History of the Turbo Keychain
Model: KCT-11
Units Produced: Less than 200
Availability Date: July 2008 - November 2008
This is the first generation non-spinning turbo keychain. Available in Chrome. Initial production run of 20 available in the USA sold for $24.95. The second production run of approximately 150 sold for $19.95, then lowered to $14.95. These are no longer in production.
Model: KCT-11R
Units Produced: Less than 50
Availability Date: July 2008 - October 2008
This is the first prototype spinning turbo keychain essentially a modified by hand KCT-11 which had many variations from keychain to keychain. Very time consuming process which took about 1 - 1.5hrs to modify per unit. Initially available for $27.95. The impellers on these units were heavy and spun on a thin paperclip. Some units were noted as the all-time best spinning and sounding turbo keychains ever sold to date. Unfortunately they were impractable for production.
Model: KCT-11RS
Units Produced: 4,500
Availability Date: Dec 2008 - March 2010
Major redesigns and retooling of the factory were made to allow the turbo keychains to spin without modifications. The first 200 production spinning turbo keychains were available for $14.95. The color changed from Chrome to brushed black. Out of the initial batch assembled in China, the first 50 were given away to turbo performance shops as gifts. The rest quickly sold and were out of inventory by Janurary. The next batch of about 500 was available late January of 2009 and noticed QA needed to be addressed, so most of the keychains were disassembled and reassembled. From ~March 2009 until today batches are assembled in USA with added improvements. May 2009 there was a slight design change to the backplate and different screws supplied from manufacturing that caused a rather painful change in assembly procedures. In late August after many weeks of research/trials we have finally settled on a new procedure which USA assembled models include a better fitting screw and thrust washer (Mega Spin). Also available as "unassembled" with a slight discount for the RC model enthusiasts that enjoy further mods. These are no longer in production and have been replaced with the newer KCT-11RS2 design.
Model: KCT-11RS2
Units Produced: 2,600+
Availability Date: Oct 2010 - Today
This is the latest model of the KCT-11RS line. Major redesigns to the model includes: One piece backplate (eliminates the single microscrew which holds the chain), much stronger chain, backplate bolted into the housing in five places(instead of glue), all new sleeve bearing shaft the newly designed impeller rotates and held in place with a C-Clip.
Model: KCT-11BB
Units Produced: 1,750
Availability Date: March 2010 - Nov. 2010
Extensive internal redesign. Initial price $17.95 due to cost of high grade expensive materials, but very well worth it. Includes integrated twin shield chrome steel ball bearing rated for up to 72,000 rpms. Six month warranty free from defects on all full priced units. The spec cards actually have real meaning, each keychain RPMs is now recorded. Bearings have been run-tested at 35,000 RPMs, no break-in required.
Model: KCT-11BB2
Units Produced: 1500
Availability Date: Nov. 2010 - Today
Major design changes to increase durability and USA assembly efficiency:
- Single piece backplate (eliminates microscrew)
- Backplate bolted to housing (instead of glue)
- Louder spooling sound (redesigned impeller)
- Balanced impeller (redesigned impeller)
- Stronger chain (double ring design)
- Faster spin (55,000-75,000 RPMs)
- Increased Anti-Surge ports
- Weight reduction
- Chrome color
Model: KCT-11P
Units Produced: 500+
Availability Date: August 2009 - Dec 2010
These are the KCT-11RS designs, however assembled in China without the upgraded components. Typically these are handed out at trade shows and club events at no charge. Replica units started surfacing on various auction sites. These are no longer in production and have been replaced with the KCT-11RS2 design.
Model: KCT-11LE
Units Produced: 100
Units Shipped: 19
Price: $29.95
Availability Date: Dec. 2010 - until sold out
Limited Edition and assembled in USA with all KCT-11BB2 improvements + integrated high-speed ceramic ball bearing, in gold color (With the exception of # 28 customized in Chrome with S/N of DSM FP T-28, and #35 in Chrome with S/N of GT35R). Fully tested and certified to spin 55,000-105,000 RPMs. Each has it's own unique serial number and compressor spec card which will be registered to the purchasing owner. For sale on "as available" basis starting December 2010.
Model: GE-S1
Units Produced: 262
Price: $24.99
Availability Date: Oct. 2011 - Today
New high end addition to the Turbo Keychain portfolio that includes both compressor & hot side housings, chrome steel twin shield ball bearing that interconnects the impeller and turbine so both spin in unison.
Model: GE-S1 Hi-Flo
Units Produced: 0
Availability Date: Estimated Jan. 2012
GE-S1 with the addition of bored out ports and trimmed impellers/turbines to allow greater airflow. May include ceramic bearings upon request.
Model: GE-S1 Race
Units Produced: 1
Availability Date: Estimated Mar. 2012
GE-S1 with Hi-Flo modifications and CNC machined impellers/turbines for ultimate realism. Custom impellers & high efficiency turbines in 90,65, or 54 degree pitch and 6,8,9 or 10 blade options. May include ceramic bearings upon request.
