RJ De Jesus – Wick’d – Modder Spotlight #1

Last year, I was thinking about doing a series of interviews with modders, companies, etc on Billet Box Info, but about the time that I was going to get started, Stuart from Billet Box Boutique had just started do a series of interviews. I partnered with Stuart and republished some of them on here. Well, that went by the wayside and I have been trying to get off my behind and do this. Well, here I am and we’re going to start out with RJ from Wick’d! So, without further ado, let’s start out with Modder Spotlight #1.

With the upcoming release of the Bridg’D2, I figured it would be a good time to hit up RJ De Jesus of Wick’d for a little interview!

Modder Spotlight #1 – RJ De Jesus – Wick’d

I have requested a chat with RJ De Jesus to talk about the upcoming Wick’d Bridg’d 2.0 that will be coming soon to a Boro near you. RJ is the man behind our favorite RBA for the Billet Box and other devices! We chat all the time, but we couldn’t get together to sync up on a video interview, so we’re gonna do this old school.

Chris: Good Afternoon RJ! Thanks for allowing me to interview you about the upcoming release of the Bridg’d 2.0. For those who don’t know RJ. Can you tell me more about you and how Wick’d come to be?

RJ: First of all, thank you Chris for the opportunity to be featured in Billet Box Info. So to begin with my name is RJ, been a modder for 9 years. Me and Mark Farraj started WICK’D around Q4 of 2018 and released the Wick’D RDA and then Ros has joined the core team and yeah it was a fun ride since then.

Chris: Tell us a little about your team? Ros, Mark, and the rest of the guys?

RJ: Mark and I have been friends for a while now, he’s a great person and friend to me. Ros is a great friend to me. Mark/Jaime and Ros handle the internal affairs, assist with the back end of things, and crucial decision making. Sangwoo facilitates limited-edition drops and quarterly merchandise releases. J.T., Adrien, Jonathan, and Vincent are brand ambassadors, handles external affairs, and also help with distribution. All are very important to me and play a crucial role in Wick’D.

Chris: OK. How did you come up with the Panda branding?

RJ: To be honest, the WICK’D panda was just an old doodle I did back in 2018. It doesn’t really have a meaning but I was heavily influenced by the Art toy scene. From the OG panda, NFG up to the Pandaboi, it’s fun to watch his evolution.

Chris: Ok, now it’s time to get to the good stuff. When you guys released the Link’d, it was said that the Bridg’d was done. No more to be made. What changed? I know I kind of let you know that the demand was still there. I get dozens of new Billet Box users ask me where to find one and sadly, I have to tell them, check the B/S/T groups and hope to get lucky. I am glad you have decided to come out with a new version. What changed your mind RJ?

RJ: To be honest, we were actually ready to divert our attention and resources from Boro market to 510 atomizers but you, among the other Pandas who were asking for another release is one of the main factor why we decided to produce the Bridg’D2. We want to supply the demand and make the Wick’D community happy and satisfied.

Chris: Let’s talk about the Bridg’D2 now! Tell us about the Intergral Tip and why you went this route to help with MTL.

RJ: Wick’D is all about giving people choices in every product that we make. Having said that, we believe that providing 2 proprietary integral drip tips with different shapes and bore sizes will improve user experience so they can dial their preferred vapor intake.

Chris: What about the Chimney Section? You decided to go with a single chimney this time, is that because you are using the tip to control the size of the chamber?

RJ: While we are revisiting the Bridg’D design, we have asked the group about the MTL chimney and most of them are not using it as it only creates condensation as per the end-user who has tried it. However, even though we opt to include one 4mm chimney, it will still be removable from the chamber for easy installation.

Chris: What else is new with the Bridg’D2?

RJ: If you have used the older ones and enjoyed it, this new Bridg’D2 is an improved version. Chamber has a dome counter-bore for better air circulation and produces flavorful and dense vapor. Building posts have been reinforced to avoid the bending post issue. Maximum airflow is 4mm and the tightest is 1mm. 510 adapter is threaded on the base to give a consistent resistance reading. A little bit of aesthetic revamp mainly on the top of the chamber.

Chris: Can you explain the distribution with all the different engravings? How will people be able to purchase? Just the website?

RJ: We think that the engravings should be FFA, you choose which engraving you want to rock. The Pandaboi flipping the bird will be the standard engraving on the other side.

Chris: What will be the price point of the Bridg’D2?

RJ: RRP will be set around 180usd (+/-)

Chris: And when can we expect to see these making it into people’s hands?

RJ: After the Pre-order, we are expecting around 45 working days turn around time.

Chris: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me RJ. I am so glad you have decided to go with a V2. Anything else you want to share in closing?

RJ: Thank you Chris for having me, I am glad to have spoken to you, it’s been very fun. Yes, we are grateful to be featured on Billet Box info and appreciated the support.

The Bridg’D2 was revealed yesterday, but there will be a live stream today at 8PM CST.