Questions about The Bolt

[SethG]

I've really been eyeballing The Bolt and would like to know a few of things before I make a decision to purchase.

Have you had many issues with customers cross-threading them?

I have a couple of 18650 batteries and would like to use them if possible. I haven't looked up the size difference between the 18500 and 18650, but it appears from the reviews someone made them work by hacking it by cutting the battery spring. Will The Bolt work with 18650s with the extender? I would really like to continue using my 18650 batteries without kludging it to make them work.

Also, previous experience has taught that all switches and buttons eventually fail. It looks as if the button on The Bolt is one of your standard horn style switches? How difficult will this be to replace? I would like to see a picture of the button assembly if possible.

Lastly, is there any additional space around the button if I wanted to add variable voltage, an on/off switch, or an LED?

Many Thanks,
Seth

 

[Sjkader]

I have a couple of 18650 batteries and would like to use them if possible. I haven't looked up the size difference between the 18500 and 18650, but it appears from the reviews someone made them work by hacking it by cutting the battery spring. Will The Bolt work with 18650s with the extender? I would really like to continue using my 18650 batteries without kludging it to make them work.

From Madvapes facebook page in regards to the Bolt with extender "They will fit same combos that our Maxi roughstack does. one 18650 two 18350s two 16340s or whatever you seem to fit and work. "

 

[SethG]

Thanks for your input SJ. I went ahead and ordered one so I'll be reporting back my findings for my other questions. I really need something to use my 18650s in other than my wooden kludge monster. I wanted to make something a bit more elegant but I seem to be missing the time and tools to complete it...

 

[Sjkader]

No Problem Seth,
I ordered mine and have been stalking the mail man. Of course it just shipped out, but if I dont stalk him he may start think I moved. LOL Madvapes new motto "We keep our customers happy and the postal workers on their toes"

 

[SethG]

WOW! Crazy fast for USPS:

• Out for Delivery, January 20, 2012, 8:50 am
• Electronic Shipping Info Received, January 18, 2012

I'll see if I can find some time to post my findings tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Sjkader]

WOW! Crazy fast for USPS:

• Out for Delivery, January 20, 2012, 8:50 am
• Electronic Shipping Info Received, January 18, 2012

I'll see if I can find some time to post my findings tonight or tomorrow.

Mine is out for del today too. cant wait to fire it up

 

[440BB]

I can't wait to find out what both of you think of the Bolt, since I'm thinking of getting one to complement my Roughstacks and handle a carto tank more naturally than the RS can. I'm actually looking forward to cutting the spring and getting an o-ring to stuff an 18650 in the smallest possible mod. Hope you have good luck with it!

 

[SethG]

I'm OK with the overall quality of The Bolt. I hope it lasts me a long time. Let me answer my own questions below.

Cross-threading?

This is a concern with any aluminum item with threads because aluminum is softer than other metals. Without forcing the threads into misalignment and then wrenching the connection together on purpose it's hard to say how easy or hard cross-threading would be to have happen. It's concerning that there is metal flakes coming off the threads as you can see by the macro picture of the switch assembly below.

The metal of The Bolt appears to be extruded aluminum. The longevity of the threads is going to depend upon how the aluminum was heat treated after extrusion to anneal the metal. Extruded aluminum can become brittle if improperly heat treated.

Time will tell how the threads hold up. I haven't seen any complaints yet which is a good sign.

18650 batteries?

As Sjkader pointed out, yes with the extender. Pictures of my current setup below.

Button Replaceable?

The short answer is no. The button and wiring rigging is glued into place (see macro shot). The button is exactly, or appears to be, the same as the black horn switch on madvapes.com by looking at it externally. It has the same "half clicky mushy feel" and should last quite a long time if it is the same type.

Should the button on the device die, I will certainly try ripping it out to see how I could go about replacing it. I'm hopeful it can be worked with.

Room to add features?

See previous, it's hard to tell since the assembly is glued in place.

EDIT - Other thoughts.

The paint of the device appears to be baked on high strength enamel and should last a long time. The roughness or bumpiness of the finish is probably from blowing air over the paint while it was still wet. The finish does not match over the whole device, the texture is not constant. The texture gives grip-ability and interesting feel in the hand so hopefully will avoid dropping it.