The cat is out of the bag.

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Switched

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Feb 18, 2010
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Dartmouth, NS Canada
Based on Isaac's newsletter, the cat has been let out of the bag. Over the past couple of weeks folks have been PMing me wrt my status change. In the beginning my intentions was to be a silent supplier. Unfortunately, ECF rules do not permit this, and I am totally cool with that.

In oder to bring an idea to fruition, one needs a launching platform. I know Isaac and I have been discussing various ideas in the past. He also had let me know that it would be cool if I did, and even encouraged me. So why choose IkenVape to launch my line? It is quite simple.

I have been toying with the idea of doing something during my retirement for quite some time. Being a former machinist and having embarked on the vaping wagon after many months and building my own devices, I toyed with the idea of making affordable devices for my fellow vapers. So I decided to take the plunge.

I have long been a customer and satisfied user of IKV products. This relationship goes back to the day I inquired about the Chameleon. Isaac is the one that got me thinking that perhaps there was an avenue to expand my retirement into doing something useful, and at the same time offer something to this wonderful community in return. Isaac and I discussed several options in the past and he has accepted to carry my line of mods.

Finding a suitable vendor was not an easy undertaking as I have strict standards of etiquette and personal integrity. In my opinion the fit was perfect because I admire what Isaac stands for not only as a vendor but as a human being. This particular partnership fits like hand and glove and I am looking forward in providing both Isaac and the community with my creations. Why IkenVape? because IkenVape offers a good quality product for a reasonable price. He (Isaac) is here to keep the community smoke free for the long haul and really cares about his customers, as attested to throughout the forum. His business model is one I wish to emulate and aspire to - putting my talents to good use assisting our community with devices that are high quality but yet affordable to the average consumer.


I have also selected Jack from Happy Vapor to also carry the Canadian side of the line. Why Jack? For all the aforementioned reasons, and the Canadian community are getting bored with 510s and eGos LOL. So now Canadians will have a source for affordable PVs as well.

I have been toying off and on for quite some time with the idea of doing something useful with my retirement to shorten the long dreary winter months. More importantly, how can I provide the community that has helped me so much, with an affordable PV? Better yet, how can I fabricate a PV that is both affordable yet functional, to set 'em apart from the other PVs that are out there? You've all heard me say it, a 3.7V device is a 3.7V device when all things are equal. It is the functionality/features of the PV that differentiates them amongst the sea of other 3.7V devices. So what makes mine special?

  • it is not just a PV but collectible device;
  • it will be an all mechanical device;
  • it is a bottm fired device, yet extremely comfortable to fire;
  • it is designed around my favourite PV, the eGo, with a twist. You will be able to change your own battery;
  • it is also designed around the IKV line of attys. Why? They are top performers and although I may not be fussy wrt proprietary attys, it is a must. Without the cone, any atty will fit its native conenction;
  • the line is the "Bullet", scaled replicas of actual bullets;
  • they will come as a limited edition and be serial numbered for authenticity. Each unit coming with its own drip tip (shaped like the business end of a hollow point;
  • they will come in a variety of calibers, and only a total of 52 units of each caliber will ever be made. 25 for the US and 25 for Canada <---- not a math error, continue reading;
  • the first caliber to be released is the 308. Sporting a 16340 for an engine. topped with a 4bbl IKV LR 801 shorty. As someone else stated, it will get you there;
  • the second calibre will be the 7mm mag. Sproting a 14670 engine topped with either a 4bbl LR 510 or 306;
  • the third in the series will be the 50 cal, yup a big bullet for the big boys. This unit will accept the 18650 for 3.7V vaping or 2 x RCR123s for 6 or 7.4V. This will be only device in this particualr line that will be capable of HV and will sport an HV IKV shorty as a carburator;
  • the grand daddy of them all is the 20mm canon rd. Sporting a 26500 or 26650 as an engine, with a 4bbl LR shorty or standard 801s;
  • the entire line is developed around the AW battery because of their consistencies and performance. There will be some leeway in the build to accept other batteries, but the recommendation is to use the AW line. This way here every set of batteries you order, you will know they fit. I have tons of *fire series batts at home with large inconsistencies. Some of these batteries can be compensated via springs ect... some just don't fit or will only work in a certain device. Since I am about quality, that is why I have chosen and endorse the use of AW batteries;
  • each unit will be functionally tested prior to leaving the "bear cave". No unit will leave without passing QA. This should be relatively easy to ensure as I am not into mass production. Each unit will be individually fitted and tested, and they will be one of a kind; and
  • the released units in each series will be numbered 2-26. I will be reserving the #1s of each run (US1 and CD1) and offer them as a commemorative set in a handcrafted velour box. If all goes well, I anticipate the 2 commemorative sets will be available for Christmas.
In closing, the anticipated release of the 308 has been moved to the right by 2-4 weeks. Isaac received and tested the 1st proto. We discovered some much needed tweaking and our findings will be addressed. I had tested the unit prior to it being sent out, however I did not put it through its paces so to speak. Therefore I informed Isaac not to ship it off to Jack as I was not happy with the outcome, although the issues were minor, I simply was not satisfied. What can I say. I am fussy. The quick shipping of Proto 1 was more for approval of concept, rather than the full fucntionality of a production model. I will be thoroughly testing Proto 2 before it goes out. Tweaking during the production run if required and, should not extend my target date which originally was set for mid to end March, and subsequent releases at 6 week intervals.

Regardless of popularity, there will be no subsequent runs after original release. 26 units in each calibre will only ever be manufactured. All warranty issues will be handle by me as I have absolved both vendors of this responsibility. I am looking forward to this venture and I hope all will enjoy the product. Switched has his finger on the pulse :)
 
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Switched

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Feb 18, 2010
10,144
2,544
Dartmouth, NS Canada
Thanks for the warm welcome and well wishes folks. This line will be priced to sell and will only be available through Isaac end at IkenVape or Jack at HappyVaper. They are limited editions and they will be announced ahead of time. Folks will have some leeway, but that is about the extent I can honestly offer. I personally do not believe in pre-ordering. This entire venture is funded by myself, not the membership. That being said, folks should not be dismissing the smaller calibers, outside of battery longevity, performance is dictated by the carburator, not the engine, of course HV is indeed HV. But having personally tried the 308 with a standard 16340, I know that the 801 LR shorty fired by a IMR 16340 will send you into tomorrow. As stated, Switched has big ears :) I am tickled pink having the opportunity in further helping the community remain smoke free, with a touch of class :lol:
 

Switched

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Feb 18, 2010
10,144
2,544
Dartmouth, NS Canada
Proto/concept pics or its all a lie :p
I will serve no wine before its time :) Something to wet your whistle.

bullets3.jpg
 
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