I'm another long-time lurker piping up to say that I don't think anything catastrophic is going on - I just received my Ti Hopper on Monday and it's working flawlessly so far. I'm an early-December 2013 backer, and the stainless Hopper I ordered came as well, although the extra battery I ordered did not - I assume, as someone did above, that they're out of batteries but trying to ship orders anyway, but I haven't looked into it yet.
I'm not sure my detailed first impression would be useful, since I'll just echo what many have said before me: the construction is solid, the heat-up time really is ridiculously quick, and the vapor production is really powerful. I've used it heavily over the past couple days and been impressed by every aspect. It does get pretty hot, to be fair, but it's a non-issue with the silicone tip and you could get away without it if you weren't taking crazy draws.
I was getting really frustrated by the 2-year wait time, but this thread and the various video reviews made me keep my faith, and all my frustration has gone away with the device in my hand. I say you should believe the hype and not do anything drastic!
Hey there "SmallMcCartney"...I can't help but be suspect of you, your account, and you're unfounded positivity. You waited 2 years... lurking here possibly the entire time, and you NEVER felt like chiming in about your wait?
In my experience, us backers have always referred to our EXACT backing dates, as sort of a badge of pride. I've never once said "I'm an 'early December' backer." I always say "I'm a Dec 11 backer." "Early December" is the language that we've seen repeatedly in emails from GHL to backers asking why there's been yet ANOTHER delay without rational explanation.
Of course we're not "owed" an explanation, but I'm sure I speak for others as well when I kindly request GHL to stop just saying PayPal-friendly words already! We've had enough of that!
Ok, with all that being said, how in the HELL did THIS thread help you "keep the faith?" THIS thread is the place where people go to bitch about their hoppers' issues and the lack of competency in the business aspect of this situation. You obviously couldn't have been THAT frustrated with the wait, since this is your very first post here ever. How did all the complaints console you so much to the point that that you finally feel the need to chime in just ONE day after receiving your hopper? Shouldn't you be away from this thread since your hopper works "flawlessly?"
Of course your scenario is a literal possibility, but I'm just not sold on the plausibility. Not that you are required to sell me on it...but this stinks, badly. I'm very suspect of you.
Your post is the exact kind of post that a small boutique business owner might make anonymously as an attempt at damage control to calm the masses. There's likely an onslaught of refund requests happening now.
For goodness sake, your post was even made at the exact time that the updates usually go live! (just a day later)
So, Trevor, Matt, Caroline...whoever this is: what's really going on? Seriously.
My guess is y'all are waiting on ANOTHER batch of batteries (and likely outsourced parts) but you are not being forthcoming with that, since it's already been reported that ALL parts are in stock. Who in their right mind will preorder something knowing full well the parts aren't even in stock to make it?
For the record I also still think GHL is only getting a handful of heaters made at a time.
PayPal policy has been broken, and some shady shit is going down to try and skirt the grey areas of that.
I really, REALLY hope I'm wrong.