No black auto stealth :( :( :(

[KimberlyM]

I love V4L so much that there is little I would complain about. But I have to admit to being a little disappointed that there are not any black auto stealth in the new Titan line. I am not even sure I think the new batteries are worth an extra $8.50 - not a complaint, I just love my regular old diamond batteries - but I was ready to buy a plethora of new black auto stealth, evenat the higher price, the day they came out.

So V4L I beg of you, since the Titans are now complete, please acquire some new stock of black auto stealth in the diamond series.

 

[EleanorR]

And maybe lower the price of the Titans a bit? Please?

I mean, the innards are the same as the recent Manual KDs, it's just the velvety finish that's different, right? What's it made of anyway, tiger's nose?

 

[SnowDragon]

I mean, the innards are the same as the recent Manual KDs, it's just the velvety finish that's different, right?

mmmhmmm...

 

[lujin4]

Can of spray paint from Ace Hardware?

 

[Cyrus Vap]

The black auto stealths have been MIA for a while haven't they? I've been crying about this since I joined the family, think I even started a bratty thread about it lol

As far as price goes, I see things from V4L's point of view, they are running a business, its a new product, doesn't qualify for discount codes, and I'm sure its the best 808 auto on the market, period. And an unmentionable gen 2 company sells their velvety autos for 15ish bucks, so given how much better I'm sure V4l's product is, and how unbelievably superior they are as a company in general (not the least of which their customer service), I guess it SHOULD be more expensive than said gen 2 pirate...

But I also see things from my point of view...25 bucks for an auto 808?

I'm content and in love with the previous generation diamonds as well, lack of velvety finish not withstanding, which is why I loaded up on the 50% day last week. unfortunately none of those batts that I got work

I blame the black cloud of the ob/gyn rotation I'm on at med school right now. Miserable people infested me with bad luck vibes...

 

[Cyrus Vap]

mmmhmmm...

Snow I picture you as a zen master with a cup of tea saying this with a flat stare

 

[katz-in-boots]

As far as price goes, I see things from V4L's point of view, they are running a business, its a new product, doesn't qualify for discount codes, and I'm sure its the best 808 auto on the market, period. And an unmentionable gen 2 company sells their velvety autos for 15ish bucks, so given how much better I'm sure V4l's product is, and how unbelievably superior they are as a company in general (not the least of which their customer service), I guess it SHOULD be more expensive than said gen 2 pirate... But I also see things from my point of view...25 bucks for an auto 808?
...

I agree that the prices are really creeping up with each new release, however I do keep some perspective on this. My first KR808 Gen2s were from a company who charge $99 for a battery. Yes, that's right, $99 just for 1 battery.

Snow I picture you as a zen master with a cup of tea saying this with a flat stare

 

[EleanorR]

Except the price didn't "creep up" on the Vapor Titans. It took a giant leap, and all solely on the basis of a name change and a different finish. A $7 leap. 8-o

And, despite the near-universal complaints about the exorbitant shipping fees voiced when Chadley "surveyed" us for feedback a few months back, those remain the same. Except V4L did eliminate the occasional "free shipping" offers they had been making with some regularity, prior to the end of 2011.

I'd better back out of this thread now, as the more I think about it, the angrier I get.

Perhaps the next release of "new" kr808 batts will get us pretty close to that $99 range you experienced, Katz. There's a word in the vaping community for those companies. And it isn't polite.

 

[KimberlyM]

Well, it was absolutely NOT my intention to start a bash V4L thread, I just wanted to beg, plead, wish, etc. for black stealth instead of only offering the camo option.
I think we have to understand that they ARE a business. In most cases they treat us better than any other possible company - and that is far better than ANY other vaping company. (but I do think the batteries are overpriced)

 

[Cyrus Vap]

Does anyone else notice that new batts always seem to arrive with some degree of crustiness? I just got a black xl diamond, works like a champ, but it was dirty as hell, outside the post, and within the outer post too. Got it polished, and then I noticed the battery seal/outer ring just looks warped. No biggie for performance thus far, but what's going on? Seriously are these returns? Or getting vaped in the back? Or thrown around?

 

[Lisa66]

Cyrus, I've never received anything like that (out of many batteries).......not sure what is happening there.... definitely strange.

 

[Cyrus Vap]

Unfortunately its about 90% the case, always cleanable, except this last time which was cleanable but obvious warping of the metal. I really don't care because its vaping like a monster.

But when I put those numbers together with the number of DOA batts and cartos I've gotten, I get upset

 

[Lisa66]

Cyrus, I think I would talk to someone about it at V4L. My guess is that they would want to know about this; I know I would. Based on your experience, it would bother me, too!

Edit: I'm thinking a phone call....

 

[Cyrus Vap]

I think I will do, just so few hours in the day. And I had to call right before they closed today to ask for replacements for the dead batts and it slipped my mind. I did mention the crusty stealth in my CS ticket however. But last night I got said XL black matte auto with the warped metal adaptor tip and didn't closely inspect it till later that night when it came off the charger. I don't hold or suspect any ill will about it, I just think it shouldn't happen and something funny is happening. Love V4L!

 

[plarkinjr]

Hmmm, well, lots going on here.

Cyrus, maybe the crustiness is oxidation from sitting unused for a while?

Black stealth? YES! Most of the "camo" are too gaudy for my taste. I like my olive one, but its not available in stealth. Gunmetal, black, darks, and earth-tones make sense for stealth. Velvet finish makes perfect sense on stealths too as it is also "non-glare".

Pricing: I recall many years ago in Marketing 101 the product lifecycle. "Early Adopters" are willing to pay more, so prices are always higher on newly released items. Once the "first on your block" folks have been satisfied, prices come down.

I'd be willing to pay more for am auto that is "sealed" as long as it doesnt compromise performance in other areas. And a little more for the velvety finish. The pricing for Velvet sealed auto seems about right, but not sure the velvet alone on the manuals is worth it.

 

[Cyrus Vap]

Possibly. When it wipes off I don't care. When the metal is chipped and flaking and warped...

I'll call in tonight! I Just feel annoying at this point, even knowing none of this is my fault its hard to complain when you love a company Like v4L That's a pack of dud cartos, a pt, three batts that didn't work at all (all replaced or en route) and now this mangled (but working like a monster) batt

 

[EleanorR]

Cyrus, you are going to make some woman a wonderful husband, that's all I can say. Especially if she is high-maintenance!

 

[Morandir835]

Cyrus Vap sir is a true gentleman, was very happy when he decided to join the V4L family.

 

[Cyrus Vap]

Morandir and Eleanor, you're both too kind. I can't think Darth Yoda/Dr. Snow et al. enough for bringing me into the fold, and all of you for making me feel accepted!

Just got off the phone with V4L. Problem fixed. I can't tell you how much I love V4L. They can send me bags of rocks if they want as long as their customer service stays this way.

It took far less than a broken batt to terminally piss me off with two gen 2 companies. Honesty and commitment to ones product is king, and V4L is certainly king!

PS: I'm not that much of a push over Eleanor! But I like to think my lady is happy

And Mordy if Snow Sir doesn't want a male valentine, I'll take you on! lol. My gf hates valentines day, and the 14th of November is our anniversary...only room for one 14th in our lives

 

[Morandir835]

LOL Cyrus Vap sir