Touchy iStick 50W Fire Button

[RBVapes]

Hello All,

I just wanted to share some information (video to come later - I'm on the wrong computer). We've been selling the 50W iStick since they came out and have had several complaints of them randomly shutting off when the user is having a vape. This isn't a huge number (percentage wise) but still higher than what we would typically see.

We have a few returned for replacement/refund and did some evaluation. So far every unit that has come back and been replaced or refunded has been completely functional. HOWEVER, what we did find is the fire button on these APVs are very sensitive. Specifically there seems to be, at best, a 4-6oz pressure point where you can disengage the fire button where it doesn't actually "un-click". but it'll stop firing even when depressed.

We're not talking about clones here, this is the real deal. I've shared the videos with Eleaf and will see if they can do anything. The short message to folks out there is if you're in this situation I suggest firing the device from the center of the button and if it stops try a smidgen more pressure to the center and you'll see it restart.

I'm hoping this is only an issue with the original 2 batches. We just got a 3rd batch in and I haven't had a chance to test those. All of the random pulls I've done from the first two batches exhibit the same behavior. The good news is the vast majority of people who've ordered haven't noticed (perhaps they're "harder pressers"). As I've stated, I've used 3 of the returned units for 1 day each and have noticed the hiccup but only rarely and a bit more of a press and it kept on firing perfectly.

Cheers!

 

[dankrips]

I have this exact problem. As you stated, theres a certain spot where it'll stop firing. Easily remedied by making sure to firmly press the fire button. I still believe this mod is the best value on the market today.

Tagged for further info.

 

[Robert B]

Has anyone had this problem with the iStick 50's yet? Been hearing a few like this on reddit lately

 

[Mykline]

Has anyone had this problem with the iStick 50's yet? Been hearing a few like this on reddit lately

Talk about chain vaping and you can cook some marshmallows with it.

 

[Zamazam]

Has anyone had this problem with the iStick 50's yet? Been hearing a few like this on reddit lately

Mine did that once, but have not been able to recreate the autofiring again.

 

[Just Me]

Only issue I have is it seems to drop voltage mid vape where my 30w is more consistant

 

[RBVapes]

I've had one come back with a report of "auto/stuck firing" but I could not get the unit to do it again. That said, I just heard back, literally minutes ago, from an Eleaf rep that they've gotten reports of this and have made chances to the firing button on the latest batch. Oh the fun being on the bleeding edge of devices!

 

[TasteMyToast]

I've had that problem since day one, just learned to keep my finger centered on the button, and press pretty hard.

 

[Budds]

Mine also exhibits the button issue.
What worries me is I have experienced this problem in another device not long ago, and the firing buttons life was cut significantly short because of the uneven pressure being applied...... and while pushing harder may have "MADE" the thing to work, it was not ideal for the hardware !
Fact is I have three of said device and ALL THREE are out of action now after the buttons wore out...... got about 4-6 months outta them.

I like my iStick so far...... but the button thing keeps me wondering when its gonna fail.
Works fine if you hit the button square on Top Dead Center.....
Fires consistent, minimum force needed...(in fact too little force is needed IMHO.).
I just feel I shouldnt have to work at hitting the button "Right" every time I wanna hit.

Just MHO.................

 

[Robert B]

Mine did that once, but have not been able to recreate the autofiring again.

Hopefully the autofire problem has to do with the button and not the electronics like the clouper mini. From RBV's post, it sounds like eleaf is well aware. Obviously the guy in the video was able to replicate the auto firing problem. Would be interested to find out what he thinks the problem is, button or electronics. One guy who comments on the video thinks it's caused by juice leaching into the fire button.

 

[Zamazam]

In my case, it might have been juice dripping down into the button. I was using my Doge and over dripped it a bit. After I wiped it off and took a damp sponge to it to clean it up, the problem vanished.

 

[NeesieDS]

It bothers me greatly that they now acknowledge the problem and are addressing it in future batches, but have not issued a recall on previously released models. It says it is a sporadic issue. If someone hasn't had a problem yet, and it goes off without them knowing, will we now see a ladies purse catch on fire or something? With all the bad media lately influencing pending regulations on vaping, that's not what we need, IMHO.

At least once a week a non vaper will warn me, "I heard those things will blow up in your face!" Now we have VERY popular versions out there in mass quantities that will do just that? Very scary for our wellbeing and our vaping future, I fear.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Robert B]

It bothers me greatly that they now acknowledge the problem and are addressing it in future batches, but have not issued a recall on previously released models. It says it is a sporadic issue. If someone hasn't had a problem yet, and it goes off without them knowing, will we now see a ladies purse catch on fire or something? With all the bad media lately influencing pending regulations on vaping, that's not what we need, IMHO.

At least once a week a non vaper will warn me, "I heard those things will blow up in your face!" Now we have VERY popular versions out there in mass quantities that will do just that? Very scary for our wellbeing and our vaping future, I fear.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I hear ya. I fly a lot, and reports of these devices auto-firing bothers me a bit, that someone may pack one in a suitcase with the atomizer still attached. The clouper mini worries me in the same way. I'm guessing it won't be long before the FAA bans all these devices on all flights.

For that matter, people posting pictures of blown up mech mods and high ranking google searches like this will certainly contribute to a ban. http://vapingunderground.com/threads/mech-mod-a-bomb-waiting-to-explode.61052/

 

[JohnnyWang]

My wife and myself have both had this issue. I'd describe it as a squishy button feel instead of a clicky button feel. Also, heavy pressure must be applied to the button, sometimes being borderline painful to get it to fire as you desire (for a heavy vaper). Also, the button is prone to making auto-contact with the internal switch, firing "at random", and potentially very often firing and capping out at 10s, which will burn a coil out quickly over time.

I have just disassembled both of the most recent 2 batteries after the 2nd also became squishy. I found that internally, there is a four-pronged silicon bumper mounted around the internal contact switch. These four rigid-yet-squishy legs make contact with the back of the button that you press, bouncing and giving that clicky feel that it had when new. The issue on each of these 2 batteries - used by 2 different heavy vapers - was clear when viewed upright and facing the contact switch....the bottom left leg has shifted down, left, and away from the button. The result is that one of the legs doesn't resist the button, so that corner sags and makes contact "at random" with the press-sensor.

I've had this issue on 4 of these batteries purchased within the last 18 months. The prior pair was replaced due to this same squishy button.
I have no fixes at this time and don't feel that the shimming mentioned above would solve my issues.

Apologies for reviving a necro thread, but this was the #1 google result for this issue.

 

[SAWBLADE SILVER]

My wife and myself have both had this issue. I'd describe it as a squishy button feel instead of a clicky button feel. Also, heavy pressure must be applied to the button, sometimes being borderline painful to get it to fire as you desire (for a heavy vaper). Also, the button is prone to making auto-contact with the internal switch, firing "at random", and potentially very often firing and capping out at 10s, which will burn a coil out quickly over time.

I have just disassembled both of the most recent 2 batteries after the 2nd also became squishy. I found that internally, there is a four-pronged silicon bumper mounted around the internal contact switch. These four rigid-yet-squishy legs make contact with the back of the button that you press, bouncing and giving that clicky feel that it had when new. The issue on each of these 2 batteries - used by 2 different heavy vapers - was clear when viewed upright and facing the contact switch....the bottom left leg has shifted down, left, and away from the button. The result is that one of the legs doesn't resist the button, so that corner sags and makes contact "at random" with the press-sensor.

I've had this issue on 4 of these batteries purchased within the last 18 months. The prior pair was replaced due to this same squishy button.
I have no fixes at this time and don't feel that the shimming mentioned above would solve my issues.

Apologies for reviving a necro thread, but this was the #1 google result for this issue.

I have had that same problem with my 50 watt ELeaF. The fix for that, that always works for me is. I have a air compresser, and I use the air nozzle to remove pocket lint and liquid that seems to always get into the compression switch. Just give it a good blowing out around the outer edge of the button. Works all the time for me, when ever it acts up. Another thing to do is use a piece of paper towel, and press it as hard as you can into the top of the battery to soak up fluid that gets into the battery, so as to not let it seep into the internal parts, which can short it out and get into the button switches. I have had the same one over a year. But they need upkeep. Hope this helps you out, and others.

 

[Countrypami]

This was a known issue with the 50W.... if you value your face and fingers... Pitch it!

 

[Bigbob2322]

Had this problem with my older 50.