The Precise 18650 (P18) - First Impressions
The Precise 18650 (P18)
Pictured with a LR 801 "shorty" atomiser and adapter.
Pictured with a LR 801 "shorty" atomiser and adapter.
Preface
This unit was pre-ordered from the day it's release was announced. It is an all "mechanical" Stainless Steel device, capable of both 3.7 and High Voltage (7.2V and 8.4V). The announcement was most welcome by this Canuck. The announcement came shortly after Judge Leon's ruling was stayed on 31 Mar 2010, and once again FDAs ban was in full effect as prior to the ruling.
I have no intention of ever returning to smoking and seeing the writing on the wall from the beginning have armed myself with sustainability over "bling". Whether folks agree with my rationale or not is rather a moot point. No one in Canada makes mods with the exception of Nuck's Fistpack, which is a great variable voltage "electronic" device. When David announced the manufacturing of an all mechanical Stainless Steel device, I was all over it like a dirty shirt. I don't believe in funding prototyping as such, but based on the 10440 reviews and David's skills as a machinist I jumped on the band wagon and the wait began.
The review
The 18650 Precise affectionately know as the P18 cost's $159 + shipping. (we will discuss later);
Wow, is this thing small. Although it is acclaimed as the smallest 18650 battery mod available, I had no idea it would be this tiny. It is roughly the same size as my Chameleon. The difference, it has an 18650 under the hood.
Side by side comparison. The Chameleon is sporting a full fledge 801 atomiser,
whilst the P18 sports a "shorty" 801.
Side by side comarison. Yes the Precise can stands on end without firing the atomiser.
This unit was pre-ordered from the day it's release was announced. It is an all "mechanical" Stainless Steel device, capable of both 3.7 and High Voltage (7.2V and 8.4V). The announcement was most welcome by this Canuck. The announcement came shortly after Judge Leon's ruling was stayed on 31 Mar 2010, and once again FDAs ban was in full effect as prior to the ruling.
I have no intention of ever returning to smoking and seeing the writing on the wall from the beginning have armed myself with sustainability over "bling". Whether folks agree with my rationale or not is rather a moot point. No one in Canada makes mods with the exception of Nuck's Fistpack, which is a great variable voltage "electronic" device. When David announced the manufacturing of an all mechanical Stainless Steel device, I was all over it like a dirty shirt. I don't believe in funding prototyping as such, but based on the 10440 reviews and David's skills as a machinist I jumped on the band wagon and the wait began.
The review
The 18650 Precise affectionately know as the P18 cost's $159 + shipping. (we will discuss later);
- the unit was well packaged in a velvet pouch;
- the unit was then wrapped in bubble wrap;
- the unit came in a flat rate shipping container;
- the box contained a spare o-ring and spare switch spacers; and
- the box contained a set of instructions.
Wow, is this thing small. Although it is acclaimed as the smallest 18650 battery mod available, I had no idea it would be this tiny. It is roughly the same size as my Chameleon. The difference, it has an 18650 under the hood.
Side by side comparison. The Chameleon is sporting a full fledge 801 atomiser,
whilst the P18 sports a "shorty" 801.
Side by side comarison. Yes the Precise can stands on end without firing the atomiser.
The Precise wears its name extremely well. The machining is precise and flawless. The finish is ultra smooth and repeals fingerprints like the plague. Upon receipt the connections were barely visible. We can barely see the top cap connection in the picture which is not felt with a fingernail and not present at 3.7V using an 18650 but exist at 6V. Considering the plethora of batteries the unit can use.
Performance
It vapes like a 3.7 and 6V device. Folks that have followed what can be deemed as controversial posts, should know me better by now. All things being equal:
Being a former machinist I am impressed with the quality of the unit. Having done my research prior to pulling the trigger, I wasn't really surprised with the results. The Precise bares its name well and the name for the entire line well chosen. The precision manufacturing, is second to none. Yes I said second to none. The clearances are absolutely astounding in their finesse. There is absolutely no wiggle of any of the components. I will not go into direct specifications of the unit, all I can say is that SuperT has made an astounding product, that many can only revel in.
The threads are positively engaging and ultra smooth, the latter is without any lubrication. The unit comes with a native 510 connection, and ships with either an 801 or 901/510 adapter of your choice. The atomiser connection is recessed into the top cap. I was a little apprehensive wrt the recess lacking the normal slits that we are accustomed to on most mods and adapters. The draw on a regular atty is similar to the draw from an eGo fitted with cone. Many know I am a fan of the eGo so all I can say is it performs just like the eGo, but at 3.7V.
I have tried all adapters in my possession and all worked flawlessly. I have installed all my 510 atomisers on the unit, and all engaged positively without restrictions. The same goes with both the SLB and Boge 510 cartomisers.
Conclusion
What does this device do that another device don't? Absolutely nothing! Ah, but it doesn't stop there. The unit is owner serviceable. The switch requires approx 100gr to engage (speculation) as it is as easy as my MKI Screwdriver which is known to have a 100gr button - they are near identical. The throw on the button is adjustable by adding or removing spacers. It comes from the factory without, and I have found nothing wrong with this set up. The machining is second to none. It weights in at a mere 37gr more than my Chameleon. It repels fingerprint, being Stainless Steel the finish is extremely durable and will wear well.
There was a lot of rumours that circulated wrt the conductivity of Stainless over Aluminium, rest assured, don't believe everything folks say and interpret what is written for what it is worth. I conducted extensive testing on the unit. I will be the second one to admit (Dave was first) that they are insignificant. I challenge anyone to be able to detect the difference while vaping. They are indeed negligible and insignificant. I will not release my findings, with the exception that the claims are indeed accurate, but insignificant, more along the line of someone who has an axe to grind more than anything else.
I will post a follow up in a month or so, after I have put the P18 through its paces. The wait for this unit was long, 3 months but well worth it. I have yet to receive anything from the US this expeditiously and shipping was so cheap. 3.5 days to my door from the shop, and that was with a stop at customs.
My unit looks like every other unit manufactured by SuperT. If you are looking for a more personalized unit, then SuperT is not the place to be shopping ;-) However, if you are indeed looking for a unit that will withstand the test of time, and you are slightly mechanically inclined, then I highly recommend the Precise line. The unit has only 7 parts, and all can be fixed or acquired locally. The latter is also insignificant as SuperT products come with a lifetime warranty.
Performance
It vapes like a 3.7 and 6V device. Folks that have followed what can be deemed as controversial posts, should know me better by now. All things being equal:
- same battery;
- same atomiser; and
- same liquid.
Being a former machinist I am impressed with the quality of the unit. Having done my research prior to pulling the trigger, I wasn't really surprised with the results. The Precise bares its name well and the name for the entire line well chosen. The precision manufacturing, is second to none. Yes I said second to none. The clearances are absolutely astounding in their finesse. There is absolutely no wiggle of any of the components. I will not go into direct specifications of the unit, all I can say is that SuperT has made an astounding product, that many can only revel in.
The threads are positively engaging and ultra smooth, the latter is without any lubrication. The unit comes with a native 510 connection, and ships with either an 801 or 901/510 adapter of your choice. The atomiser connection is recessed into the top cap. I was a little apprehensive wrt the recess lacking the normal slits that we are accustomed to on most mods and adapters. The draw on a regular atty is similar to the draw from an eGo fitted with cone. Many know I am a fan of the eGo so all I can say is it performs just like the eGo, but at 3.7V.
I have tried all adapters in my possession and all worked flawlessly. I have installed all my 510 atomisers on the unit, and all engaged positively without restrictions. The same goes with both the SLB and Boge 510 cartomisers.
Conclusion
What does this device do that another device don't? Absolutely nothing! Ah, but it doesn't stop there. The unit is owner serviceable. The switch requires approx 100gr to engage (speculation) as it is as easy as my MKI Screwdriver which is known to have a 100gr button - they are near identical. The throw on the button is adjustable by adding or removing spacers. It comes from the factory without, and I have found nothing wrong with this set up. The machining is second to none. It weights in at a mere 37gr more than my Chameleon. It repels fingerprint, being Stainless Steel the finish is extremely durable and will wear well.
There was a lot of rumours that circulated wrt the conductivity of Stainless over Aluminium, rest assured, don't believe everything folks say and interpret what is written for what it is worth. I conducted extensive testing on the unit. I will be the second one to admit (Dave was first) that they are insignificant. I challenge anyone to be able to detect the difference while vaping. They are indeed negligible and insignificant. I will not release my findings, with the exception that the claims are indeed accurate, but insignificant, more along the line of someone who has an axe to grind more than anything else.
I will post a follow up in a month or so, after I have put the P18 through its paces. The wait for this unit was long, 3 months but well worth it. I have yet to receive anything from the US this expeditiously and shipping was so cheap. 3.5 days to my door from the shop, and that was with a stop at customs.
My unit looks like every other unit manufactured by SuperT. If you are looking for a more personalized unit, then SuperT is not the place to be shopping ;-) However, if you are indeed looking for a unit that will withstand the test of time, and you are slightly mechanically inclined, then I highly recommend the Precise line. The unit has only 7 parts, and all can be fixed or acquired locally. The latter is also insignificant as SuperT products come with a lifetime warranty.
Follow Up
After having the opportunity to vape this wonder for 6 weeks, it is high time for a follow up.
In general there is nothing to add as most was mentioned in the first impressions review.
The unit performs as expected. The finish has some minor scratches on it, but only something that can be seen up close. The stainless wears well and it is definitely not a finger magnet. No buffing or polishing required for this unit to bring out the shine.
The unit has not been cleaned to date. I normally carry out weekly maintenance on my PVs. I have not carried out any maintenance on the P18 since acquisition, with the exception of cleaning out "leaked" liquid from the juice troth, which is totally sealed from the battery compartment. The rationale for my abstention - I wanted to see how long I can go without maintenance. To date:
This has become my goto PV when out and about. Why? I grab my PV and an extra carto and do not have to worry about running out of vape when out and about.
Last WE we were hit by hurricane Earl. The power was out from 8am Saturday until past 11 am on Monday. Having 3 spare 18650 batts I wasn't worried and only changed the batt mid-day Sunday as it was starting to fade. The batt contained in the PV had been in use since Friday am.
At high voltage the unit performed as expected as well. It came with a native 510 connection, but comes shipped with either an 801 or 901 adapter of your choice.
The following batteries were used in the unit:
I had a near runaway a couple of weeks ago while using my LifePO4s. It wasn't the batteries fault, it was the adapter's fault. The 801 adapter sent from SuperT with the unit is slightly longer than most adapters. I gather that the atty came in contact with the body and shorted the atty when the button was fired. Upon second firing, this is where I sensed something was going wrong. The tube started to get warm, knowing what was happening I immediately removed the top cap and batteries from the case. A serious incident was thus avoided. It happens that quick folks. The adapter has since found its way to the bin.
Although LifePO4s are safer chemistry, I still prefer "protected" batteries for use in series or "stacked". I believe that the PCB would have shut off the current flow and prevented a runaway per se. If it wasn't for my vigilence, I believe the batts would have indeed vented.
The unit was vaped with 510s, 801, and 901s at HV. My preference is the 901 SLB at HV. IMHO it is the best of all worlds. A cooler vape with lots of vapour, decent TH but most impotantly, lots of flavour. I was never a fan (I'm still not) of the 901 at 3.7V, but at HV, this atty shines. Whether using stock 3.3Ohms or the 5.2Ohms from IkenVape.
This PV is a little on the pricey side, there is no denying that. The unit is bullet proof as far as I can tell and will render many "years" of dependable vaping. The quality and care that goes into each one, is uncomparable. I have seen many mods, none come remotely close. If you are looking to purchase but one PV capable of doing both 3.7V, 6V and XHV, then the P18 is the PV for you.
Switched,
In general there is nothing to add as most was mentioned in the first impressions review.
The unit performs as expected. The finish has some minor scratches on it, but only something that can be seen up close. The stainless wears well and it is definitely not a finger magnet. No buffing or polishing required for this unit to bring out the shine.
The unit has not been cleaned to date. I normally carry out weekly maintenance on my PVs. I have not carried out any maintenance on the P18 since acquisition, with the exception of cleaning out "leaked" liquid from the juice troth, which is totally sealed from the battery compartment. The rationale for my abstention - I wanted to see how long I can go without maintenance. To date:
- The threads are still very much fluid and positively engaging;
- No oxidation can be found on either the atomiser post or the button contact; and
- The button is still slick and smooth.
This has become my goto PV when out and about. Why? I grab my PV and an extra carto and do not have to worry about running out of vape when out and about.
Last WE we were hit by hurricane Earl. The power was out from 8am Saturday until past 11 am on Monday. Having 3 spare 18650 batts I wasn't worried and only changed the batt mid-day Sunday as it was starting to fade. The batt contained in the PV had been in use since Friday am.
At high voltage the unit performed as expected as well. It came with a native 510 connection, but comes shipped with either an 801 or 901 adapter of your choice.
The following batteries were used in the unit:
- AW 18650 26oomAh 3.7V;
- AW RCR123As 750mAh 3.7V;
- Tenergy RCR123As 900mAh 3.0V; and
- AW RCR123As LifePO4 500mAh 3.0V
I had a near runaway a couple of weeks ago while using my LifePO4s. It wasn't the batteries fault, it was the adapter's fault. The 801 adapter sent from SuperT with the unit is slightly longer than most adapters. I gather that the atty came in contact with the body and shorted the atty when the button was fired. Upon second firing, this is where I sensed something was going wrong. The tube started to get warm, knowing what was happening I immediately removed the top cap and batteries from the case. A serious incident was thus avoided. It happens that quick folks. The adapter has since found its way to the bin.
Although LifePO4s are safer chemistry, I still prefer "protected" batteries for use in series or "stacked". I believe that the PCB would have shut off the current flow and prevented a runaway per se. If it wasn't for my vigilence, I believe the batts would have indeed vented.
The unit was vaped with 510s, 801, and 901s at HV. My preference is the 901 SLB at HV. IMHO it is the best of all worlds. A cooler vape with lots of vapour, decent TH but most impotantly, lots of flavour. I was never a fan (I'm still not) of the 901 at 3.7V, but at HV, this atty shines. Whether using stock 3.3Ohms or the 5.2Ohms from IkenVape.
This PV is a little on the pricey side, there is no denying that. The unit is bullet proof as far as I can tell and will render many "years" of dependable vaping. The quality and care that goes into each one, is uncomparable. I have seen many mods, none come remotely close. If you are looking to purchase but one PV capable of doing both 3.7V, 6V and XHV, then the P18 is the PV for you.
Switched,
