Showing posts with label ejuice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ejuice. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Subtank Mini

Hey everybody, if you've been eyeballing the SubTank Mini lately, let me be the first to tell you....pick it up. It's definitely a welcomed improvement over the original, bulkier model, and a great way to stay vaping on the go.


Let's break it down with some specifications, what's in the box, that sort of thing.

Features:
  • Dimensions: 2-1/8"L x 7/8"D(without drip tip)
  • 22mm Diameter
  • RBA Coil with PEEK Insulator
  • Glass Tank
  • Base hardware: 304 stainless steel
  • New adjustable airflow control for superior airflow
  • Mini RBA Base allows you to build your own coils
  • 510 Drip tip compatible
This Tank Includes:
  • 1 x Mini SUBTANK
  • 1 x OCC: 0.5 Sub Ohm / Range 15 - 30 W
  • 1 x OCC: 1.2 Ohm / Range 12 - 25 W
  • 1 x RBA Coil (Organic Cotton made in Japan) 
  • 1 x Three Piece RBA Unit
  • 3 x Replacement O-rings
  • 1 x Screw Driver
  • 2 X Screws
  • 1 x Manual
  • 1 x Glass Replacement Tank 

So, as you can deduce, Kanger managed to weave the RBA section into the sub-ohm capable clearomizer design once again, in a smaller, far more functional, package. Let's go over everything now!



Packaging

While I do not have a lot to say here, I would like to start by saying the Subtank Mini is packaged incredibly well. The box is very nice and heavy, with the tank itself resting within a plush liner. Underneath the plush liner you will find the included RBA base, the extra coil, tools, and spare cotton.

It is one of the nicer packagings I've seen, and while not exactly important, it feels necessary to let it be known that it is offered as a premium device, and it certainly feels so.

Build Quality

The Subtank Mini is built almost as well as it performs! The tank itself, despite being 'mini', feels quite hefty. I'd like to say it's full stainless this time, but I've yet to take a dremel to the device, however I am almost positive it is, as it is far heavier than brass. 

The tank itself resembles the original, with the red o-rings remaining clearly visible. Right off the bat, however, are a few noticeable differences

  • One, the tank no longer has screws on top, as the RBA section now threads into the base, exactly as the coil does. A HUGE plus, as switching between the coil and RBA deck on the original was a gigantic pain in the ass.
  • Instead of three holes, the Subtank Mini now boasts a cyclops style airflow. It is not a substantial increase in airflow, but it is marginally airier, which is a plus in my book.
  • The drip tip is slightly wider, with a smaller profile.
  • The device is now 22mm, allowing it to sit flush on a wide variety of devices.
  • The coil insulators are now able to withstand a higher temperature, as the originals were prone to melting when dry fired for mere seconds, or during daily use.
  • The RBA section is much, much better this time around. It features two screws, and the top cap is knurled, allowing it to easily thread off the device. The deck is noticeably wider, and lacks the flimsy feeling of the original.

Suffice to say, these are extremely well welcomed improvements. I'm a huge fan of the RBA section, which I'll get to now...

Performance

The Subtank Mini performs just as well as the original, with the bonus of a now completely functional RBA deck.

In the clearomizer setting, with the 0.5ohm coils, expect to sit at around 22 watts. It's a very enjoyable experience, with moderate sized clouds, and exceptionally well pronounced flavor, thanks to the organic cotton coils. When paired with a 30w device, it is one of my go-to setups. In fact, the Subtank Mini and iStick 30w never leave my car! I'm able to vape comfortably on the road, with the flavor I expect from a dripper, and a similar experience in vapor production - though obviously less pronounced.

I personally prefer the 1.2ohm coils, because for some reason, they seem to be able to take a bit more power. I can get them upwards to 28.5w before I start getting dry hits, however, with 60/40 juice, it's a wonderful combination of flavor and far superior vapor production compared to the 0.5ohm option.

My favorite thing about the mini, however, is the RBA deck. It is now completely functional, with a far better design. With the position of the screws and the coil in relation to the deck, building is easier, and dry hits are a thing of the past. It is no longer a chore to wick the device, and I've got it upwards to 50w with lower-ohm builds. It does have a bit of trouble keeping up with 100% VG juice, but than again, most RTA's on the market do. With a few primer puffs, however, I'm able to get quite a few hits off it at a higher wattage before I get a dry hit.

I'm a huge, huge fan of the revision of the RBA section, as it now far easier to not only install it, but to actually get into the deck. The original was quite flimsy and cheap, and mine actually separated from the base - no device will read the RBA portion now, a common problem. I've also heard of it cross threading, something I no longer have to worry about, because the new and improved deck features a knurled top cap that is removed from the actual deck, allowing the outer cap to be removed. The threads are buttery smooth, and it no longer feels like a cheap piece of metal.

The overall experience is a welcome addition to the growing line of sub-ohm capable clearomizers, and I've got to say, it is one of the finest Kanger offerings yet.



Overall, the subtank mini  greatly capitalizes on the original, becoming more than the sum of it's parts, and honestly a refined version that should have been the original. It's relatively affordable at only 32.99, and in my opinion, should be in everyone's arsenal. Get yours today at www.mtbakervapor.com using coupon code VAPOCALYPTIC for 10% off.

MtBaker E-Juice Review

3MG
100% VG
Flavor: Guabanan Berry is an infusion of guava, bananas, and berries. This decidedly fruity offering is sure to entice those who prefer sweeter tasting juice, and much to my approval, it is definitively so. The flavors, while not inherently complex on their own, blend together well, forming a fruity, sweet, tasty infusion of tropical goodness. It’s a very light juice, with no particular flavor taking precedence – I detect equal parts banana, berry, and guava, with a slight emphasis on the tangy, crisp guava notes. All things considered, it is a delightfully light, flavorful vape, sure to appease those looking for a tasty tropical sensation.
Rating: 5/5, a great mix of classic staples. Easy on coils as well, this juice is clear.

3MG
100% VG

Flavor: This flavor is a bit of complex creation – out of the mail, I cannot sugarcoat it – it is not a very good juice. The mix is rather intricate, and definitely has to steep in order to flesh out the individual flavor notes. So, what did I do? I shelved it for a good two weeks, with ultra-sonic bathes here and there, til the bottle permeated with the familiar scent of delicious coffee cake. After giving it an ample amount of time to steep, I’ve got to say… I devoured this bottle. The coffee note is very, very subtle; in fact, the juice tastes more along the lines of the top layer of the cake. Crispy cinnamon with hints of brown sugar and creamy cake batter. For you dessert junkies out there, you can’t pass on this juice. Heed the warnings and steep it because it was not pleasant straight out of the box. Definitely a juice I plan on revisiting in the future.
Rating: 4/5. A tasty treat for dessert junkies, however, it does require a relatively long amount of time to age to its desired perfection.

3MG
100% VG

Flavor: A bold emission, removing the mint from the staple 'Thug Juice', this reincarnation aptly named Hug Juice is twist - berry and watermelon, sans menthol. I personally was never a fan of Thug Juice, so I was a bit excited to get my hands on this. Unfortunately, however, the mix somewhat faltered...perhaps I got a bum brew, or the mint really rounds out the flavor complexity, but it suffered from the perfumey, artificial taste that has a tendency to plague some liquids. I gave it an ample amount of time to steep, and sadly, it did not come to fruition, remaining bitter sweet, and artificial. I would like to note, however, a friend purchased the juice prior to this review, and I was able to try it. It tasted a bit better than the mix I received, with a crisp berry taste, and a feint watermelon note on the exhale.
Rating2/5. It seems to be hit or miss, but I know the liquid has the potential to be at least vapeable, if not enjoyable to some.

3MG
100% VG

Flavor: Constable hit this one out of the park, I'll say that much. CCC, as I'd like to call it, blends sweet sugar cookies with a hint of cream and coconut into a wonderfully enticing liquid. I'm a big dessert junkie, so I had a hunch this would be the best of the bunch ha-ha-ha. In all seriousness, however, I was right - this was definitely my favorite mixture. With just the right blend of coconut and sugar cookie, this juice was a win across all fronts in my book. It's light yet flavorful, crisp yet with a right amount of depth. The inhale is were the sugar cookie notes shine, with the exhale permeating coconut and a hint of sweet cream. It's another, if I could, I'd drink it type of juice.
Rating: 5/5, a sure fire way to appease you dessert junkies!

3MG
100% VG

Flavor: The ever famous Hawk Sauce went through a re-invigoration itself, if you will, similar to what we saw with Hug Juice. Thawed Sauce is a re-imagining of sorts, omitting the menthol from the uber popular berry tart liquid. To be honest, I'm a fan. The menthol really made the juice what it was, but surprisingly, it's omission still leaves behind a solid, enjoyable liquid. It's everything you'd expect from a bottle of Hawk, minus the menthol - tart and succulent, flavorful berry tastes run rampant throughout the bottle, ensuring a pleasant experience all around. It's fairly light, good to go out of the mail box, and won't wreck your coils. If you're on the market for a somewhat sour, semi-sweet berry vape, look no further than Thawed Sauce.
Rating4/5, a decidedly solid berry vape for all you fruit fans out there.


3MG
100% VG

Flavor: RY4 blends are among the elite of the elite in the vape world, one of the few juices around since day one. This particular mixture is, to date, my absolute favorite offering. The extroadinarily robust, crisp tobacco taste blends exceptionally well with hints of vanilla and caramel, leading to an industry standard that can still stand the test of time. At this point in my tenure, I stay away from any and all tobacco liquids, as I am completely content leaving the taste, as well as the idea of tobacco, in the past. I however, cannot shy away from a bottle of Ruyan 4 by MtBakerVapor. It's just one damn fine juice, and for all those chasing that robust flavorful tobacco taste with just the right amount of something sweet, Ruyan 4 is sure to please everybody out there. Just an all around fantastic juice, even for people like me, who could sleep peacefully knowing RY4 of all kinds disappeared.
Rating4/5, a decidedly solid berry vape for all you fruit fans out there.

3MG
100% VG

Flavor: Before I start, I'd like to point out that I have yet to find a vapeable cherry juice. I'm not sure if the flavoring just does not transition well into a juice, or if we just lack a proper flavor, but this is not a juice I enjoyed. Out of the mail, it was bitter, harsh, and overly currant - not a fan, so I threw it in my ultrasonic over the course of two weeks, and tried again. After some time to steep, the mixture mellowed out, and I was able to taste the citrus blend, but the cherry was just overpowering in a very bad way. It tastes like a bitter cough syrup, and I was not able to enjoy it in any setup. For what it is worth, a co-worker enjoyed it, but to each their own.
Rating1/5. MtBaker are experimenting with new juices, so I won't hold it against them, but this just is not up to standard.

3MG
100% VG

Flavor: An infusion of berry and sweet candy in an attempt to capture the juicy goodness of taffy, I've got to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I personally don't care for candy vapes, or fruit for that matter - while I will never shy away from giving proper dues, I'm simply far more interested in the world of desserts...if you haven't got that yet. Wacky Taffy, however, is a delightful surprise, offering a very sweet, berry vape, that I could honestly use all day long. I noticed no soapiness, no perfume taste, nothing to complain about - it's just one groovy, simple juice. I'm a big fan, if you're looking for an awesomely sweet berry juice, pick up a bottle of Wacky Taffy, you won't be disappointed.
Rating: 5/5, a very nice surprise, one of the best juices I've had from MtBaker.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Goblin RTA

Finally, I have my hands on the Goblin




Is the Goblin taking the vape world by storm? Is it really everything it's cracked up to be?





With ridiculous air flow, four post design, ALL STAINLESS (!!) construction AND under 40 bucks, it is a definitive force to be reckoned with. It does have a few kinks, but at the present time, I am all but sure the v1.2 has rectified most of them. Let's break it down now.



With atomizers, it goes without saying that the quality of the atomizer in question is quintessential. If the manafacturer cut corners, you're going to to run into some difficulty. Posts can spin (or, in one case with a plume veil I had, NOT EVEN DRILLED OUT), screws can strip, decks short, etc, the list goes on and on. So, in the 24.99-34.99 price point, it's a safe bet to assume costs were invariably cut somewhere.

Well, either Youde is really, really good at keeping material and overhead down, or they just know what the community wants. After the animosity surrounding the ceramic wick in the atlantis, the chrome plated brass plume veil clones, and the chrome plated brass aspire mini, Youde listened to the community. Some put too much stock in the brass/stainless war, but I certainly want stainless steel, when available, at all times. It should be the standard, at this point. Copper and brass look fine on a mod, but I do not want any particulate matter in my lungs, and I'm sure nobody else does either.

So Youde decided to construct this bad mother out of solid stainless steel. The drip tip, deck, and chimney are 100% stainless, which is both durable, and SAFE. This is the kind of quality I've come to expect from higher priced authentic devices, and to see a 29.99 down RTA constructed out of stainless steel, is, well... a steal (don't groan, I know that was awful.)

Big plus, in my book. Now, just because it is constructed out of a preferable material, does that also mean the device boasts  similarly admirable usability? Yes, in fact, it does. Everything about the device is built solid. The deck is done exceptionally well, with rigid, straight posts. The screws are a bit finicky with larger wire, but we'll touch on that later. The deck itself is machined incredibly well, with some very unique juice channels. They run all the way down the base, ensuring a perfect vacuum is achievable. The included drip tip is a no frill approach, but has a wide enough bore. The 510 pin protrudes nicely, ensuring a snug fit on most devices, and even hybrid devices. The adjustable pin is solid copper, to boost conductivity.The included pyrex is reasonably thick, and fits like a glove when the tank itself is assembled. I do, however, have a few small complaints.

For one, the deck and chimney are on the small side. This makes builds larger than 2.5mm in a diameter a struggle, and to be perfectly honest, regular builds can be tricky as well. I find the key is getting your leads clipped as short as humanely possible, so that you can ensure the coils are as close to the block as possible. If they're even a touch backed out, when the equally small chimney is screwed down, the coils will touch the wall and short. I had a bit of difficulty adjusting to this, but it is rectified rather easily - 28g wires seems to be the consensus here, as you can get more wraps and maintain a smaller coil. This is something easily overlooked once you get more comfortable acclimating to the space constraints. I can know wedge in builds will relative ease, it just required a bit of a learning curve.

The second complaint is the screw hole on the bottom. This device is fed juice by way of a fill hole, which I have never been a fan of. The provided screw locks into place with ease, but for some reason, the device does occasionally leak - something I observed over the course of a few days. It could be the viscosity of higher VG juice, but for some reason, it does have a tendency to get a bit leaky.

Suffice to say, the Goblin is constructed well. Initially, the community was a bit nit-picky about the 3ml capacity, but Youde quickly introduced a larger tank and chimney, allowing the v1.2 to hold a surprisingly large amount of juice - 5ml, to be exact. Unlike the atlantis, you do not have to buy this extension separately - both the chimney and pyrex are included, which is a nice bonus.


So...let's break down the pros and cons so far.

PROS


  • Solid, full stainless steel construction
  • Ridiculous airflow (3mm, dual)
  • V1.2 includes an extension tube for higher capacity (5ml)
  • 22mm
  • Drip tip included

CONS

  • Deck is on the small side
  • Screws are hit or miss
  • Tends to leak from the fill hole (minimally, but noticeable.)
  • It can be hard to wick the device. I will share a video that was instrumental in getting this to perform to expectations, as the man explains it far better than I ever could.

So far....it's a very, very good start. The pros far outweigh the cons. Now, if you're wondering how it performs...


It's an absolute monster. 




The Goblin v1.2 is a lean, mean, asskicking RTA machine. Though the design may need refining ever so slightly, it's an absolute beast of a tank, giving the closet RDA experience, in RTA form. The dual 3mm airflow is just as big as the mephisto! It's larger than the sub tank, atlantis, lemo, billow, etc - it just puts the majority of the market to shame. With the right build, and wicking, you can get serious sub-ohm clouds, and flavor to boot.

I was, in all honesty, absolutely blown away by this device. Before I go on further, let me back peddle abit.

The Goblin has four channels, which need to be delicately taken care of, in order to ensure optimal performance. I could give you a run down, but I found a video that explains in the greatest of detail how to get this thing rocking and rolling, with absolutely NO dry hits. I struggled getting consistent hits, until I stumbled upon this. Do yourself a favor and give it a look - this man has it down to a science.





Okay...so, if you managed to sit through that incredibly long video, I applaud you, and hope you're well on your way to enjoying the device.

Once the build is perfected, their is absolutely no competition. The goblin can keep up with chain vaping, high VG juice, you name it. It seems that the science behind it is perfecting the wicking - and though it may be a continous process of frustrating trial and error, it is absolutely worth it. My experience with RTAs is minimal, but I can tell you that it gave me a far more enjoyable experience than the likes of the lemo, the billow, and the kayfun v4. It's on it's way to become an industry leader, and I see future revisions as the king of the RTA game.

Personally, I find it to be hands down, the best experience outside of an RDA. If you're looking to chase clouds and flavor, this does it all in stride. It is an absolute blessing, as I can now drive and work around the house without taking a pause to get a nice, dense, flavorful cloud.


It's a no brainer. Stop by www.mtbakervapor.com and use coupon code VAPOCALYPTIC and pick yours up today!

Monday, March 2, 2015

MBV Juice Review # 3

My campaign with MtBakerVapor is coming to a close, and I must say...it was a wonderful opportunity that both strengthened my ability as a writer, as well as giving me the opportunity to cultivate my opinions, and share information with the community, as a reviewer. I am forever grateful to Michael and Mikala, two of the best people I've had the pleasure of dealing with in this hobby. Let's get down to the review


3mg
100% VG
Verdict: Though relatively simplistic by design, Root Beer offers a traditional, albeit conservative, approach to the popular soft drink. The inhale is delightfully crisp, with the familiar taste of root beer and a tinge of sarsaparilla, with a sort of carbonated/"bubbly" taste following the inhale. It is sweet, but could do with some sweetener - out of the bottle, it was almost...a bit bland? It is not a bad juice, however, it is missing...something. It could do with a touch more sweetener, maybe even a very light vanilla back, rounding out the close-but-not-there crispy sweetness. For what it's worth, the crispness is evident when dripping - I recommend using this in a tank, or a higher ohm build, as it kicked like a mule on a 0.1 ohm twisted dual coil. It was almost a bit too much, a similar feeling to dripping mentholated juices. 
Rating- 3/5. It's not bad it's just missing something. This was the first bottle I ever purchased over 30ml (236ml, I believe) and I GUZZLED it. Times change, as do formulas and palletes. I'd wager an extra flavor or two will set this juice straight, propelling it as close as possible to the real deal.

3mg
100% VG
Verdict: The skeptic in me doubted this concoction, recklessly anticipating a trainwreck - I mean, pumpkin pie? Surely this is some sort of joke, I've yet to come across a flavor such as that, much less one that reasonable emulated the taste of the familiar treat. Fortunately enough, my doubt subsided the moment I first tried this juice - my god they've done it. Pumpkin Pie is a near perfect rendition of the classic fall treat, encapsulating the creamy, velvety texture, the oh-so delectable sweet taste of pumpkin, and even the whipped cream on top. I could use a wide variety of words to pad the review and eloquently break down the taste, but really, it's just sweet, creamy pumpkin pie. If you're a ran of the treat, you're doing yourself an injustice by not vaping this. It's everything you could want, and more, free of that silly artificial/perfume taste, as well as disappoint. It's always a nice change of pace when something you anticipate to do poorly becomes a new favorite.
Rating - 5/5. Dessert junkies, this is one juice you can't miss. Upon further inspection, it is listed as "almost gone" and may or may not be phased out of production. Get it while you can. Mikala, get me a 236ml. (Kidding...;])


3mg
100% VG
Verdict: Back in the days of Protank Mini 2s and the Ego-T, I gave this juice a shot. I was never a menthol smoker, nor did I envision myself at that point being a berry fanatic. After giving it a vape, I egregiously threw it out, chalking it up to "just what in the absolute hell is this?" Remember when I said palettes change? Well, let me tell you, I damn near drank this bottle (once again, I do not endorse doing this. Don't. Please. Can't afford those kind of repercussions, especially considering nobody iseven questioning if this is a paid review...hint...wink...hint..okay I'm done. Though you cannot drink it, I'd wager you'd feel as if you were, if you fancy it the way I did. The combination of various tropical berries and a smooth, refreshing blast of menthol is a hard combo to master, and even harder to perfect. Is it perfect? Well, no. Is it irrefutably delicious? I think so. The inhale is abundant with it's berry tastes, raspberry and I want to say blueberry, with the exhale being all menthol. It seems that the menthol has been scaled back, as I remember it being overwhelmingly strong. In a tank, it's still not my cup of tea. Out of the Mutation V3, it was gone before I knew it. Chances are, you've probably had it. If not, do yourself a favor, pick up a small bottle to try - menthol isn't for everybody, but this juice will be damned if it's denied!
Rating: 4/5 - previous inconsistencies hold this juice back, steep time may or may not be advisable, but when it's done right, it can't be beat.



3mg
100% VG
Verdict: Honestly, I don't even like Pink Lemonade. I found it deplorable as a child, more-so as an adult. Funny thing is, though, I totally love lemonade, so I half assumed this would be somewhat of enjoyable experience. For review purposes, it's mediocre at best. Subjectively, I can't tolerate it. To be blunt, it tastes like a glass of pink lemonade. Seriously. It's sour, it's tangy, and it's... pink. That is my main gripe with the juice. The lemonade is great, and has always been a favorite of mine from MBV, but whatever simulates the pink taste just does not sit right with me. It's as if the vape starts good, but abruptly reaches a halt, turning into something I wouldn't touch again. If you're a fan of the drink, or if you're looking for a semi-sweet tangy lemonade liquid, this could be the one for you. Personally, I'm not a fan.
Verdict: 2/5 - just not something I can vape on, but something I can totally see others enjoying.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

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!





Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Gunz Blazing 26650 mod



Today I'll be going over the Gunz Blazing mod. My good friend at www.smokenmist.com sent this over to me for review, and I've got to say, it's a damn good mod. Be sure to check it out, at 37.99, it is one of the best deals in vaping PERIOD.


Specifications


  • Heavy Duty 26650 Mechanical Mod
  • Comes with metal insert to fit all your 18650 batteries
  • Solid copper contact pins for maximum conductivity
  • Made from surgical grade aircraft 304 stainless steel
  • Ultra Low voltage drop
  • Unique styling that fits comfortably in your hand
  • Knurled Locking Ring with Beautifully Smooth Spring Loaded Switch
  • Machining is Amazing

Packaging

For a clone, the Gunz Blazing sports some of the sleekest packaging I've come across. It is delicately placed in a very nice protective box, embezzled with the logo. Inside the box is a felt liner, and the mod itself is stored in a huge, felt, grey mod sock. It is elegant, but simplistic; premium, however minimal. The sock is a great addition to a stellar piece, as you can carry it around knowing it is safely protected. Right out of the box, I'm impressed.






Build Quality

Okay, I'm going to go on record and say this is the best clone I have ever held in my hands,. Everything about it absolutely commands your attention, demanding that you admire it's wonderful craftsmanship, it's intricate but minimal design. Let's start by going over the main tube...it is a brick. This much stainless steel weighs a metric fuck ton, and I can safely say if you ever find yourself in a dire situation, fending off a would be attacker, one club to the head with this thing would probably render a person comatose. It has the sort of heft you come to expect from a well made product, something that when you hold in your hand, you know is of great quality.

The tube itself is similar to a panzer blackhawk with it's rigid threaded pattern and the "Gunz Blazing" logo in it's ornate glory adorned alongside tube. The logo is laser engraved, but it definitely looks like it'll withstand many, many handlings. I like that it has a familiar feel with an edgier take, as the panzer series is a personal favorite. Alongside the top cap, and just above the bottom cap, you will see some knurling, which is both attractive and functional when you're interchanging pieces.

The threads are the main tube are extremely well machined; so much so that I'd believe this was an authentic if you handed it to me. The top cap threads in and out without even a hint of resistance, and this was AFTER weeks of no thread lubrication. The switch slides in with comparable ease, offering piece of mind in knowing that the threads will hold up for ages.

The switch itself is nearly identical to the blackhawk, however it has knurled, which provides an easier grip when removing and reinstalling. The switch itself boasts solid copper contacts, which absolutely kicks ass - this thing hits like a monster. It is a spring loaded mod, the spring itself being ridiculously thick, no chintzy clone business here.

The top cap itself is knurled as well, featuring an adjustable copper contact. The contact threads in and out with ease, as does the switch, thanks to the wonderfully machined knurling. Each atomizer sat flush, with a few exceptions - the magma coming to mind, as well as doge.

Lastly, the gunz blazing includes an aluminum tube adapter that lets you use an 18650 battery instead of a 26650. I personally don't own any 26650s, so this is awesome addition. The adapter is solid alumimum, which slides into the main tube just like a battery would. It is a perfect fit with all 18650s I've thrown at it, and when the switch and top cap are adjusted accordingly, their is no noticeable battery rattle.

All in all, the Gunz Blazing is a premium mod, with a clones price tag. Unbeatable. Unfathomable, really. Seriously. This isn't biased, people. You've got to get your hands on it.

...........buuuuuut how does it perform?!

Performance

It hits like a truck on steroids. Aptly so, as it weighs nearly as much as a truck, constructed out of metal probably better than my last car was. Thanks to the solid copper contacts, their is little to no voltage drop, leading to some super serious, kick ass conductivity. Every atomizer I threw at this thing roared like a dragon outta hell, be it super sub ohm builds or your standard 1.0 ohm+ builds. It fits perfectly in the hand despite it's size and weight, of which is largely acceptable due to just how well it performs. This is my go-to mod when I'm not rockin my regulated
boxes, and it definitely holds up to my daily punishment. It fits nicely in my pocket and after a while, I started to not notice its weight. Plus, if somebody tried to rob me, I could totally give them a wicked concussion, so it's a win win situation.

Verdict

If you're in the market for meticulously well made device that can withstand abuse, be used in 18650/26650 mod, and hit like tyson, look no further. I have kept away from 26650s due to their size, but after a few weeks with the Gunz Blazing, one thing is clear...

SIZE DOES MATTER.

At 37.99, you can't go wrong, so do yourself a favor and PICK ONE UP TODAY!