feel.. I'm thinking if you don't like smooth finishes the TRA would not be what your looking for.

 

[TheBikeGuy]

I have both, my mini is black anodized ( I stripped the door recently to raw aluminum for a change of pace) and a TRA Grand. They both feel very similar, very smooth to the touch but the TRA does not show fingerprints like polished aluminum. Doesn't get a "slimy" feel.. I'm thinking if you don't like smooth finishes the TRA would not be what your looking for.

Thank you. I like the fact that my silver Mini doesn't show scratches and dings because it's the same color as the aluminum underneath. That would be a big plus for the TRA. I really don't like a glassy smooth finish though. It makes my hand sweat and to me it always feels like it's leaking juice. I catch myself checking. My only complaint with black wrinkle, is it's not the most durable in the long run. Even the slightest ding shows and it starts getting shinny edges after a little while.

Decisions, Decisions.

 

[TheBikeGuy]

I'd asked Russ to cover this some time back in a video and he did a good job, but doesn't have all the different ones of course. I'd love to see a vid of all the various finishes,
how they look
how they feel
how they differ from one another
how durable are they
what types of maintenance are needed
Definite don'ts with a particular finish (saw something about acetone stripped some kind of finish)
how well wraps adhere or not
and anything anyone else can think of. lol

ETA: tried to find it, but puter is acting up and going super slow. If I find it later I'll link it

There are videos out their of some the different finishes, some on the Reo site. I was just worried about the feel. Stripper (acetone) will strip anything but, anodized and plated. Don't hold your breath for Rob to produce more plated ones. He's not doing this to break even or loose money.

 

[rudy4653]

Thank you. I like the fact that my silver Mini doesn't show scratches and dings because it's the same color as the aluminum underneath. That would be a big plus for the TRA. I really don't like a glassy smooth finish though. It makes my hand sweat and to me it always feels like it's leaking juice. I catch myself checking. My only complaint with black wrinkle, is it's not the most durable in the long run. Even the slightest ding shows and it starts getting shinny edges after a little while.

Decisions, Decisions.

Well I guess it comes down to either cosmetic perfection and sweaty hands or textured and don't drop!
Just throwing out another option, silver hammer tone? Probably a little more durable than wrinkle, won't show scars as much as black and still has texture.

 

[TheBikeGuy]

Yep, that's an option. I had about decided on TRA until you told me it was as smooth as anodized. I still like the look of it the best.

 

[rudy4653]

Yep, that's an option. I had about decided on TRA until you told me it was as smooth as anodized. I still like the look of it the best.

I agree about the TRA - I love it! Hides scratches, does not show fingerprints, always looks great! It is smooth like anodized but for some reason it never feels "greasy" like anodized sometimes does. Colored anodized will always show smudges and finger grease!

 

[TheBikeGuy]

Leaning toward TRA again. Heck I don't even know for sure I can afford it when the time comes, but at least I'll know what I want.

 

[rudy4653]

Yep, that's an option. I had about decided on TRA until you told me it was as smooth as anodized. I still like the look of it the best.

Tough to resist!!!

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

Not to confuse you further, but I find that the TRA develops black oxidation marks where I hold it that need to be buffed out (washing will not remove them). If this were to happen to you, too (it might not - I, and a few others, might just be especially salty), it would be an extra maintenance factor to maybe consider.

 

[TheBikeGuy]

It might happen to me. I found out I can't use a nickel plated Mini. It will start to darken every time I touch it.

 

[Fuzzy Bruce]

My only complaint with black wrinkle, is it's not the most durable in the long run. Even the slightest ding shows and it starts getting shinny edges after a little while.

Decisions, Decisions.

Nothing a black magic marker will not camouflage!

 

[TheBikeGuy]

True. I got some cheap textured spray paint that's an exact match. I spray some in the cap and used a flattened tooth pick to carefully dab it on the dings. They're gone.

 

[MamaTried]

By they way: In case you haven't heard the new AW 14500 is actually a 9 amp battery:

IMR16340 / IMR14500 / IMR18350 / IMR18490 / IMR18650 / IMR26500 *Part 2*



If I had known about that when I placed my last RTD Vapor order I would have snagged me some. I likes my 14500 mini's!

thanks, Rick. mebbe i'll hang onto my two gold minis a little longer

 

[Rickajho]

thanks, Rick. mebbe i'll hang onto my two gold minis a little longer

When you guys are shopping for them you may have a few "What the hell?" moments depending on where you look. I saw a couple places referring to the 600 mAh AW's as "old" batteries and selling at deep discount. And right now at RTD both the 'old' 600 mAh and the new 650 mAh are listed - but the old version is out of stock. Just be mindful that it's the 650 mAh version you want that is 9 amps.

(And no - you aren't getting the polished TRA mini back.)

 

[Fuzzy Bruce]

Now I want an upgraded mini for those quick trips and honey-do runs. Maybe a nice TRA.

 

[Miarose]

thanks, Rick. mebbe i'll hang onto my two gold minis a little longer

and if they're simply just taking up too much space, I know a GREAT home for them

 

[rudy4653]

It might happen to me. I found out I can't use a nickel plated Mini. It will start to darken every time I touch it.

I get the slight black oxidation as well but I just give it a quick rub with Autosol polish and it comes right off. No biggie for me.
So just to throw another option to confuse you even more than more...you could wait for the Resin run!! I know in my case the Resin model is exactly what I want and need! Nice feel of a hard wood woodvil, don't have to baby it, no warpage, no tarnishing, drop it and no dings, washable, can get a black finish and not worry about paint wearing off , how can you beat all those qualities??? It's going to be tough watching the upcoming woodvil rumble event but I'm waiting for Resin.

 

[TheBikeGuy]

I like the durability, but I don't think they would be as easy to pocket.

 

[rudy4653]

Resin mini 14500???? oooooooh!
Ah..... Rob, we got another project for ya!

 

[Brew1961]

Howdy OG Mini lovers,
I have (2) OG minis that have been with me a VERY long time (circa early 2011) and they've seen LR510s and Hornets for most of there lives. I find that some of my RM2s are new enough that they do fit the catch cups but was wondering if the OG Mini's width changed over the years as my door is blocked from moving up much by the base of the RM2. Hopefully someone in this thread will know if this is normal. I don't find it a showstopper at all but just wondered if the later Mini 1.0s got a bit wider allowing full range of motion with the RM2. Very cool that Rob is considering another run.

He got me a purple one oh so many years ago to help get my lil sis to jump onto the vaping bandwagon. SHE LOVES PURPLE!! She saw that purple beauty and on to vapor she went....She's been analog free for over about 3 years now. Oh and thanks in advance for any help you all might offer. Brew