IPV MINI 2 70W

Hello everybody! Today, I'll be reviewing the IPV Mini 2 70w box mod by Pioneer4you. The box was provided to me by my good friend Jonathan over at www.alluringvapors.com. Make sure you stop by, take a look around - his prices are competitive, and he has a wide selection of premium juice, the latest and greatest box mods, and plenty of other things. Let's get cracking

Features and Specs:

• 510 Threaded
• Loading resistance: 0.2 ohm - 3.0 ohm
• Output Voltage range: 3.6 V – 8.5 V
• Output Wattage range: 5.0 w – 70 w
• YiHi SX330V2C chip
• Floating top pin
• Visual operating system
• Low voltage protection
• Low resistance protection
• High input voltage warning
• Output short circuit protection
• Reverse battery protection
• Dimensions: 3-3/4"L x 1-9/16"W x 7/8"
• Utilizes one 18650 battery (removable and sold separately)

Okay, so. At this point in the game, the market is becoming saturated with box mods. You have your Sigelei 100, 100+, 150, mini versions, the IPV 2, 2S, mini, 3, 4,....I could go on and on. It's a safe bet to say that the community is gravitating towards these devices; forgoing the now seemingly ancient tubular mechanical mods in favor of sleek, chip powered, variable voltage/wattage devices. I'm going to just say it, I think this is a move in the right direction. With chip controlled devices, we're able to utilize a wider range of builds, chase clouds without getting into low ohms (not that their is anything against this, those devices/users will always have a place in this community) and offer a reasonable amount of safety (in comparison to mechanicals, at least.)

With that said, I've covered the Sigelei 150w, Cana DNA 30, have the iStick 30w coming up, and I found myself holding the Mini in my hand, vaping away, asking myself.....is this outdated already? I mean, I've got 150w of power right across the room, and various 30w devices...my answer is no. Devices like the IPV Mini 2, hell even any device under ~70w, will always have a place in the market. I know quite a few people who rarely exceed 50 watts, some even 20 - personally I hover between 70-120 myself, but it's all subjective. In my opinion, the IPV Mini 2 is a decent enough device; with it's limitations. Let's break it down now.

The first thing I thought of when I had this device in my hands was, "Huh...it's like the VTR, but smaller." Though the form and certainly function are considerably different, it has a certain heft to it like the VTR, before it inevitably became a ghost on the market. I, for one, was actually quite impressed. I compared it to the larger, decidedly bulkier Sigelei 150w, and it is considerably heavier, and feels a bit more...premium. This is largely due to the all aluminum construction and space saving in the Sigelei, but regardless, the heft definitely reinforced my opinion on the build quality. To some, it may be a touch heavy, but I think this is mitigated with the sleeker, smaller design. It can weigh down a bit, but it's small enough that as the day progresses, I tend to not notice.

The 510 threading is...decent, and that's being modest at best. I found it a bit of a chore to get atomizers to thread, and fear the threads may weaken, even cross thread, at some point. The diameter is equal to 510 devices, however it feels slightly narrow, requiring precision placement and threading in order to get your atomizer to catch. Speaking of the 510, the floating top pin is a bit finnicky...some atomizers thread flush, but still require a few more turns to get nice and snug. I think that this could eventually lead to a mishap, potentially damaging the floating pin. I, personally, recommend that you try and avoid swapping atomizers consistently - not because it can't handle it, but due to the wear I can envision down the line. I myself paired it with a Mutation v2, and their it will stay...not everybody can do that, but I personally do.

The LED screen is functional, as expected, featuring the simplistic affair we've come to expect from the IPV series. It displays the resistance of your atomizer, your wattage, the voltage, and your battery level. If you have a short, or you've built to low, it'll flash check atomizer. Simple, functional, nothing more to it really.

The buttons on the device are rock solid...Responsive, tactile, and delightfully clicky. I used this mod extensively for three days, and have yet to have an auto fire, or any unresponsiveness.  The power button is larger enough to compliment the slim profile, allowing you to always access it with a firm press. One thing I noticed is that the buttons to adjust the wattage up and down are extremely close to each other, so if you're trying to adjust the wattage with your thumb, you may have to take a closer look - the second nature you're accustomed to may fool you, and you just may raise/lower the power in error.

The innards of the device are perhaps my biggest gripe with the device. Their is little in the way of protection - perhaps I am used to the insulation on the Sigelei, or even the Cana, but this has everything exposed - the chip, all the wiring, everything. Upon further inspection, everything seems to be soldered and glued properly, but one wrong move with a leaky atomizer and you run a huge chance of frying the device. Thankfully, you rarely, if ever, have to access the inside of the device - instead of removing the back plate to install your battery, the IPV 2 Mini has a small aluminum switch that is removable, similar to a mechanical mod. It's a catch 22 (I'll get to it briefly) because on one hand, you don't have to deal with the awkward screws (not to mention on tool is included...seriously Pioneer, let's get with the program. MAGNETS.)

If you can get the damn thing in there. The battery housing is a touch narrow, so most batteries do not "fall into place" and require a gentle nudge to get in. I could definitely live with that, if it weren't for the horrible threading on the cap. The threads are small, and not well machined, making it difficult to screw on. The switch requires precision accuracy, and don't be surprised if you're fumbling with it, trying to get it into place. Due to this, I've got to say, I would've really preferred a battery door, because this cap will cross thread very, very easily if you are not careful. Outside of the somewhat sloppy inner components, this is by and large the biggest fault I can give the device. 

The device can be charged via USB, which largely eliminates a lot of the problems I've mentioned. Simply marrying a battery to the device and charging via USB seems the smartest choice, but it does come with a few limitations, one being that it charges a bit slower. I'd also like to point out that you technically can use it as a pass through, Pioneer4You recommends against it, as it can damage the chip. You also never, ever want to leave it unattended on the charger after complete, as it can catastrophically damage the device and battery.

The battery life is what you'd expect out of a single 18650 - if you're running this at full power and vape consistently, expect to go through two batteries a day. If you're comfortable around 20-40w, one battery should last most, if not a whole day. With my subtank at 1.2 ohm, I vape pretty heavily throughout an entire 8 hour shift at 23w, and it was a little less than halfway when I got home. Dual batteries in, but people like me will never forget the single 18650 devices - especially at those crucial moments when I'm charging two batteries!

At this point, you're probably asking yourself if it's worth it. While you can find similar devices offering higher wattage for pennies more, let me tell you, I think it's a decent backup box mod to have around. At around 69.99, it's a great device to have on hand as a backup. I personally have a charged battery in it at all times, in case my Sigelei dies on me. It also doubles as a great device to have in the car, in case I forget my main carry for the day. 70 watts is an ample amount of power, even for the most serious cloud chaser. I was skeptical as I have fallen in love with 120w+, but with a nice twisted build sitting at 0.5 ohms, full power, I get a warm, dense, flavorful vape. I was actually a bit surprised, and could potentially rely on this as an every day device.

With all that said, it is what you'd expect from a sub 70 dollar device. You aren't going to get the latest and greatest chip, updates, precision machining etc, but rest assured that if you can ignore the quirks and some stupid design choices, the IPV Mini 2 remains a reasonably solid device. It boasts a tried and true chip, USB charger, the ability to fire down to 0.2, a very sleek profile, a solid amount of power, decent battery life, and remains affordable. If you're looking to stay under 100 but want to get past 30, even 50, I'd definitely recommend picking up the device. If all else, it doubles as a solid backup.

Mutation V3

This will be brief, because Indulgence did not make any astromical changes, and you can get most of the information from my review on the v2.

The Mutation v3 is the latest iteration of the ultra popular Mutation RDA, and thankfully, the concerns voiced over the v3 were addressed, notably with phillips head screws. The v2 featured these odd triangle screws, which stripped, (and so did the cheap tool provided), not to mention making the device extremely hard to build on. The biggest (and most welcomed) changed is the old faithful phillips head screws. Now, building on the device is easier than ever.

Let's get some quick specifications.

Features:

• HUGE Adjustable Airflow - 18 holes!
• New insulator (rated to 280 degrees C)
• Dual negative poles - built into base
• Central positive post block
• Heat sink top cap
• Large Juice Well
• Silver coated contact pin
• 22mm Diameter
• Wide-bore Drip Tip
• Single-airflow option

Essentially, it is the same dripper, with phillips head screws, a higher rated insulator, and a removable adapter than can accomdate standard sized drip tips. I personally didn't think this was an issue until I used a a regular sized drip tip. The larger bore may have chucked an ample amount of clouds, but offered very little in the way of flavor. I was blown away by just how good the flavor out of this thing is - the air holes have been slightly altered, angled, in order to create a vortex of vapor. This swirling of vapor and air creates sizable clouds and ridiculous amounts of vapor.

To be brief, the v3 is built incredibly well. The top cap sits perfectly on the base, which sports one of the easiest to build on decks. Instead of three posts, the V3 features dual negative poles, and a positive block. This allows much more access, not to mention it's easier to clip leads, and get those rockin and rollin sexy center builds without any frustration. The negative posts are milled and rigid, with the positive block sitting comfortably, not budging an inch. The post holes are slightly larger than the v2, which makes lower gauge wire builds a breeze. The one thing I liked about the v2 was the screws never backed out (until they got stripped), and surprisingly, these are some beefy phillips. Three days later and I have not had to adjust the screws once, and my build has remained perfectly seated still.

The V3 is by no means an innovation, more-so a much needed correction, but if you're a fan of the line, it's worth upgrading. If you can live with the awkward screws, you may not need it, but if yours are worn and stripped, or you're tired of wishing for more hands, pick this up. It is everything you love about the V2, with all that you wanted to begin with. If you're looking for some serious cloud chasing ability AND even better flavor, it's hard to deny the V3.   What more could you want?

Serious airflow? Check.

Kickass deck?  Check.

Deep juice well? Check.

Wide bore drip tip? Check.

510 drip tip compatible? Check.

Authentic AND affordable? You bet your ass.

At 24.99, it's a steal, remaining at the top of the list when it comes to affordable, reliable atomizers. Hell, for under a hundred bucks you can get the IPV2 and the v3...an absolute kickass combination, by the way.

Thanks for reading guys, hope you enjoyed. You can find everything listed and more over at www.alluringvapors.com. Jonathan carries a wide assortment of products and is a straight shooting, stand up guy. Thanks again for the opportunity, and thank YOU for reading!

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Stingray X

The Stingray X by Infinite is a bit of an old mod - despite being the latest revision of the stingray, it has aged considerably, perhaps surpassed by the latest and greatest currently on the market. I, for one, find it to be an oldie, but a goodie. At 43.99, it's one of the best deals you can get at MtBakerVapor. Let's get to the review!

SPECIFICATIONS 

• 1:1 clone
• 510 threading connection
• Copper body wrapped with stainless steel
• Copper top cap wrapped with stainless steel with floating pin and vent holes
• Bottom magnetic firing button, the locking ring is NOT reverse-threaded
• Silver plated copper battery contacts
• Comes with a hybrid adapter and a 510 drip tip
• Houses single 18650/18500/18350 battery (batteries sold separately)
• 22mm external diameter
• 18.5mm internal diameter

Packaging

This will be brief, as the Stingray X came packaged in a black box, with the infinite logo. Inside the package, was as follows

x1 Stainless Steep drip tip with copper accents
x1 Stingray X Mod
x1 Hybrid Adapter

I'd like to mention I got a "clone of a clone" last summer when this was the hottest mod on the market, and that came with a stylish gift bag with two compartments. The packaging isn't elegant, it isn't lavish, but it works. Rest assured your mod will come safely packaged, containing all the necessary components to function properly.

Build Quality

The Stingray X is constructed out of copper with a stainless steel plating. With this, you get all the conductivity of copper, but with the durability and appeal of stainless. The particular model I received is black coated, which is extraordinarily sleek and attractive in my opinion. The black finish is well done, and after nearly two weeks of consistent use, I have yet to observe chipping or any other deterioration in the paint.

The threads on the device are a bit on the crunchy side, and I would say this is a your mileage may vary problem. Stingrays, while proven workhorses, are notorious for quite a few kinks. This particular model has a bit of crunchiness when sections of the tube are threaded in, as well as the hybrid adapter. The hybrid adapter does require a bit of force to remove, so personally I'd recommend diligent maintenance on your threads to prevent seizing.

The copper used is rather thin, and exceptionally delicate - by now, you should know copper rarely serves a drop, but it goes without saying - please try to avoid dropping this. My previous stingray x dented from a foot or so drop onto carpet. Not to say that this particular model will, but I am not taking the chances. When you're interchanging tubes, or removing the button etc, try to do so on a level surface, like a table, or workspace, to ensure you do not drop it.

The hybrid cap is a great addition, but use caution - if you use it improperly, serious damage to your battery and person can occur. Ensure that EVERY atomizers 510 protudes beyond the threads of the device - if it is flush with the cap, or recessed, you will create a hard short. It is dangerous. Be warned. When used safely, hybrid caps are amazing. Direct to battery contact allows for near zero voltage drop ensuring optimal performance. The top cap, however, is just as good - featuring silver plated copper contacts. It is floating.

One of the best things about the stingray X is that the button was remarkably decent, and after a few weeks of super-sub ohm builds, the magnets still hold up fairly well. It can get a bit crunchy, and it is a little temperamental, but it is the nicest stingray button I've personally used (as far as clones go.) The throw can be adjusted short or long, it will usually fire regardless of finger placement, and it does not get stuck. I have always wanted to see heavy duty springs in the stingray, but unfortunately, magnets will have to do. Button assembly is simple and painless, and if you've used one stingray, you should know the ropes by now. Another plus is, of course, the stainless plated copper contacts. This thing is all around very conductive, and built well enough for daily use.

Performance

By now, you're probably wondering how does it perform. Well, I'm happy to say that it is a true workhorse, and a reasonable powerhouse. The benefit of a copper mod is ultra-conductivity, low voltage drop, and overall better performance than other materials on the market. Thankfully, with the X, you get the benefit of copper, and the added protection of stainless - the plating really sells the device, geared towards people who WANT the advantage of copper WITHOUT having a solid copper mod.

It hits like a freaking train. I know the expression is a tiresome one in the community (seriously, most mods will hit like a train given the right circumstances/quality of machining and material) but with the hybrid cap, copper contacts, and copper construction, it's hard to argue that this thing performs very, very well. It is my go-to device when I'm looking to super-sub ohm and chase clouds, but due to it's extraordinarily short profile, it is also the perfect stealth setup - in 18350 mode, it is barely taller than an 18650. Paired with an exceptionally small atomizer (the derringer anybody?!), you've got a killer combo that is ultra portable, ultra conductive, and wonderfully stealthy.


VERDICT

If you're in the market for a well made, conductive, all around great performing mod, you can't go wrong with the Stingray X. As long as you keep up routine maintenance, keep your threads and contacts clean, it should last quite a long time. It's a cloud machine, a work horse, a stealth setup, and all around a device that should be in any collection. I personally believe it to be the best clone MtBakerVapor currently stocks, and if you'd like to see more options in the future, pick it up today !

Sigelei 150w

Today, I'll be reviewing the Sigelei 150w box mod. This thing is an absolute monster of a device, that just so happens to be affordable - at 99.99, you'd be hard pressed finding a similarily powerful device at that price point. You can pick yours up at www.alluringvapors.com for 99.99

If you haven't caught on, the wattage/box race is on - it is almost on a weekly basis that we see a new 20w, 30w, 50w, 100w+ device hitting the market. Clearly, the community is moving quickly in this direction - we need power, we need variability, and we need it now. Capitalizing on the success of the revisioned Sigelei (the 100w+), Sigelei brings something not exactly new, but better, to the table - the Sigelei 150w box mod. Notable improvements over the 100w+ are as follows

• 150w limit
• Bottom vent is now slotted
• No waves!
• Larger button
• Fires to 0.1 ohm

Let's hit the manafacturers description

• Variable Wattage Operating Range: 10.0W – 150.0W
• Lowest Atomizer Resistance:0.1Ω
• Battery Voltage Operating Range: 6.4V – 8.4V
• Uses 2 x 18650 Batteries (Not Included)
• Size: 103mm x 23mm x 57mm
• Visual Operating System
• Low Voltage Protection
• Low Resistance Protection
• High Voltage Warning
• Short Circuit Protection
• Reverse Polarity Protection
• High Temperaturhole Warning
• Use Replaceable Battery

Sounds great, doesn't it? Let's get down to the review!

- Build Quality

The Sigelei 150w is built like a tank, and aptly so - it is only fitting that such a powerful device is durably built. To get started, the box itself features a very, very nice shape - the corners are completely rounded, and the box itself is not as large as you'd think - more or less the same size as the 100w+, it's large enough to contain the internals, but compact enough to fit comfortably in the hand. The aluminum model feels very sturdy, and the finish is a nice matte black. If you're one of those people who struggle to use phones with larger screens, you may want to try for a smaller device - however I quickly got used to it. Asthetically, I find it much more appealing than the 100w+  - it is well rounded, precisely well machined, ergonomic, all black, and ditched those damn waves.

The 510 connection is identical to the 100w+ - spring loaded. This is a god-send, and to those of you who own the 100w+, you'll be right at home. If you're coming from the original 100w device, you're in for a treat - you no longer have to fiddle with the adjustable/removable 510 pins. Some have reported that the spring wiggles, however my research shows that this relatively uncommon - the 510 in my device is sturdy and does not wiggle. The great thing in my opinion about spring loaded 510 connectors is that if you know your way around a box mod, if ever you run into positioning trouble, they're fairly easy to remove and reset. Nearly every atomizer I threw at this thing sat flush, with the exception of the Magma. The Magma is notorious for an absurdly long 510 pin, so when mounted flush, the occasional bump or removable of the atomizer can cause a fluctuation in ohms. This can be rectified by removing the atomizer, and screwing down until it is snug - over-tightening leads to the fluctuation, and will wear out your spring loaded 510.

The buttons on the device are similar to the 100w+, however they're slightly easier to press - the firing button is a bit more flush with the device, and has yet to stick, a problem I've encountered with previous models. The buttons used to ajdust the wattage are both very tactile and clicky - they definitely seem like they will hold up. To power the device on and off, you simply click the power button five times. To lock the device, hold the "+" and "-" button, and repeat to unlock. Simple and effective. I like that the buttons are so responsive, they are a slight improvement on previous models.

Internally, it is nearly identical to the 100w + - you have your dual battery sled, your ribbon, your vent holes, and your chip. The back plate is held on by four magnets, and I've got to say - they're incredibly strong. Often I wake up and in a daze accidentally install the door backwards, and this can definitely snap a magnet - fortunately so, I have yet to have this problem, which leads me to believe that they're quality magnets. The battery sled itself is held securely into the device, and the contact pins are springy, making installing and removing batteries quick, and less of a wear on the device. The solder and wiring are completely hidden by the battery sled and plastic housing, which is great - the 510 is also directly over the sled, and not the chip. This gives me a little more comfort knowing a potentially leaky atomizer won't destroy the electronics as easily as it can in other devices - though you definitely want to avoid this at any opportunity.

The chip was originally rumored to be an in-house model, but it was revealed that it is in fact the SX YiHi chip. As you may know, it is a buck down chip - Instead of boosting power, (potentially) lying and improperly regulating, the chip regulates voltage from 6.4-8.4v  to your setting - essentially, it is far more efficient than regulating voltage from 3.2 up to whatever it is set. The device runs incredibly cool, even at the lowest firing range - 0.1 ohms. I personally don't miss the days of warm, metal tubes.

The LCD screen is identical to previous models - not much to write about. You have your battery graph, your ohms, your voltage, and your wattage. Pretty simple. All in all, this is a very, very well built device, fine tuning on the improvements the 100w made, but not completely changing the game. So... how does it vape?

- Performance

The 150w is quite possibly one of the most flexible mods on the market.

Looking to jump into vaping? You the type who likes to go big or go home, purchasing higher end equipment to avoid the hassle?  It'll fire you clearomizers (with 510 threading) starting at 10w - you may want to find a suitable coil, but it's possible.

Just upgraded to one of the better clearomizers, the nautilus mini? The nautilus? It'll fire those comfortably at 12w - 18w, providing surprisingly dense, flavorful vape.

It'll fire your RDA, RBA, RTA with unbelievable flexibility . 

You want a hot vape? Build around 0.1-0.3, crank up the wattage. You want a cool, cloud chasing vape? Utilize surface area, building around 0.6-1.1 ohms, and dial down your wattage. You want to utilize battery life? Build around 0.8 - 1.3 ohms, and dial down the wattage. Want to utilize some ridiculous surface area? Build high wrap quad coils, crank up the voltage. Want cool vapor from a twisted build? Try a high surface area wrap. Let's get down to a few builds I tried...

Mutation x V2 
Dual coil, 24g, 6 wraps, 0.3 ohms at 70w - flavorful, dense, and cool. Comfortable hit 130w.

Mephisto
Dual coil, 24g twisted, 5 wraps - 0.1 ohms, at 80w it's relatively cool and cloudy, but at 150w it's very warm, very tasty, and ridiculously cloudy.

Doge RDA
Single coil, clapton 24g inner 26g outer, 6 wrap, 0.5 ohms - at 60w, this is an all day vape. Warm but not hot, unbelievable flavorful, and clouds as far as the eye can see.

With so much power, it all boils down to utilizing the potential of any particular build. At the approriate wattage, any coil can sing - you can literally get the exact vape you want, and how you want. This is my defacto all day device - it goes with me to work, when I go out, and everywhere in between. Oh, and did I mention the battery life is stupidly amazing? On two freshly charged batteries, I can get about a day and a half of use at 50 watts. Insane. Definitely something I wasn't used to. While I am speaking of batteries, I forgot to mention it is important to marry a pair of 18650s - 25a+ only, preferable new, never used. These two batteries will go with this device, and this device only, to ensure that the amperage and overall life of the battery deplete evenly. I personally purchased two Samsung 25rs, labelled them 1 and 2, and assigned #1 to the left slot, and #2 to the right. This is paramount, as I initially used two pretty old VTC4s and let me tell you, I couldn't get more than 6 hours out of the device.

VERDICT

TLDR: Buy it. Outside of an extra 50 watts, it isn't a drastic change from the 100w. The build quality is better, the shape is sleeker, and the buttons are better, but the overall design is similar. For an additional 10 dollars, you get an extra 50 watts, and an (imo) sleeker looking device. Honestly, it is one of the most affordable variable wattage box mods on the market, built to last, and backed by a six month manafacturer warranty. It is flexible, it is sleek, and it out performs nearly all of it's competition. What are you waiting for? Pop on over to www.alluringvapors.com and pick yours up today for just 99.99