Showing posts with label mod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mod. Show all posts

Friday, January 16, 2015

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






Sunday, October 26, 2014

Infinite Cartel review

I always love working with MtBakerVapor. Micheal is such a great guy and never fails to surprise me! He gave me the opportunity recently to review this particular cartel, and man, it is beautiful mod. Be sure to use coupon code "vapocalyptic" for 10 % off your order !

Pros

- THICK BRASS
- Silver plated brass contacts
- LOGOLESS :D
- Full tube set
- Recessed button

Cons

- So far, so good !


http://youtu.be/CyS5BAt90F8

Monday, May 19, 2014

Innokin VTR

Today, I received my Innokin Itaste VTR from the nice guys at worldofvape. You simply can't argue with free shipping and always low pricing, and as a new customer, I have nothing but positive things to say about the company. I will be ordering from them in the future.

Before I begin the interview, I'd like to outline some manufacturer specs, to give you a full idea of what you're working with alongside my initial impression.

Features in Brief:
Variable Voltage: 3.0 – 6.0 volts
Variable Wattage: 3.0 – 15.0 W
Short Circuit Protection;
RMS (root mean square);
Reverse Battery Protection Circuit;
Resistive Load Detection (Ohms meter);
ON/OFF battery switch;
LED Battery Power Display;
Low Voltage Warning;
Overtime Vaping Warning (10 second switch cutoff);
Battery safety protection (Vent holes);
High compatibility 510/eGo connector:  Built-in 3 digit display (Ohms meter, Volts /Watts, Atomizer voltage output)
Replaceable Battery: iTaste VTR supports 18650 batteries (unprotected)


 As far as my initial impression goes, I am quite impressed with the unit all around! Here's what I do like


  •  Build quality
The device, to be blunt, is an absolute tank. It is constructed out of stainless steel and has got to be the heaviest mod that has graced my hands. It weighs in at nearly 14 oz, and it is considerably noticeable in comparison to your standard mechanical, or the MVP in particular. It feels solid, it feels durable, it feels that it commands a longevity that a lot of other PV's in it's price range do not offer. Those with smaller hands may be turned off, as it is slightly bulkier than the MVP. I am a definite fan of the heft, but I can understand and do believe a lot will be rather encumbered carrying it around all day.

The button placement is extremely comfortable. Instead of being in the middle of the device, it sits on the side. I find that in my hand, it is easier to fire the device with my ring finger than my thumb, as I would fire other boxed mods.

It can read the resistance of coils, as well as display an indicator in relation to the level of your battery. Quite useful, if not entirely accurately (I've noticed the ohms are usually off by .1-.2)

However, they're a few things about it I do NOT like, which I will cover later.

  • Performance
Compared to devices in it's price range, as well as the MVP, the VTR exceeded my initial expectations. With the ability to increase wattage to 15, and voltage to 6, those coming from VV/VW devices with lower values will be pleasantly surprised. Provided you have the right atomizer setup, you will notice thicker smoke, as well as a slight increase in flavor. It does not overheat, and I have had only 1 dry hit, but that was due to a higher than required wattage    
    
  • Packaging
 I am a huge fan of cases. In fact, I will often purchase something simply because I like the box that it comes in. I absolutely admire companies that provide quality hard storage cases alongside their product. In my opinion, it makes me truly feel that I bought something of quality. Something that I want to protect, something that I want to store with pride. The box has a velvet lining where you will find your VTR, extension tube, manual and tank. It locks with a clasp. It is constructed of metal, and it is very, very attractive.


Nice, isn't it?


  • Looks
I was surprised when I opened it, as I expected it to be massive compared to my MVP 2.0. To my surprise, it is a bit more compact in size, but it does retain extra depth. The stainless steel it is constructed out of shines brightly. The overall sleek, compact, and elegant design should catch quite a few eyes.

  • Removable battery

What a welcome addition. As an MVP owner, I know that one day, my MVP will cease to be. This is because the battery is not user replaceable. The MVP is utterly disposable. The VTR, however, altered that landscape, and for that I am ecstatic. So long as caution is exercised, (such as avoiding dropping, or abusing your VTR) and you have an 18650 battery, you will have peace of mind knowing your mod will not gradually diminish in quality, only to one day fail to charge, or boot up.
Now, that is what I like about the VTR. What I unfortunately do not like...

  • Rotational wheel

Innokin has since ditched the rotational wheel in favor of a stationary wheel. However, a lot of vendors currently keep the rotational wheel in stock. Therefore it is tantamount that you contact your supplier and verify whether it is a generation 1, or generation 2, model.

Straight out of the box, the rotational wheel stuck. It needed a liberal amount of rubbing alcohol to rotate smoothly. However, I recognize the severe construction flaw. It seems that it is prone to sticking and refusing to turn. I can expect with one too many alterations, it will break, or worse yet, stick. A terrible design, the stationary wheel should have been the initial standard. As of now, it isn't giving me too much trouble, but I can't expect that it will improve in the future.
  • Protective skeleton/metal ring
The VTR sports a unique design. As you will no doubt notice in the provided pictures, instead of simply screwing in your tank of choice, you must thread it through a protective metal ring. The tank will than screw and tighten into the 510 connection. The included Iclear 30S fits like a glove. I've found that most variations of the protank (such as 2, pt3 mini, and aerotank) also it as well. When paired with a tank that meets the diameter of the ring, it boasts an intricate and innovative design. However, if your tank will not thread through, you must use the included 510 extension tube. It is long, it is bulky, and it adds an unnecessary amount of real estate. This is a severe disappointment, because I appreciate variety, and I value tanks such as the Kayfun and the Nautilus. Due to the need of the 510 connector, when I want to use my Nautilus or Kayfun, I am left with a ridiculously large looking, obtrusive tube with an equally large tank attached to it.


Isn't that wild...?

Overall, it is a well made box mod, that exceeds performance expectations. The fact that is it plagued by ridiculous design is disappointing, however if you can commit to using tanks that fit, or deal with the extended length of the extension tube, you will find yourself right at home. I would recommend this product to those who own the MVP and to those who do not, if only because of the user replaceable battery. For that, alongside the great functionality and wonderful packaging, I give the Innokin Itaste VTR the Vapocalyptic STAMP of approval.