Vandy Vape Pulse AIO Custom Accessories
https://www.sourcemore.com/vandy-vape-pulse-aio-diy-panel.html
https://www.sourcemore.com/vandy-vape-pulse-aio-circuit-board-tune-up-panel.html
https://www.sourcemore.com/vandy-vape-pulse-aio-metal-button-ring-set.html
After reviewing the superb Pulse AIO, I was keen to get my hands on some of the custom options, and thankfully Sourcemore had them all and obliged.
Review of the AIO: https://www.planetofthevapes.co.uk/reviews/pod-systems/vandy-vape-pulse-aio-kit.html
I’ve been a fan of Vandy Vape’s plastic styling ever since the Pulse mech squonk mod, so as a nod to that, I opted for the green panels, but there are three other colours available; blue, red and smoke, and there are matching control panels with buttons, this pack also includes colour matched screws. The other custom option is the fire button surround.
The panels make the biggest difference and is the easiest to fit as they are magnetic, there’s a packet of spare magnets included should you need them in future.
The difference was quite something. I already liked the translucent look of the clear, but the added contrast of the green really made it pop and transformed the overall style.
Obviously the colour choice will be down to personal tastes and dependant on the base colour of the AIO, I think most colours would suit the black version. The almost neon pop of the green was an instant fit for me.
The rest of the changes are more subtle, starting with the fire button rings. Rather than colour matching, Vandy Vape offer different metal colours; gold, rainbow, black and a silver ‘gear’ styled one.
I first tried the gold as I thought it would match the internal brass parts but it is very pale and I hardly noticed it, so I opted to fit the notched gear style one.
To remove the original ring, there is a tool included with the original kit but I managed to unscrew mine by hand. Once removed, the button will fall out so be careful not to lose it. If you are only intending to fit this part, then you simply just put the fire button in place and screw on the ring, job done.
If you intend to fit the control plate and screws, then it’s best to do it all together. There are just three torx screws to undo, again take care not to lose these.
Once the screws are removed, you will need to wiggle the faceplate out taking care not to force it. The key is to slightly lever it out and take note of the bottom corner magnet which is the awkward bit. That said, it didn’t take much, and I just pried my fingernail under the screen cut out.
Once removed, the backing screw for the fire ring will fall out and you will need this for the new plate and ring. It’s easier to do this with the plate out. The back ring has location flats so push it in from the back and simply screw the ring (ignore the fire button for now).
*IMPORTANT*
Being a cocky tw@, I just fitted the faceplate right out of the box, only to find the adjustment buttons no longer worked. The answer was staring me in the face with a little instruction card, it needs two little silicone bungs pushing into the inside of the button. I’m not sure why they weren’t already fitted? Perhaps they felt we would enjoy the extra fiddling.
That said, it was simple to do, and once that is done and the fire ring fitted you can screw it all back together.
The faceplate requires a little bit of persuasion but simply presses in. You will need to place the fire button underneath before fitting, I found it easier to do this almost upside down, again paying attention to the corner magnet. If it feels like you need brute force, then start again. Pop the coloured screws of your choice in and that’s it, job done.
I have to admit I was underwhelmed when I put the green panels on, it hardly looked any different. The fire button and ring looked good, but the control panel and screws just blended in. It looks good with the panel off or with the clear panel so it might be worth considering a different colour panel to contrast through.
Overall though I was rather pleased with how the Pulse AIO was looking with these tweaks and a couple of my own (clear battery wrap and MTL drip tip), oddly I enjoyed using the kit more. Obviously it made zero difference to the vape it produces, but I just loved it that little bit more in my hand, I love vapes that you can customise and fiddle with the looks. It didn’t quite feel as special as Billet Box customisation as they are mass produced with limited options, but I’m fine with that.
The level you choose to customise is up to you, but the panels make the biggest difference. Perhaps playing around with un-matching internals might look better, and the colour of your Pulse AIO will make a difference too.
My only niggle is the screws, you get five of each colour, but you can only use three on the control panel. The other four screws in the body are shorter and aren’t included which felt like half a job. That said; the screws make the least difference.
I would have liked a colour matching drip tip option too, hopefully that’s something in the pipeline. The white standard one is a rather strange choice for all the colours.
Vandy Vape always dare to be different and often add custom options going right back to the Pulse BF, and adding these options has added to the overall appeal.
