Mutation V4 by Indulgence

Hello everybody! Today, I'll be going over the Mutation V4 by Indulgence, provided to me by SmokenMist

It seems the good guys at Indulgence are reinventing the wheel once again, with another reiteration of the ultra-popular Mutation RDA. The V4 has some awesome new additions, yet doesn't stray from the original design - it features a four post deck, 18 airholes on each side, adjustable airflow control and it's original, authentic, and affordable. Let's take at look at some quick specifications before we break it down.

• 22mm Diameter
• 304 SS construction
• Diamond Airflow Holes
• Bottom feed airflow holes routed underneath coils
• Adjustable airflow control
• 18 airholes (9 on each side)
• 4 post design
• Negative posts milled to deck
• Deep juice well
• Huge post holes

Well....whats new?!?

The Mutation V4 features an assortment of modifications, with the biggest being it's new, revolutionary airflow design. The 18 holes have been slightly modified this time around in the shape of a diamond, to encourage the vapor to form a sort of vortex, leading to a lot more flavor, and a lot more vapor. The V4 is the first in the Mutation line to feature bottom feed airflow holes, which are located on the upper part of the deck. When your coils are positioned directly over these airflow holes, air is pulled up and over the coil, leading to an increased vapor production. The V4 has a ton of airflow configuration settings, thanks to this new bottom-fed airflow design. It truly redefines versatility, as the V4 can be taken from a super subohm cloud chaser, to your daily flavor chaser. It does, in fact, do it all. Let's get to the review!

Packaging 

I have always been a fan of the Mutation V4 packaging. This RDA comes packaged in a nice little box, which contains the V4, some replacement o-rings, screws, and the blue screwdriver of screw stripping death. Inside, you'll also fine a 510 drip tip adapter, some plugs for the bottom airflow (if you can't figure out how to NOT OVER DRIP) and a nifty plastic extension piece. It's presentation is subtle, and somewhat minimal, but it's nice to have all this stuff when some authentic devices do not even come with a drip tip, much less a box. 

Quality

Outside of the very first Mutation, I have yet to be disappointed by Indulgence and their forthcoming iterations. The deck is constructed of 304 stainless steel, and it is machined incredibly well. The post holes are very clean, very large, and the posts themselves extremely rigid. The negative posts are milled into the deck, with the positive block secured by the 510 pin. I have thrown some pretty wire heavy builds in here, specifically a quad 22g (please use caution when trying builds like this, and be aware of your battery and device limits!) and double twisted 24g wire, and after plenty of torquing, I could not get the block to spin.

The O-rings on the base are incredibly snug, and the top cap slides on and off with extreme ease. The airflow control is machined just as well, however the end pieces of the blades are extremely sharp, so be cautious when doing cleaning this piece, as it can nick you if you aren't mindful. The drip is delrin, and wide bore - while not as huge as a chuff, or the V3s included drip tip, it still does a fantastic job of cooling the vapor, and pushing the clouds. The 510 adapter works as it should, allowing you to utilize a range of standard drip-tips, an option that wasn't available in previous versions(unless you purchased the adapter separately)

Overall, the Mutation V4 is what you'd come to expect from Indulgence - a solid, well built device, with features you'd see in an authentic, for a fraction of the price. It is still amazing that Indulgence is able to produce and sell these RDAs, which are in my opinion, best in class, for the price (sub-29.99). They continue to show the market that originality and affordability should NOT cost an arm and a leg.

Performance

This is where the V4 shines. Comparing it to previous versions, you can expect more of the same. Thanks to the wide bore tip and the 18 hole air flow configuration, the Mutation V4 reigns king in the airflow department. For all you cloud chasers, this is one RDA that belongs in your rotation - it is simply best in class. 

The Mutation has caught flack, however, due to the previous versions inability to really chase flavor. Indulgence has downsized the drip tip, and not only due to the slightly redesigned angular blades and now diamond shaped air flow holes, they have introduced bottom-airflow options. 

The bottom airflow is completely adjustable - below the coil are three holes, which when in use, pull air from underneath and than over the coil, leading to increased airflow. To adjust it, the outside of the deck features 3 holes, from big, medium, to small. Similar to how you would adjust the standard airflow, turning the top cap (not the airflow blades) can cut off the big hole, the small, the medium, or create a combination of both - for instance, for my flavor chasing build, I have 6 of the diamond holes closed, with half of the middle bottom

open, and the entire small hole open. This creates a tighter, more restrictive draw than can really utilize the bottom-airflow and vortex to create flavor that many thought the Mutation was unable to do!

Another nice addition is the optional plastic extension pieces. This see through extension is screwed into the base of the drip tip, and forms a bridge to speak, between the tip and the chamber. This creates a cooling affect for those of you who run very low, very hot sub-ohm builds. I have tested it with some of the hotter builds (quad 22g, looking at you) and while it doesn't completely negate any heat, it does cool it down to a very noticeable degree.

With that said, I have read people that people do have trouble with leaking. It's no surprise that the occasional oversight can lead to some extra juice finding it's way into the bottom airflow and seeping out at the base. I have found one very reliable way to combat this.

Don't overdrip. I know, captain obvious over here, but it is true. When you utilize the bottom air flow, dripping normally can lead to juice running off the wick and into the holes, coming out of the 510, or at the base. If you want to utilize the bottom airflow, instead of dripping as you normally would, you need to paint the wick. Drip alongside the cotton, but be mindful to not completely saturate the juice well. One way to combat this is by utilizing a "z" wick, (Thanks to whoever shared this on Reddit!) pictured below.

Simple, right? I have yet to suffer from anything other than the occasional leak due to dripping too much - something you can actually control, but it does happen. Another great way to prevent this is by utilizing the plugs found in the box - they are plastic pieces that plug up the bottom airflow. You do lose a lot of the versatility that the V4 offers, but it will allow you to run your standard builds, that you may or may not find leak more in the V4 than say, the V3.

Overall, I am impressed with the Mutation V4. It is everything I've come to expect from Indulgence with just the right amount of re-imagining. I'm a big fan of the bottom airflow, and the reduced bore drip trip, as I no longer have to swap out my Mutation when I want to utilize flavorful builds. I'd wager than not only is the Mutation V4 one of the most versatile RDAs on the market, but that you'd be hard pressed finding another one that is authentic, exceptionally well built, and downright affordable. The V4 is without a doubt a home run, and I expect nothing less from Indulgence.

Do yourself a favor and pick one up today from Smokenmist by following this link - I have scoured the internet, and at 24.75, this is got to be the best price on the market. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and get in touch - I love hearing from my readers, and I'm always looking to improve my work, website, and everything in between. Stay vaping, people.

Derringer RDA

Today, I'll be reviewing the Derring RDA, provided to me by www.MtBakerVapor.com. Let's take a look at this compact RDA, shall we?

Packaging

To be completely honest...this was the probably the biggest letdown. Instead of coming in a box, be it plastic, or display, the Derringer comes packaged in a tiny ziploc bag, with a hex key, a few Phillips screws, and the RDA itself. This isn't a knock on MBV, as I've read that this is how the v1.2 has been shipped out from pretty much everywhere. When you deal with authentic hardware, it's nice to feel that you purchased something worthy of the (often) heavy price tag - at 64.99, I expected a bit more than a plastic bag, but it's certainly not a deal breaker - just a let down. Also, Praxis....would it hurt to throw in a drip tip?! 

Build Quality

Now here is where authentic devices have a chance to shine! Immediately upon removing it from it's packaging, I was already floored- the Derringer is a looker, that's for sure. With it's ultra minimal design and incredibly compact form, this little RDA is definitely a stunner. I was initially skeptical, I had my doubts - I just couldn't get over the form factor. In person, however, it looks rather elegant, and when paired with similarly low profile mods, such as the Le Petit Gros in 18350 mode, it really shines.

The top cap sports the Praxis logo, and has a bit of heft to it. It's incredibly well machined, and slips on and off the deck with relative easy. The engravings are very well done, deep etchings, and they don't stand out - you know you have a Praxis product, but it's not shoved down your throat. It really adds to the minimal design. 

The Derringer sports a few airflow options, offering those who enjoy mouth to lung hits a ton of restrictive options, and for your lung hits, I'd say it is comparable to that of the Tobh. This is by no means a cloud chasing RDA, and to do so is downright foolish - while you can get some respectable clouds from higher gauge wire, anything super-sub ohm is just not fun. The condensed top cap and small frame lead to an extremely hot vape, if you're trying anything crazy. The inner barrel, which controls your air flow, is totally adjustable, and lets you dial in just what you want the Derringer to do - whether that be to flavor chase, or pull of some surprisingly impressive clouds (I found my go-to 7 wrap, 26g dual coil lead to fairly dense clouds, that were warm, but not blisteringly hot!)

The deck itself is incredibly well done as well. With such a small design, you'd be a fool to expect a deep juice well....right? While not nearly as deep as some of the other RDAs on the market (such as the Mutation X, Magma, Troll, etc) it is exceptional, size considered. I found myself not having to drip as often as I thought I would, but still more than I would normally. 

The deck itself is very well done, too. It features your standard three post design, and hex drive heads (When did this become a thing, and can it please stop?) The post holes are slotted, and while you may not be able to cram low gauge twisted builds into them, I was able to run dual 24g coils just fine. I've read online that the center-post tends to spin or wobble, and thankfully, after 8 or so builds, I've yet to deal with this issue. The deck can be a little tricky to build on if you're spoiled by easier to build RDAs, such as the Mutation and Plume Veil line, but it shortly becomes second nature after the initial period of adjustment...but maybe that's me, because frankly, I am no good at building on three post drippers....still...to this day!

The Derringer is constructed from US 303 Grade Stainless Steel, machined incredibly well, and all the interchangeable parts (AFC ring, barrel, top cap) come on and off with ease. I believe it retailed quite a bit more than it does currently (at) 64.99, and had I purchased it at the higher price point, I would've been satisfied with the craftsmanship. It is definitely what I'd come to expect from an authentic.

Functionality

Good construction and a respectable design can only take you so far - it must perform as well as it looks, right? In my honest opinion, in the right hands, this thing can generate INCREDIBLE flavor. The vortex airflow and condensed top cap can produce notes in a juice you either long forgot, or didn't know even existed - this is true, believe me. With the wrong build, however, the Derringer can turn into a fire chucking monster - not literally of course, but it puts off incredibly hot vapor. I prefer a warm vape, but I was able to get downright chest-caving coughing fits from this (my fault - please do NOT do a parallel 24g dual coil build. I warned you.....put that wire away!!) 

If you respect the design, and build to it's nature, you can get an incredibly satisfying experience from the Derringer. I guess you could say that about all RDAs, but the trend lately is versatility - in my upcoming Mutation V4 review, I'll be touching on how you can chase flavor, clouds, a combo of both, lung hit, mouth hit,... it is versatile. I wouldn't call the Derringer one dimensional, but I do personally believe your options are limited if you're looking to achieve the quality that it is capable of.

Overall, I believe 64.99 is a fantastic price for this wonderful, authentic, dripper. It deserves a place in everyone's rotation, be it as a daily driver, flavor chaser, or just a nice show-piece. You just can't top the sleekness when paired with an 18350, or small box mod. It's just too sexy.

Questions? Comments? Be sure to fill out the comment form, e-mail me. I like hearing what my readers think, and I am always looking to improve my work!

Disclaimer: The opinions contained in this review are those of the reviewer, and are in no way, shape or form to be used to endorse any other products or to defame the company by any means. The company, product and service names used in this web site are for identification purposes only. All hardware and liquid reviewed were provided for review purposes, and review purposes only. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Any third party comments/reviews published on the site (whether edited or not) are third party information for which www.vapocalypticreviews.com takes no responsibility and disclaims all liability. 

SMK Flagship Mechanical Mod

Guess what everybody? During my hiatus, I actually got a job WITH www.mtbakervapor! As such, I am obligated to tell you that the opinions in this interview are just that - my opinions - and are in no way, shape, or form endorsed, paid for, or sustained in any way, monetarily or otherwise. Let's get to it!

Let's take a quick peak at the manufacturer specifications..

Features:

• Floating Copper Firing Pin
• Copper Bottom Pin
• Adjustable Delrin Button Housing
• +/- .15 Voltage Drop @ 1 OHM
• 4 Vent Holes in Button Housing
• All Pieces are Interchangeable
• 18650 Tube 
• 22mm Diameter

Fairly rudimentary, no? Marketed as just that, the SMK Flagship is a mechanical mod devoid of bells and whistles - it has no fancy engraving, it does not stray from the tubular design, and it is not touted as the latest and greatest. Rather, the SMK rests on it's haunches knowing that it simply...works. 

It works well.

This authentic mod sports a made in america design, available in copper or stainless, and has the ultra affordable price tag of just 99.99 - showing that you can get quality material, artisan craftsmanship, and a functional device without sacrificing an arm and a leg. Let's go ahead and dive into what makes the Flagship rock.

Design

Nothing is out of the ordinary here. The Flagship sports the tried and true tubular design, with no glaring deviations - while it may do little to set itself aside from the pack, and outside of very few devices, what mechanical really does these days? In fact, I think the elegance of the Flagship is relative to it's ultra simplicity - it does not need an engraving, or a definitive stamp to call it's own. The nature of it's design lends to it's affordability and class, and I'm a big fan.

The switch itself, however, delightfully functional, and dare I say innovative in it's own right. Within the delrin housing are ball bearings, that lend a hand to not only conductivity, but rigidity of the switch. I won't lie, for 99.99, I halfheartedly anticipated a nightmare of a switch, the pitfall of many otherwise stellar mechanical mods. Surprisingly enough, it is without a doubt the smoothest switch I've dealt with to date - it has a moderate to low amount of throw, requires a firm press, and has yet to catch, stick, or otherwise fire on it's own. The ball bearings keep the switch from firing under it's weight or otherwise, and affords more peace of mind than the Manhattan/Fuhattan series type switches, utilizing opposing magnets. Good mods in their own right, but I've had more than a few auto-fire out of the blue...

Not with the Flagship.

Atop the superior switch design, the Flagship also sports solid copper contacts for ultra conductivity..and man, does this thing hit like a freaking train. It should be called the SMK Steam Engine 9000, or something (and that is why I'll probably never find myself in the marketing and development field..) The individual serialization is also a nice touch.

Have I mentioned the threads yet? No? Talk about smoother than a knife through butter. The craftsmanship and machining of the Flagship is impeccable, in fact, extraordinarily so ... I thought I was holding a mod worth it's weight in gold. In all seriousness, though, for the price, color me impressed. The switch and top cap slide off with ease, and thread back on just as well. Nothing crunched, nothing cross threaded. Upon further inspection, I could spot not one machining irregularity - they were crisp, smooth, and beyond what I'd expect from a device in this price range.

The top cap sports an adjustable copper pin, again to strengthen the conductivity between the atomizer and the mod itself. I'm a big fan of copper contacts, and it should be no surprise at this point. They're practically an industry standard, no?

Performance

After such a beaming review, you've got to be wondering, just how well does this baby work? 

It hits like Mike Tyson.

With it's all copper design, top to bottom, it should be no surprise that the Flagship is a powerhouse of the highest caliber, able to keep up with the best of the best. I built my mutation V3 exceptionally low for the Flagship, in hopes of putting it through it's paces. With a freshly charged VTC4, and my dual coil twisted build coming in at .02, I was ready to go.

This thing simply fires on all cylinders. If you're looking to produce some serious vapor, look no further. This thing should be your ace in the hole at your local cloud comp, your rig when you want to emulate a techno show in your living room, hell I swear it put off so much clouds I made rain. Simply put, I can't explain it any further. It works, and it works well. With an ultra low voltage drop, and a top to bottom copper design, look no further if you're eager to step into the authentic world and chase those glorious, glorious clouds... (unless cloudchasing isn't your thing, which is totally fine) because this can rock any setup you throw it's way. It is one of the very few mods that pose at least sustainable functionality when paired with the Atlantis v2, Subtank, or even a higher ohm dripper for all you flavor chasers.

Simply put, for 99.99, I was absolutely blown away by every facet of this device. From the top-to-bottom stellar construction, functionality, and ultra minimal design, the SMK Flagship should be the gold standard that all authentic mods are held to, in both design and price. Functionality should not be at a premium, nor should design - SMK has shown us that it is possible to get the best of both worlds on a budget. 

The Flagship was provided by www.mtbakervapor.com for review purposes. This review was not paid for, or otherwise influenced in any way, monetarily or otherwise. Everything you read are my expressed opinions, endorsed in no way, shape, or form by www.mtbakervapor.com or any of it's associates.

Vulcan RDA

Hey everybody! Today, I'll be doing a review on the Vulcan RDA, thanks to MtBakerVapor. It is my first shot at an authentic RDA....does it stack up the onslaught of clones? Let's dig in and find out.

Specifications

Features:

• Single solid piece base construction
• Revolutionary "under-passing" juice well
• A truly functional bottom-base heat sink
• Innovative AFC side walls
• Double Laser-cut vent holes
• Red copper bottom contact pin/screw
• PEEK insulators
• 3-sets post screws out of the box
• Plastic casing doubles as an atty stand
• 22mm Base

Right off the bat, the specifications seem to put this bad boy into perspective - it features a solid base construction, the "under passing" juice well, heat sinks, PEEK insulators, and it all clocks in at under 60.00 - for an authentic. Now, I know that word gives some people the shivers, because lets face it, the clone market is exploding on what appears to be a daily basis now...however, if you build it, they will come, and the authentic market will not falter anytime soon!

To begin, let's break down the packaging.

 Packaging/Presentation

This has to be, hands down, the greatest device packaging I've ever witnessed. While it does not come in a lavish keepsake-esque box, or bursting at the seams with confetti, it is elegant and eye catching, relishing in it's authentic goodness, yet simplistic enough to not be overbearing. The Vulcan itself comes in a large dripper sized piece of plastic, with two heat sinks - bottom and top. Everything is packaged neatly within this large heat sink container, and it comes off rather stylishly. It is nice to see this, rather than the same old box. At least it's something cool to keep around, and a nice place to store the vulcan when not in use.

Build Quality

An authentic device, in my opinion, poses a few expectations. First and foremost, I do not want "mystery metal." We see this commonly in fasttech products, and the cheaper spectrum of clone devices - brass, copper, "stainless"....etc. I am not as active in the community as I once was, but I still remember the lead/brass debacle, and as such, I absolutely refuse to vape anything constructed out of brass, plated with brass, or copper.

Thankfully, the Vulcan appears to be one solid chunk of stainless steel! The deck itself is carved out of a nice piece of stainless, and it is sleek, and sexy. It sports a three-post design, with the negative posts milled into the deck. While I am a big fan of the four-post deck, the old standard has held it's age, and remains easier as ever to build on. The posts are rigid, as are the thumb screws - though they take a bit to get used to, hex screws are

also included, and interchangeable I was a bit skeptic about the thumb screws, fearing that they wouldn't tighten down well enough - well, fear not, because these suckers screw down very tightly!

The juice well is surprisingly deep, and holds a relatively large amount of liquid - I'd put it on near magma levels, at least, considering what I use daily - the doge, mutation, stillare, and mutation...neither of which offer truly deep juice wells. It's a nice change of pace to squeeze just a bit more juice out of my RDA.

The sleeve itself is nice and thick, with the logo carved into the steel, of which the "V" is the airflow. The top cap features a heatsink, and the conical design leads to an elegant looking RDA. No drip tip is included, but it will accept your standard 510. 

It has a copper pin, ensure maximum conductivity, and it has fired on every device it was thrown at, which is always a good sign. Lately I've been fighting finicky 510 pins, notably on my Herkales, so it's a nice change of pace not having to constantly adjust something.

Overall, it is a remarkably well built device. At 59.99, I'd wager it's one of the best bang for your buck authentic RDAs. You get a solidly constructed piece, with thick, sturdy posts, heat sinks, a large juice well, and a rather appealing looking device. While that's all amazing, you must be wondering...how does it vape?

Performance

To be perfectly honest, if you are looking to chase clouds, the Vulcan simply isn't built for that.  The conical design, paired with the relatively restricted airflow, affords an entirely different experience. I found that building in the lower ohm range, around .2-.5, led to very warm, thick vapor. Compared to the mutation, for instance, the same build would be relatively cool, with an exponentially larger amount of vapor. This is due to the restricted airflow - which isn't inherently a bad thing. If you know what to expect from the Vulcan, you will know that it is more a flavor-chasing device. While it does have the

capability to produce a very respectable amount of vapor, you aren't going to be fogging up the room with this - though, I'm not sure why you'd try, and it would be some intensely hot vapor!

With the higher ohm builds, on a box mod, I was able to get some seriously great tasting flavor out of this device. The heat sinks really cool the vapor down, keeping it from overtaking the flavor - while some think heat and flavor go hand and hand, such is not the case when you don't have a large amount of airflow.

Overall, the Vulcan is exceptionally versatile - it can chuck out a respectable amount of vapor, but not ridiculous clouds - though theoretically you can, I wouldn't agree with you that it is a pleasurable vape - it simply gets too warm, too fast. I found the sweet spot on a mech to be about .5, dual coils. On a box, I was running it at about .8, around 50-60 watts. If you're looking for an affordable,, exceptionally well made, and versatile device, you cannot go wrong with the Vulcan RDA.

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.

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!

iStick 30w

I've gotta say, it seems a bit odd reviewing this device with a Sigelei 150w in my hand, but personally...it's a pretty kickass little thing. I'd like to thank MtBakerVapor for the shot at reviewing it, the wait was definitely worth it. 

Here, take some specifications, you know you want too.

• Atomizer short-circuit protection: 
• If atomizer short-circuits, the OLED screen show “Atomizer Short”.
• 10s firing cut-off.
• Low-voltage protection: 
• Once the battery is below 3.3V the OLED screen will show “Lock”, which means its time to recharge.
• Unlock the Low-voltage Protection:
• The iStick begins working again once it reaches 3.7V.
• OLED Screen.
• Voltage range varies from 2.0V - 8.0V.
• Click power button three times while battery is on to switch from VV to VW mode.
• Passthrough style battery lets you vape while you charge.
• 2200mAh internal Li-Ion Battery.
• Power on/off: Press the button for five times to turn the iStick on and off.
• Low power Alert:
• If the battery’s power is lower than 10%, the power symbol on the screen will flash.
• Supports sub-ohm coils.
• Accurate Metering.

Okay, reviews done, I'm going to sleep.

Just kidding. Wouldn't want MBV to sick those crazy bunch of bastards in GWAR on my ass for running off with such a sweet device. Though, actually, I'd get to meet them, so maybe...ah okay.

First Impression

Man, this is one tiny device. Seriously, it's like half the size of a standard DNA 30w mod, and that's incredible. When you consider a 2200mAh lipo and circuit board are packed into here, you've got to respect the design, you've just got too. It looks sleek and modern, a no frills approach if you will. No odd contours, no out of the box adaptations, just a straight forward, compact, 30 watt box mod. I really like how well it fit into the palm of my hand, it's a very discrete, stealthy piece of engineering. I imagined I'd have some trouble with it, considering my hands are on the larger size, however it felt incredibly natural, and was a nice change of pace from the larger, dual battery box mods.

Build Quality

At 34.99, a hair more than 1 dollar per watt, you've got to ask...okay china, what did you skimp out on? Surprisingly, I've found very little faults to knock in the build quality. It does not have the heft of the IPV series, it does not have intricate engravings, temperature control, nothing. However, it is built very, very nicely.

The actual box feels like it's worth a bit more than the MSRP, despite any real weight to it. In this instance, heft does not dictate quality, and though it feels much like a toy, it is a true powerhouse. The device feels solid, head to do. The spring loaded 510 has quite a bit of give, with all atomizers sitting flush, threading effortlessly. I do not own the 20w, but it is great that eLeaf employed the spring loaded pin, something that is always a welcome addition. Speaking of, it is also now 22mm in diameter, something that will certainly ease the minds of obsessive compulsive vapors the world over. 

The screen is remarkably bright, crisp, and clear. It's on the small side, clearly, but it definitely looks more than a modicum sharper than quite a few other "premium" devices.

One little grip I have with the build quality, however, are the buttons. They certainly work, and have yet to stick, misfire, or show any sign of unresponsiveness....but they just feel weird. It is almost as if the firing switch and adjustment switches are surrounded by rubber. It has no click, no real response, it's as if you're pushing into rubber. This absolutely frustrates me, but it is nit-picky at best if the buttons function as intended, and they do. Outside of that, it is built remarkably well, even offering a USB port to support charging. The port is sturdy, and does not move a bit.

Sadly, however, it is on the bottom of the device. I understand a bit of engineering and schematics go into placing it elsewhere, but seriously, with innovation beating down doors daily, you'd think more companies would opt out for a side-charger. It just works better if it can stand up right, but this is more of a personal thing, at best.

Performance

Over the course of a week or so, the iStick 30w was my faithful in car companion. You see, I lack the coordination required to drip and drive, and although I probably shouldn't, I do anyway. With a reasonable powered device at my side, it's worlds easier to throw an RTA or tank on this sucker and keep it handy at those inopportune moments..especially in Arizona, where drivers go to crash.

Frankly, it holds up incredibly well. With a 0.4 ohm limit, it has a wide variety of range, only shying from the ultra-sub ohm, super cloudchasers (and really, this device is far from any of those peoples radars, as it's simply counterproductive.) However, many are content at the 0.4 range, effectively able to chase reasonably dense, large clouds, if they so choose. 

It's nice to have the option, really. With 260w+ mods out there, 30w may seem archaic, but coupled with the right amp limit, it's quite a reasonable amount of power for even the more power hungry people. A nice 0.4 ohm dual coil build at 30w may take a second to ramp up, but when those coils get heating, it's hard to trump the experience in price range. On the opposite side of that spectrum, a nice 1.6 ohm coil at 12-18 watts is also a very enjoyable, satisfying experience. Honestly, it makes me wish that these devices were available when I started, because those both new and old to the market have so much variety at their hands, that some of us did not. You can literally throw this device at almost anything and get a great beginner, intermediate, or even advanced setup. For instance,

Paired with an Aspire Mini, running somewhere around 13-15 watts, you can get a very respectable amount of vapor and unbeatable taste, a true leg-up for those looking to trash the habit for good.

Moving up the ladder, paired with a Sub Tank, or perhaps at Goblin, running anywhere between 14-30 watts, you've got a killer RTA setup that won't break the bank. When you factor in that those particular tanks aren't as power hungry as their counterparts (namely the atlantis and artic) you've got a great flavorchasing setup.

Finally, paired with something like the Atlantis, or maybe even an RBA such as the mutation, you've got the ability to chase clouds, though you may want to look into higher wattage devices at that point. While it is possible, somebody coming from 50w+ or mechanical devices will certainly scoff, as it just can't handle the kind of power users like that are accustomed too. 

Regardless, the flexibility of the iStick 30w is undeniable, and the staying power is nigh unchangeable. At 34.99, you just can't argue with 30 watts, especially when it's so neatly packaged in a compact box.

So, pro's and cons.....

PROS

• Compact
• 30w of power
• USB charging capability (as yes, it is also passthrough)
• Spring loaded 510
• Beauty ring included
• 22mm Diameter
• Versatile device
• Affordable
  
  Cons
• 2200 mAh battery - can last some two days, others, not so much. Lower wattage builds lead to longer battery life, so while you can go down to 0.4 ohms, don't expect to stay long at 30 watts.
• Silly charging port location

Honestly, at the price point, you just cannot go wrong. If I could, I'd have two or three in my collection, as they serve as handy, powerful compact boxes to keep in the car, or as a spare. I entirely believe this is an all day device for some people, and to those who have yet to get into the super serious cloud chasing/higher wattage game, this definitely has some staying power, even with the 50w on the market. The good thing about saturation is the price will slowly drop even more, so for those who have no need to go over 30w, I absolutely, sincerely recommend you look into the eLeaf iStick 30w device.