Way back when e-cigs were still a relatively new gizmo on the market, a guy named Trog introduced one of the first "mods". It provided a substantially longer battery life compared to the existing e-cig batteries of the time (the eGo wasn't born yet). It would become known as the Screwdriver or SD Mark I, and so named because it's appearance is that of a regular screwdriver. The original was considered to be an excellent mod. The original switch proved twitchy to one degree or another. Then came the mechanical switch model, the SD MKII. For a time, they were considered by some as the holy grail of e-cig battery systems.
DSE manufactured the 905 model with 4 different versions (if memory serves), which was the next evolution of the SD mod. There were reports of various problems with the system, hence the version updates.
Well, that was then and this is now. Variable voltage, self-feeding, larger capacity mods of all shapes and sizes are available now from several makers. Why choose the SD when compared next to these ?
Simple answer, the price. At least that was one factor that led me to pick two of them up.
The order was placed during TW's yo-yo promotion. I got them both for an insanely low price at the time. The items shipped promptly and were well packaged.
I picked up one SD MKII in black, the other in silver.
The other factor for me, was that I had a half dozen 18350 batteries which have been sitting relatively unused since I retired my DSE601 e-pipes. I figured since I had a stack of 18350s I would be ahead of the game. I was partially mistaken.
The SD MKII does use 18350 batteries. Unfortunately the 601 batteries are slightly different from the SD batteries. The SD batteries have the plastic label/coating covering a good portion of the -terminal. 601 batteries do not. When a 601 battery is used in the silver SD, it completes the circuit and activates the atomizer. Oddly enough, this didn't happen with the black SD. Upon examination, the black SD had a black powder coat finish on the inside as well. This was apparently sufficient enough to prevent the battery from activating the circuit.
I took a section of black electrical tape and applied it, sticky side out, to one of the 601 batteries. I then inserted it into the lower half of the silver SD body. I then removed the battery and pressed the tape to fully adhere it to the interior of the body. It completely lined the battery shelf area and prevented any - terminal contact with the body unless the button was depressed.
So far I have used the device for a few days and have found it to be as reliable as any other mod. The device is a native 901 atty style. I, personally, do not prefer this atty. I prefer 510s and other 510 based attys. I use the device with a stainless 901 to 510 adapter. On the silver SD, it looks completely normal. The polished exterior of the SD matched perfectly to the silver adapter and to the chrome colored Boge attys with Super T drip tip that I use. The black SD is being used with a 901 to 510 adapter and modified (shortened) eGo cartos.
Both the black and silver SD's have performed as they should, lasting roughly 10 hours of use per battery. The 18350s provided by TW and the generic 18350s from my 601 are all rated at 900mah. I have not checked the device with a meter at this time, but it has functioned as well as my other mods. The button is smooth and light, easily and comfortably activated. It settles nicely into the hand and use is perfectly natural to me, as most of the mods I use are bottom buttons.
If you are on the fence, debating whether or not to pick one up, I would say "Go for it". It is one of the least expensive mods on the market now, and when combined with the savings from the "yo-yo promo" that TW is currently running, it is really a good deal.
Downsides are (to me) the 901 atty being the devices preferred atty and the relatively difficult nature of the batterys used. The 18350s are not as commonly available as 14500s or 18500s or just about any other rechargeable battery. They can be found for cheap at various sites that carry 601s or from TW (currently out of stock). The 601 style batteries require insulating the interior of the device, but it can't be seen from the outside of the device and doesn't really require all that much effort. Another downside is that a separate cap is required to cover the button to keep it from pocket firing. The cap is provided with some kits, but not with the "body only" version sold on TWs site. The cap can be attached to one of the lanyard holes in the SD's body. It dangles when attached and used, but this doesn't really bother me much.
Hope someone finds this useful, Happy Holidays.
Tinstar
DSE manufactured the 905 model with 4 different versions (if memory serves), which was the next evolution of the SD mod. There were reports of various problems with the system, hence the version updates.
Well, that was then and this is now. Variable voltage, self-feeding, larger capacity mods of all shapes and sizes are available now from several makers. Why choose the SD when compared next to these ?
Simple answer, the price. At least that was one factor that led me to pick two of them up.
The order was placed during TW's yo-yo promotion. I got them both for an insanely low price at the time. The items shipped promptly and were well packaged.
I picked up one SD MKII in black, the other in silver.
The other factor for me, was that I had a half dozen 18350 batteries which have been sitting relatively unused since I retired my DSE601 e-pipes. I figured since I had a stack of 18350s I would be ahead of the game. I was partially mistaken.
The SD MKII does use 18350 batteries. Unfortunately the 601 batteries are slightly different from the SD batteries. The SD batteries have the plastic label/coating covering a good portion of the -terminal. 601 batteries do not. When a 601 battery is used in the silver SD, it completes the circuit and activates the atomizer. Oddly enough, this didn't happen with the black SD. Upon examination, the black SD had a black powder coat finish on the inside as well. This was apparently sufficient enough to prevent the battery from activating the circuit.
I took a section of black electrical tape and applied it, sticky side out, to one of the 601 batteries. I then inserted it into the lower half of the silver SD body. I then removed the battery and pressed the tape to fully adhere it to the interior of the body. It completely lined the battery shelf area and prevented any - terminal contact with the body unless the button was depressed.
So far I have used the device for a few days and have found it to be as reliable as any other mod. The device is a native 901 atty style. I, personally, do not prefer this atty. I prefer 510s and other 510 based attys. I use the device with a stainless 901 to 510 adapter. On the silver SD, it looks completely normal. The polished exterior of the SD matched perfectly to the silver adapter and to the chrome colored Boge attys with Super T drip tip that I use. The black SD is being used with a 901 to 510 adapter and modified (shortened) eGo cartos.
Both the black and silver SD's have performed as they should, lasting roughly 10 hours of use per battery. The 18350s provided by TW and the generic 18350s from my 601 are all rated at 900mah. I have not checked the device with a meter at this time, but it has functioned as well as my other mods. The button is smooth and light, easily and comfortably activated. It settles nicely into the hand and use is perfectly natural to me, as most of the mods I use are bottom buttons.
If you are on the fence, debating whether or not to pick one up, I would say "Go for it". It is one of the least expensive mods on the market now, and when combined with the savings from the "yo-yo promo" that TW is currently running, it is really a good deal.
Downsides are (to me) the 901 atty being the devices preferred atty and the relatively difficult nature of the batterys used. The 18350s are not as commonly available as 14500s or 18500s or just about any other rechargeable battery. They can be found for cheap at various sites that carry 601s or from TW (currently out of stock). The 601 style batteries require insulating the interior of the device, but it can't be seen from the outside of the device and doesn't really require all that much effort. Another downside is that a separate cap is required to cover the button to keep it from pocket firing. The cap is provided with some kits, but not with the "body only" version sold on TWs site. The cap can be attached to one of the lanyard holes in the SD's body. It dangles when attached and used, but this doesn't really bother me much.
Hope someone finds this useful, Happy Holidays.
Tinstar
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