Vamo, version 1, version 2, white buttons, metal buttons?

[Drewps5co0tt]

I am really interested in getting a Vamo mod but I'm confused as to which model is what and where the best site is to purchase from? I've seen some that appear to have white buttons (plastic or rubber?) which I like a lot (look wise) then I've seen some that appear to have metal buttons. Was wondering if someone here could straighten me out on which is which and where to buy from?

Thanks

P.S. I'm intersted in stainless steel only.

 

[danpio1217]

I got mine from smoktek.com. they had gunmetal, chrome and stainless. Metal buttons, most recent version (2?)

 

[Drewps5co0tt]

I like smoektek better because they offer the battery selection with the device as an add on. I checked exhale vapors but they don't offer any batteries and I'd rather buy everyone from one place.

Also do I need to worry about any kind of spring issue and if so, is there anything else I need to buy upfront? I would be probably be using 18650 batteries most of the time. I might use 18350 here and there, who knows. I'm really liking this device though and am eager to buy one. It looks very well made.

One other question, is the firing button clicky? I saw a video that showed off the device with the white buttons (they appeared to be white anyways) and the button was very clicky which I like. I probably wouldn't buy the device if the button was quiet.

 

[thecatanddog]

I've read the distributers have the choice of metal or rubber buttons. it does not indicate revision/version. most choose metal for durability

 

[peraspera]

The colored plastic buttons were used on the V1 VAMOS. The V1 does not have an insulator for the post in the bottom of the unit and has a bug that causes a power surge when used at 6 volts.

The manufacturer was offering retailers a choice of black silicone or metal for V2 VAMOs. I've only seen metal buttons on the stainless steel version and there are no V1 stainless models. I have the black silicone buttons on my chrome version and metal on my stainless version. All of the buttons on both my VAMOs are clicky from a tactile perspective but the silicone buttons on the chrome version make a louder clicky noise.

The silver colored spring in the stainless version had a problem with overheating. There have been a couple of posts indicating that Exhale is shipping versions with a brass spring that works properly. SmokTek is selling VAMO brass replacement springs so I would guess that they are likely shipping with the new brass spring as well.

 

[guppy]

The colored plastic buttons were used on the V1 VAMOS. The V1 does not have an insulator for the post in the bottom of the unit and has a bug that causes a power surge when used at 6 volts.

The manufacturer was offering retailers a choice of black silicone or metal for V2 VAMOs. I've only seen metal buttons on the stainless steel version and there are no V1 stainless models. I have the black silicone buttons on my chrome version and metal on my stainless version. All of the buttons on both my VAMOs are clicky from a tactile perspective but the silicone buttons on the chrome version make a louder clicky noise.

The silver colored spring in the stainless version had a problem with overheating. There have been a couple of posts indicating that Exhale is shipping versions with a brass spring that works properly. SmokTek is selling VAMO brass replacement springs so I would guess that they are likely shipping with the new brass spring as well.

With the chrome versions, I read there's a lot of problems with the springs being too short and causes the battery to lose connection and rattle. Does anybody know if the V2 vamos they're selling now are fixed?

 

[peraspera]

The V1 VAMO had a short, small diameter wimpy spring. The V2 chrome VAMOs have a long, small diameter wimpy spring. I haven't seen posts from anyone indicating that they have received a chrome VAMO with the larger diameter brass spring made from heavier wire that replaced the similar steel? or chrome plated? spring that caused the heating problems in the stainless version.

I've been using the linked spring (same spring sold by different vendors) in both my VAMOs. I've had no disconnects or heating issues and haven't seen any posts from people using this spring reporting any problems with it.
Hot Spring - Silver Bullet / OmeGa
HeliX hot spring
Silver Bullet/Omega - Replacement Hot Spring

 

[guppy]

There wasn't a heating issue with the chrome versions but yes, I was talking about the weak springs. Did they address that issue with the V2's weak springs?

 

[peraspera]

To the best of my knowledge the chrome versions are still shipping with the springs that allow battery disconnects. However, it is possible that some people have received chrome versions with the new larger diameter brass spring made with heavier wire and haven't posted that fact.

 

[Terp]

With the chrome versions, I read there's a lot of problems with the springs being too short and causes the battery to lose connection and rattle. Does anybody know if the V2 vamos they're selling now are fixed?

I've got the Chrome V2 version and I've had no problems with the spring...

 

[guppy]

I've got the Chrome V2 version and I've had no problems with the spring...

What kind of batteries are you using with it? I placed an order for it and am waiting for it and I'm worried because I bought it before I really did any reading on it because it was on sale. I'm not planning on stacking so that's not an issue for me but I'm worried about the 18650's...

 

[Terp]

I use 18350's...

 

[peraspera]

It's the 18650s that routinely become disconnected with the smaller diameter spring. However, some people have commented that their Panasonic CGR18650CHs don't disconnect.

 

[Drewps5co0tt]

Thanks everyone for the replies, I wanted to make sure I understood the difference between between 1 & 2, I think I'm all set now!

 

[clypto]

I got a V2 Gunmetal Vamo from Smoktek which did not have the updated spring and it disconnected the battery often or you had to hold the fire button down awhile to get it to fire.

The links Peraspera had for springs I used, I got a spring from Altsmoke (note, I would recommend another vendor) and now the Vamo doesnt have any issues with firing or battery rattle.

Also, I have 18650 efest batteries.