Totally Wicked Screwdriver Mk II

The screwdriver is my first (and at the time of writing) only “big battery” e-cig mod. I acquired it about a month ago from Totally Wicked’s UK website, after witnessing the diverse and often quite extreme opinions on various e-cig forums and reviews.

The Mark II Screwdriver is the mass produced version of the original device that is acknowledged to be one of the earliest attempts to provide a longer lasting battery to an e-cig.

The price of the Screwdriver MkII has fallen significantly recently, so I ordered myself the Screwdriver MkII Base Kit to see what all the fuss was about.

The Base Kit comprises:

• 1 x Screwdriver Body
• 1 x Re-Chargeable Lithium Ion Batteries 900mAh, 3.7 Volts
• 1 x Silver DSE901 Atomiser
• 1 x Charging Unit
• 1 x USA to Uk Adapter
• 1 x Instruction Manual

I also ordered separately some 901 cartridges in order to try a 901 atomiser for the first time, and a 901 to 510 adapter so I could use my Riva atomisers and carts.

The Base Kit arrived pretty quickly, in a nice cardboard box depicting the Screwdriver’s distinctive shape in white. I was immediately impressed with the manual, which was both well presented, useful and relevant. I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the SD, which was much smaller than I’d expected from internet pictures.

The supplied 18350 sized battery took quite a few hours to charge, but eventually I assembled the SD, loaded one of my new 901 cartridges and was ready to try it out.

It took a little while to adjust to the bottom mounted switch, but eventually this became second nature and is now very comfortable.

I didn’t get on with the 901 atomiser though, finding that I was flooding it trying to get the sort of vapour I was accustomed to from my Riva 510. After continually blowing the atomiser to clear the fairly thick VG juice I was using, I did get slightly better results with some PG juice, but quickly turned to the 510 adapter and my more familiar atomisers.

From that point onwards I have found the SD MkII to be a great device,  producing plenty of vapour and since switching to LR cartomisers a couple of weeks ago it has become my favourite PV.

I have read a number of criticisms of the button and it’s tendency to mis-fire, but I haven’t so far experienced any problems at all, neither have I experienced the button becoming loose and detaching form the device when it shouldn’t. I will update this review in the future though, should any of these problems emerge as the device ages.

The bottom half of the battery shell (the end with the switch) has two small holes, apparently for the attachment of a neck / wrist lanyard and to attach the removable switch cover . Unfortunately neither of these lanyards were supplied with the base kit, so I am unable to comment on them, beyond the fact that a lanyard seems a little unnecessary to me.

The manual suggests that the switch assembly requires occasional cleaning, which I have done a couple of times now, however it hasn’t needed it. The device is well sealed and I’ve no traces of juice leaking into the battery shell so far. This despite the aforementioned frequent atomiser flooding. The switch is a simple, manual assembly comprising a slot-headed bolt, spring and the threaded button, and is removed by unscrewing the button from the bolt, which in turn acts as the battery connector that completes the circuit to fire the device. Simple, but effective.

The Good

I’m really impressed with the Screwdriver Mark II. With the configuration that I’ve stumbled across (510 LR cartomiser and drip tip), I find the device comfortable and effective, producing loads of vapour and flavour. Immediately after a battery charge, the battery delivers 4.2v which produces an exceptional vaping experience, before dropping down to 3.7v, which is more than the Riva and the difference is significant enough to notice.

Aesthetically, I find the device attractive and interesting, particularly with a black cartomiser and silver drip tip. The high polished, almost chrome like finish attracts finger prints, but so far is showing no signs of scratching or tarnishing.

In use, the device is comfortable to hold, and the switch operates at just about the right pressure to give the optimum degree of control.

The Bad

At this stage, I’m struggling to find too many negative things to say about the Screwdriver Mk II, but there are a couple of minor things I have noticed.

The atomiser connection, whilst apparently well sealed is recessed below the rim of the battery shell as pictured. This does make it difficult to wipe off excess liquid should the cartomiser leak or flood, as there isn’t enough space to get a cotton bud in there.

Another minor irritation is the removable “snap on” switch protector cap, that is clipped into place over the button to prevent firing whilst in your pocket for example. The cap is very easy to remove and replace, in fact with a little practice it can be removed, the device used and then be replaced with one hand. My concern with the cap is that sooner or later I will misplace it as it isn’t attached to the device. Although the lanyard supplied in the more expensive kits will theoretically address this, the idea of the cap swinging around whilst using the device doesn’t appeal really.

Summary

All in all, the Screwdriver Mark II represents an opportunity to vape at slightly higher voltages than the Tornegova with similar use between charges and currently at a very competitive price.

I would have no hesitation recommending this PV to people at all.