Alum V2 by GP Custom

Commercial characteristics

• Sponsor who lent the product for the review: Myfree cig
• Price of the tested product: 159.90 Euros
• Product category according to its selling price: Luxury (over 120 euros)
• Mod type: Mechanical without kick support possible
• Is the mod telescopic? No
• Maximum power: Not applicable
• Maximum voltage: Not applicable
• Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: Not applicable

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

The Gp Custom Alum V2 is a dual 18650 meca box mounted in parallel. Its price places it directly in the luxury category. It is a high-end box but handcrafted, hand-machined and not on a digital machine. We are dealing with V2 which makes corrections to the problems that some have encountered with the V1 and which, I am sure, have dissuaded many buyers ready to succumb to its undeniable charm. Its design immediately inspired me one of my famous comparisons but I keep it for the end ... 

Physical characteristics and felt quality

• Width or Diameter of the product in mms: 45
• Product Length or Height in mms: 101
• Product weight in grams: 150
• Material composing the product: Aluminum, Wood, Stanless Steel grade 304
• Form Factor Type: Classic Box - VaporShark type
• Decorative Style: Cultural Reference
• Quality of decoration: Excellent, it is a work of art
• Is the coating of the mod sensitive to fingerprints? No
• All components of this mod seem well assembled? Can do better and I'll tell you why
• Fire button position: Lateral near the top cap
• Fire button type: Spring mechanics
• Number of buttons making up the interface, including touch zones if they are present: 1
• User interface button type: No other button
• Quality of interface button (s): Not applicable interface button
• Number of parts in the product: 3
• Number of threads: 1
• Quality of the threads: Very good
• Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Rating of the vapelier as to feelings quality: 4.4 / 5

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

The Alum V2 is a box that exudes craftsmanship. The monobloc T6 aluminum frame is machined by hand. The whole is splendid even if, as you will see it on the various photos, there are not two identical angles. The side panels are made of Kamakong wood, a very resistant precious wood. The top cap panel is made of Malawian wood, a softer wood, there is the 510 connection in 304 stainless steel in which a clay ring has been crimped on which appears the serial number and the signature of the creator Gatub. Really, it is a beautiful piece and even the machining defects come to reinforce the personality of this object. Indeed, you are sure that your model is unique and this is the charm of this kind of product. This is your model and no two will be the same and to me that makes you look at these machining approximations differently. All the connection elements are made of copper, which gives you very good conductivity.

This box pleases me more and more, here are some photos to immerse you in this unique object of its kind. 

Functional features

• Type of chipset used: None / Mechanical, Alternative
• Connection type: 510, Ego - via adapter
• Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through a floating pine tree.
• Lock system ? No
• Quality of the locking system: None
• Features offered by the mod: None / Mod Méca
• Accusability: 18650
• Does the mod support stacking? No
• Number of batteries supported: 2
• Does the mod retain its configuration without batteries? Not applicable
• Does the mod offer a recharge feature? No recharge function offered by the mod
• Is the recharge function pass-through? No recharge function offered by the mod
• Does the mode offer a Power Bank function? No power bank function offered by the mod
• Does the mode offer other functions? No other function offered by the mod
• Presence of air flow regulation? No, nothing is planned to feed an atomizer from the bottom
• Maximum diameter in mms of compatibility with an atomizer: 22
• Accuracy of the output power at full charge of the battery: Not applicable, it is a mechanical mod
• Accuracy of the output voltage at full charge of the battery: Good, there is a tiny difference between the requested voltage and the actual voltage

Vapelier's note regarding functional characteristics: 2.8 / 5

Reviewer's comments on functional features

The Alum V2 is a dual 18650 meca box, nothing more. No screen, no adjustment, no security, or even a switch locking system. So not much to say, except that the pine is floating, even if its strength leaves some doubts, it allows flush mounting. Having two batteries connected in parallel, it is a greater limit of amperage therefore more safety for those who practice the subohm. We prefer 22mm atomizers to limit the risk of touching the chassis of the box.The drop volt is -0.11, which means that if your battery is full and it sends 4.21v, the output voltage will be of 4.1v, we therefore have good conductivity. 

This is what there is to say about this box. Let's be clear, we don't choose it for all its features, it doesn't have any. Finally, yes, it allows you to vape well. 

Evaluation of the packaging

• Presence of a box accompanying the product: Yes
• Would you say that the packaging is up to the price of the product? Yes
• Presence of a user manual? No
• Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? No
• Does the manual explain ALL features? No

Vapelier's note on packaging: 2 / 5

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

The note is low while the box is great. Indeed, the box arrives in a bamboo cage. This further adds to the original and artisanal aspect of this box. But we regret not finding a manual with recommendations for wood maintenance for example or recommendations relating to safety and the rather low score comes from there. Indeed, for potential beginners, it turns out to be a bit annoying. However, I remain very positive about this super original packaging.

Appreciations in use

• Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for an inside jacket pocket (no deformations)
• Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Easy, even standing on the street, with a simple Kleenex
• Easy to change the batteries: Easy, even standing in the street
• Did the mod heat up? No
• Has there been any erratic behavior after a day of use? No
• Description of situations in which the product has experienced erratic behavior

Vapelier's rating in terms of ease of use: 5/5

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

This box is easy to live with. Of a correct size for a double 18650, its implementation is childish. We put two identical imr high drain batteries, charged at the same level, this is easily done since the two wooden panels are removable. We screw his ato, and we fire. There, we get a smooth mech-type vape which, in my opinion, remains the most pleasant vape. The two batteries will give you a very correct autonomy. On paper we can lower the resistance of your ato to 0.08 ohm. I wouldn't risk it, I'm not sure the copper springs hold the shock, but personally with my Orchid mounted in double coil at 0.4 ohm, I'm fine and I feel that I can go lower without problem.

No really, this box is super pleasant to use. The grip is comfortable and the switch neither too soft nor too hard. The latter's race is short. 

At this level, I tell you, I think I'm falling in love with this box.

Recommendations for use

• Type of batteries used during the tests: 18650
• Number of batteries used during the tests: 2
• With what type of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? Dripper, With low resistance fiber less than or equal to 1.5 ohms, In sub-ohm assembly, Reconstructable Génésys type metal mesh assembly, Rebuildable type Génésys metal wick assembly
• With which model of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? a good dreeper or a double coil rba atomizer all in 22mm
• Description of the test configuration used: orchid v3 double coil at 0,40ohm
• Description of the ideal configuration with this product: Dreeper double coil around 0.3 ohm

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.3 / 5

Link to a video review or blog maintained by the reviewer author of the review

The mood ticket of the reviewer

So what does this drum roll box remind me of:

A Woodie.

A what? A woodie, you know, those cars where wood and steel are mixed and which for a long time were the benchmark cars among our friends the surfers.

Yes, this handcrafted box exudes the Beach Boys spirit. She is “cool” and I love this wood design associated with metal it's just too beautiful 😯 !!! The 510 connector crimped with this ceramic ring totally reinforces this spirit.

Yes, it is full of imperfections, but these approximations make the identity specific to each Alum box, this is what gives it a unique character. I'm sure I could tell the 617 from the 616 without seeing the serial number and without any problems. No need to engrave your name on it. 

A good smooth mecha vape, not a miss fire, no adjustment, that's all that I also appreciated.

Add to this that this is the last box manufactured by GP Custom since the two partners have separated and you have a rare and collector's item in your hands.

In conclusion, if you like it and find one, don't hesitate and go for it !!!

Thanks to Myfree-cig for this loan. 

Good vape 

Vince

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