Silver Bullet

Product Review (submitted on January 3, 2010):

I will review this for what it is: a big, manual battery. It won't solve international disputes or give you six pack abs, but it will give you hours and hours of vaping joy without having to change the batteries.


Shipping/Order
Ordering was simple. I've seen simpler interfaces, but it was more than sufficient. I ordered on 12/12/09 and received it on 12/28/09. I knew when I ordered there was an estimated shipment of 12/19/09, but a slight delay meant it shipped 12/23/09 and USPS took their time shipping and shredding my package. But this is a review of Altsmoke, not USPS. So, while I didn't receive my BSB before Christmas, Altsmoke did a fine job updating the site and communicating through ECF the status of the units.


Impression
The Black Silver Bullet (BSB) is well designed and proportioned and the satin black finish is excellent. I can't say enough about the beauty of the switch. Elegant and functional, the chrome switch color and surround are gorgeous. I'm very glad now I ordered the BSB-- I can't imagine always cleaning fingerprints from the SB. The two halves of the unit come together solidly with impeccable fit and finish.

Don't flood your BSB. It's a little easier to do than a traditional 510 but just as messy.


Size/Weight
When I received my package, I thought something was missing or that the smaller BB was sent by mistake. It is considerably smaller than I expected after reading and watching numerous reviews. It fits perfectly in my hand and the button can be easily activated by thumb or index finger.


Performance
* At 3.7v (using LC 18650/2400 mAh) - Performance is the same as a traditional 510. I get no additional vapor or flavor and, as I go through the battery's lifecycle, it seems I get less vapor at times. That's the downside of the 18650. The upside is it lasts for 2 days plus for me, but somewhere on day 2 the vapor slowly lessens. I've not actually timed the battery life since I've been recharging after the second day.


* At 6v (I'm using 2xRCR123A/750 mAh) -
When vaping at 6v, expect to go through twice the liquid (or more). It's the trade-off of 6 volts. You get incredible, warm throat hit, enhanced flavor, and billowing clouds of vapor. You also get more nicotine, which can be good or bad. Now I'm no scientist, but I can get a nicotine rush from the BSB at 6v if I vape too much. The upside of that is I actually vape less at 6v because that 'itch' is scratched. Also, flavors of liquids can be different (better and worse) at higher voltage, so play around. Also, at 6v, you pretty much have to direct drip. Otherwise, the filling taste foul.


Final Thoughts
1. Buy battery cases. I bought two and wish I'd bought 3. They're tough to get elsewhere and, after shipping, more expensive everywhere else.
2. Get two 18650 batteries and you're set for a while. I bought too many.
3. Use your discount (if available). I didn't see the code until after I ordered.
4. Purchase some juice designed for high voltage vaping. My favorite liquid doesn't work with the BSB, but some liquids I didn't care at 3.7v for taste AWESOME at 6v.

I am truly satisfied by my purchase and would recommend it to anyone. I love having the option of 3.7 or 6v vaping. I love the look and feel, love the throat hit and flavor, but mostly I love not having to change batteries every 30-60 minutes or being chained to my computer by a pass-through.