Monthly Archives: May 2014

Price Drop, The Nemi Clone $30, on Short Preorder

I’ll keep this short and sweet rather than repeating myself about this mod. The Nemi Clone, or as it is also called The Mini Nemesis Clone is starting to pop up at online vendors now. This is the lowest price I’ve seen on this sleek 14500 mod, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up having the same prices as the Nemesis clone once these are in stock. Here we have 3 variations of the mod available; brushed stainless steel mixed, polished stainless steel mixed, and copper with steel accents. The copper version costs $3 more than the steel versions at $33. The details are still unconfirmed, but I would assume this has a spring loaded switch, and no extension tubes, much like the models I’ve spotted elsewhere.

Back again with a lower price and a new finish.

Back again with a lower price and a new finish.

Any user that plans on topping this with a rebuildable atomizer should proceed with caution. The 14500 model battery that these “mini” mods use are not rated for as high of a discharge rate as an 18650 or even a 18350. Get familiar with ohms law and make sure to keep your coils at a appropriate wattage for a 14500 battery. Based on the recent popularity of the Kayfun 2.1 clone release I am sure these will be a big hit and will provide a nice alternative to the heavy 26650 mods that have been popping up everywhere.

Get yours here: http://www.kidneypuncher.com/mini-nemesis-clone/

These are expected to ship around 6-5-14 making this a rather short wait for a preorder.

Presenting The Mutant 26650 Clone Mod $49.99

This does not have any indication of being a preorder, this mod already looks ready to ship. The Mutant by Fall Out Mods has been cloned and it looks to be a 1:1 replica of the original. This is a very solid looking 26650 mod that offers some nice variety into the market. Soon not everyone will have to have a Stingray, Hades or Big Nasty clone in order to have an inexpensive 26650 mod. The Mutant mod has a nice look to it and all the features that one could want to find in a mod.

A great looking 26650 mixed combo

A great looking 26650 mixed combo

This mod has all the features I look for in a mechanical mod. There is a magnetic switch which is self contained. The button for the switch is nicely recessed into the brass housing. This is important especially with a 26650 mod. The added weight of the bigger mod will not be able to fire the atomizer when it is stood upright. When you don’t want to worry about having your mods rolling around your desk it is nice to be able to stand it upright without any risk. The laser engraving in the button should nicely preserve as well since it shouldn’t contact any surfaces.

I'm digging the style, but a locking switch might not be necessary here.

I’m digging the style, but a locking switch might not be necessary here.

This mod measures in at 30mm which is a little thicker than some other 26650 mods. Most 26650 mods to date are 28.5mm in diameter, so some atomizers might look a little small on top of this guy. The pins are solid brass, and the 510 is adjustable. There is a nice insulator for the 510 pin. There is some controversy over battery venting in this clone. The original mod vented through the button, but I am hearing from some people that they may have been omitted in the clone.  I think this is a great looking 26650 mod, and it really helps expand the current selection.

Get yours here: http://101vape.com/mechanical-mods/313-mutant-26650-mod-clone.html

Hana Modz DNA 30 Mini Clone $56

Here is another Hana DNA 30 clone out of china. Good thing this is listed overseas, because Hana has been striking back against the U.S. shops with lawsuits. This is the mini version of the Hana box mod and I’d assume we are going to see more varieties very soon. To date Fasttech has only carried the DNA 20, but for only a few bucks more you can now get the DNA 30 version. This clone has had a lot of buzz surrounding it lately and so far I’ve only heard good things about all the versions.

If you have a DNA 30 any pictures have to be taken at 30 watts.

If you have a DNA 30 any pictures have to be taken at 30 watts.

It isn’t easy being green. Maybe soon we’ll have Kayfuns and RDA’s in all colors. This mod features dual 600mah battery packs built in. There is a common mirco USB charging port for charging. I still can’t get over the fact the Evolv DNA 30 board and charger alone will cost you more than this complete mod. The DNA 30 boards used in these mods boast the same specs as the original. The early adopters have been reporting the performance is indistinguishable from the genuine Hana. The dimensions line up with the original with a small amount of variance, maybe this one is a hair bigger, but it lists as just a few millimeters bigger than the original.

Those buttons make me want to click them

Those buttons make me want to click them

The Hana Modz are the premiere variable wattage box mods available. They have all the options you could wish for. The designs are as compact as they can be. These clones might become my new “go to” recommendation for new vapers. Even sub ohmers will be mildly pleased with these mods which have the ability to fire down to .05 ohms, which is right around my ideal vape. I would still be careful testing the limits of the batteries in these mods, just because the chip allows 30 watts, doesn’t mean the battery is equipped to handle it. I love the recessed 510 connector, this allows for even the most difficult of atomizers to lie nice and flush below the top of the mod. This is sure to be another hit, and I’m looking forward to what varieties we will see in the near future.

Her

Thats a dead ringer for the logo, that is sure to rustle some jimmies

Thats a dead ringer for the logo, that is sure to rustle some jimmies

Here is what the site says about it:

  • 510 threaded connector
  • Variable Wattage from 7W-30W in .1 watt increment
  • Body is made of anodized aluminum
  • OLED display shows battery charge state, volts and ohms
  • Built in 2*600mah Lithium Polymer batteries
  • Micro-USB charging port
  • Compatible with 0.5ohm~3.3ohm atomizers
  • Input voltage/current: 3.2-4.3V/1.5-7A
  • Output voltage: 4-8V
  • Random serial number

Get yours here: http://www.fasttech.com/products/1411/10007864/1722000-hana-modz-pack-dna-30-style-mod

The Magma RDA Clone $15.79

Here’s a nice price cut on a highly anticipated RDA. The clones of the Magma have been rolling out and they are a replica of one of the most popular RDAs in the vaping community. There are lots of reasons to like the Magma RDA, and it is built to appease the most finicky cloud chasers out there. The original has been in short supply and has endlessly been out of stock at many vaping sites. Now anyone can get their hands on this RDA for a fraction of the original’s price. Here is another example of the cloners stepping up where opportunity knocks.

There's something in the well!

There’s something in the well!

There is a lot going on in this little RDA. The Magma has a particularly deep well and it claims to hold up to 40 drop of e-liquid. Anyone who has ever tried DIY e-liquid hates the word drops. Different flavors and different mixtures have different surface tensions, so a drop is a mere approximation of measurement. Deep inside the well there is an insulator nice and safely tucked away, hidden from the scolding coils. The posts are especially tall to keep the coils away from the insulators and over the air flow channels. The posts are even welded to the base of the atomizer to prevent shifting around or questionable connections. Where the Origen V1 RDA made separate juice wells, the Magma joined them together so there is no worry of running dry on one end.

Not the smallest RDA, but they really pack the features into this guy

Not the smallest RDA, but they really pack the features into this guy

This RDA screams durable. They looked at the standard top cap designs and decided to put an AFC ring rather than drilling right through the top cap. The AFC ring on this mod resembles swiss cheese with its 9 air holes. My favorite part about this RDA is the lack of o-rings. Now o-rings definitely get the job done when you gotta make a seal, I’d just rather not need them at all. I have broken countless o-rings, and having a leaky atomizer can ruin your day. The posts in the atomizer are drilled out nice and wide, and instead of needing an Allen key, they use a flat head design, so no special tools required. All parts considered this looks like a sure winner, and for $16 the amount of craftsmanship involved here definitely makes this a bargain.

I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen the Paradigm logo.

I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve seen the Paradigm logo, somehow it dodges photos.

Here is what the site says about it:

  • Stainless steel construction
  • 22mm in diameter
  • Two 3.97mm wide poles (screw type – shoot and screw) easier to rebuild and better conductivity
  • New technology – dual DIRECT TO COIL air-hole for maximized flavor and vapor
  • 9 air holes on the outer casing
  • Extended juice basin – can hold up to 40 drops of juice with minimal change of leakage (for a dripper)
  • Poles are welded to the base for durability
  • Positive insulator hidden in the base to avoid melting
  • O-ring less – to make it maintenance free
  • Dome chamber top cap for better flavor

Get yours here: http://www.fasttech.com/products/1/10008103/1718100-magma-style-rebuildable-dripping-atomizer

The AGA-T7 By Youde! Now Available $31.50 New Low Price $28.00(Edited)

These guys at Eciggity are on a roll. I don’t want to sound like I am affiliated, but they are quickly climbing to be one of the premiere U.S. vape shops giving the people what they want. Usually when a new product arrives there is a potato quality blown up thumbnail image to support it, not these guys. They give us the info and that’s what matters in online shopping. A manufacturer that I’ve somewhat ignored has changed their Genesis atomizer ways and have conformed to the Kayfun hype. Here we have an original design from a manufacturer known for their drippers. There is a lot of things right with this atomizer, but some choices leave me very excited to see the next rendition.

Two positives and two negative... posts.

Two positives and two negative… posts.

Here we have a very interesting design. There are posts with staggered heights and an air flow channel coming from the center. I can imagine some cross design coils being used in this design. There is a twist on the Kayfun design as well. The juice channels flow upwards, typically they are bottom fed. I wonder how to properly wick this, can I just use the deck like a dripper? I know the brass haters will not like the fact the center air channel is brass. There is an ongoing concern of letting heat and juice make contact with brass parts due to the potential of lead poisoning. My second concern with this atomizer is the insulators. They look a bit close to where the coils will lie, and that gives them a tendency to melt.

A big atomizer for big flavor! Right?

A big atomizer for big flavor! Right?

Now lets put the size of this atomizer into consideration. The listed size is 62.5mm, to put that in perspective an 18650 battery by definition is 65mm. This thing is tall. I imagine there might be a more compact way to have all the features, but maybe there is a purpose behind that elongating middle section. Lots of atomizers use a threaded tank to cut back on parts, but this one features a pyrex glass tank. I like the decision of placing the fill hole in the top of the atomizer. Whenever I flip my atomizers to bottom fill the juice in the chamber will flow out the drip tip. By keeping the mod right side up this will become a non issue and save me some paper towels. There is a very wide AFC on this mod, which will make many vapers happy.

I've read the capacity is 3.5ml, but the manufacturer says 1.5ml. Let's hope it's 3.5.

I’ve read the capacity is 3.5ml, but the manufacturer says 1.5ml. Let’s hope it’s 3.5.

Use coupon code “reddit10″ to take 10% off the price at Eccigity.

Get yours here: http://www.eciggity.com/aga-t7-by-youde/

Another listing popped up today at $28: http://trianglevape.com/aga-t7/

Review: The Fogger V4

As a huge fan of the Aqua RBA I couldn’t resist taking a look at Yi Loong’s newest rendition of the Fogger. Back in the early days of the Kayfun atomizer the original Fogger hit the market and it was a big hit. It certainly wasn’t the best atomizer in any category, but it was cheap and accommodated cotton wicks, so I was intrigued. I used the Fogger v1 for a few weeks, and it was far from perfect. The insulator was junk, the deck was hard to build on, and the pin was difficult to use with many of my mods. Eventually the insulator failed on me and the mod shorted and the heat shattered the glass. Foolishly I saw a Fogger v2 and and was hoping the issues were resolved, but they remained. I think I made a smart move shelving that atomizer and switching over to a Kayfun. Since then the Fogger v3 had come out without much positive press which helped me resist purchasing one. I figured this was the end of the Fogger and the Kayfun/Aqua clones came to rule the inexpensive cotton RBA world. Then came the Fogger v4 and once again I was lured in. I searched around and the fastest way for me to get one was Ebay, and $35 and 3 days later, I received mine.

Sitting pretty on the Stingray clone

Sitting pretty on the Stingray clone

First Impressions

I will admit, this RBA showed up with better attention to detail than some other atomizers I have purchased. Most notably it came in a box. I did not expect much, and that is what I got. The atomizer was packaged in a simple cardboard box along with a keychain screwdriver and some spare o-rings and screws. Since I ordered the black model I inspected the “Paint” job. This atomizer uses a PVD coating (Physical Vapor Deposition) to paint this atomizer black, and I gotta say, they did a great job. The atomizer has a very even and spotless black coating. There is a noticeable brushed finish and this stuff feels tough. I would say I received this atomizer in mint condition and there were no apparent flaws upon my initial inspection. To be a stickler for details, I did notice the rim of the (thick) glass tank is a bit coarse, but that is just me looking for something to complain about. 

The barely used Fogger v4 and its nicely brushed black finish

The barely used Fogger v4 and its nicely brushed black finish

I give it a 9/10, there was nothing wrong, but I can’t say I was surprised.

Build Quality

Build quality is always very important with atomizers. RBA’s are devices that we constantly disassemble, tweak, modify, and rebuild. By definition the build quality determines the product life of a rebuildable atomizer. One of my initial concerns is the amount of o-rings in this atomizer and their tendency to fall out of place. They managed to jam an o-ring in every connection within the atomizer. In some places like around the copper 510 pin I wish they opted for a plastic insulator, because the o-ring doesn’t seem to stay put like some other atomizers. Besides the obnoxious amount of o-rings, this atomizer has an excellent build quality. It is very heavy, I tried this on my Nemesis clone with the black aluminum tube and it was very top heavy. I think the weight of this atomizer and the glass tank might guarantee the tank will shatter on a significant drop. Since I can’t help but wonder, I decided to put the PVD coating to an abrasion test. I started with a screwdriver and scratched around the base… nothing. I moved on and grabbed my dremel. First came the cotton polishing tip which did nothing but leave a shiny spot. I then grabbed a brush tip to achieve the same result. It took the stone wheel to leave a mark on this bad boy.

The chip was created by my  grinding stone

The chip was created by my grinding stone

The build materials are very high quality. The copper 510 pin feels solid and has a nice flat top. The chamber fits together almost seamlessly. The top cap securely screws down to make a reliable seal with no leaks. I’ve heard complaints that the AFC ring tends to unwind, but I must have a second-batch unit here, because that is a non issue. The knurling on the AFC makes it very easy to grip and adjust. Much like the previous Fogger v2, the AFC ring is limited and can not fully open and remain at about 50%, but even with the air holes partially obstructed the hit is very airy. The o-ring on the fill hole broke the first time I took it out, but I replaced that with one of the spares. My biggest complaint is the size of the post screws. They are simply too narrow and make gripping a 28awg dual coil difficult. I took the suggestion of a Reddit user and assembled my coil from a single strand of kanthal to overcome the posts from “dropping” the leads when tightened down.

Dual micro coils right around my ideal .5 ohm. Notice the coil is a single strand.

Dual micro coils right around my ideal .5 ohm. Notice the coil is a single strand.

I give it a 7.5/10, the o-rings, and AFC aren’t perfect, but the posts bother me the most.

Performance

This atomizer took me a few tries to get a good vape. It does not work exactly like either the Aqua nor the Kayfun. Once I got over the difficult posts and put a wick in this atomizer my first few attempts were awful. Initially I took the Aqua approach and ran my wicks through the juice channels into the tank, and I would not recommend it. The corners of the juice channels were choking the juice flow and drying out the wick. The next attempt I went the Kayfun route and laid the wicks across the decks, but this gave me an equally bad result. I finally settled on placing a small pointed lead into the channels, but not all way through, just so they barely reached the bottom, and this made all the difference. The positive post insulator has been excellent. Usually when I dry burn my Aqua I have to take it easy so the insulator won’t melt, but that is not an issue with the Fogger. I’ve been vaping at least 15ml on the same wicks and haven’t noticed any flavor loss, it is working great.

Excellent juice flow with the wicks as shown

Excellent juice flow with the wicks as shown

The fill hole is a little difficult to deal with. The fill screw has an o-ring around it that will fall off the screw every time you fill it. It is also too narrow. I can not manage to fill the tank without an excessive amount of liquid pouring back out of the fill hole or drip tip. This atomizer requires a whole paper towel for clean up if you plan on using a dropper. On a positive note, the juice capacity is very high, it holds a questionable amount of liquid between 5 and 6ml. I tried to get a clear measurement, but the fill hole failed me and I lost track. I make a mess every time I fill this atomizer, I really wish it had a top fill option, but the unthreaded tank makes this near impossible. It is nice to have such a big tank. With the Sony VTC4 battery I simply replace the battery at each juice refill and enjoy a nice and cloudy vape all day.

I give it an 7.5/10 considering the fill and coiling difficulty

Aesthetics

On a black mod this is a great looking atomizer. I was very excited to see which of my mods the paint job would best accommodate. I ended up settling on the Copper Stingray clone. The weight of the copper tubes helps make the mod more stable, the Nemesis was a bit top-heavy in 18650 mode.

The Fogger with a hybrid adapter on the Nemesis clone, Hybrid Aqua for scale

The Fogger with a hybrid adapter on the Nemesis clone, Hybrid Aqua for scale

I think the atomizer looks great. The drip tip that was included turned out to be rather lackluster, and I prefer a shorter drip tip so I shelved that right off the bat. The paint job was done very well and there are no spots or discoloration. No complaints here.

I give it a 9/10.

Overall Value

I would say overall value is where this mod really shines. For $35 I got one of the best atomizers I have used to date and it isn’t a clone. I wouldn’t suggest this for a first timer who is trying to get a dual coil tank atomizer, it is a little difficult and finicky on the deck. The filling can also be a slight pain, but I think I will get better with practice.

  • 22mm Diameter, slightly wider at the AFC ring
  • Dual air flow channels, plenty of flow
  • Nice rugged black PVD coating
  • Excellent adjustable copper 510 pin
  • Glass tank is nice and thick
  • The drip tip well is a very appropriate size and it doesn’t drop drip tips
  • Excellent vape, nice thick clouds
  • All day capacity of at least 5ml
  • Easy to clean
  • Compatible with hybrid adapter kits
  • The Bottom fill hole can be difficult
  • A very heavy RBA, it feels tough

This atomizer gets a 8.5/10 overall. I am very satisfied with the purchase and it works just like the extra large Aqua I hoped it would be.

I got mine off of Ebay, but there are many stores that have this atomizer in stock right now. The cheapest I’ve seen is just under $30 after coupon code “reddit10” here: http://www.eciggity.com/fogger-v4/

Back In Stock! Efest Luc 4 Bay Charger $24.99, Sells Out Quick!

This is the king of all chargers. Even the Nitecore Intellicharger can’t keep up with this beast. The Efest LUC V4 4 bay charger puts out an impressive 2 amps charge rate on a single battery. That makes this the fastest charger, twice the speed of the Nitecore. To be clear, the Nitecore does output 2 amps over all 4 channels, 500mah a channel, but does not have the ability to put 2ah over a single channel like this one does. The LED readout also provides 4 levels of battery charge, while the Nitecore only shows 3. Many stores out there have this for $40, most are $35, this deal takes the cake

That is a nice looking charger

That is a nice looking charger, notice the display shows the battery’s voltage.

This charger takes all common vaping batteries from 14500-18650’s. In case you can’t handle the power, this does have adjustable power settings as well. Comes with a car charger for the vaper on the road. Here is what Triangle Vape says about it:

  • AC input Power 100-240V 50/60Hz
  • AC output Power DC 12V 2A
  • DC input Power DC 12V 2A
  • 0.5A CC current 500mA ± 5%
  • 1A CC current 1000mA ± 5%
  • 2A CC current 2000mA ± 5%
  • Auto cut-off voltage 4.23V ± 0.05V
  • Compatabile batteries 10440/14500/14650/16340/16650/17650/17670/17350/18490/18500/18650/22650
  • Car adapter
  • Independent channels, 2A uses only channels 2 & 3
  • Selectable amps: 0.5A, 1A or 2A

Get yours here http://trianglevape.com/efest-luc-v4-4-bay-charger-w-car-adapter/

 

The Fogger v4 $30, The Big Fogger v4 $38

Look at all these options! I’ve been really excited to get my hands on a Fogger v4. I’ve always held the Aqua atomizer in very high regard and the Fogger v4 addresses the downsides of the Aqua. There are two colors available for the Fogger v4, black and stainless steel finish. There are also two sizes available 22mm and 28.5mm. I love having all these options and I have already jumped on getting a black one for myself to match my black Stingray and Nemesis clones. I’ve been waiting for a dual coil 28.5mm RBA to make the leap into 26650 mods and this will probably seal the deal.

Looks like even the o-rings match the color, nice attention to detail

Looks like even the o-rings match the color, nice attention to detail

I was one of the original adapters of the first and second Fogger RBAs. I had a very good experience with them until my insulators burned up and began shorting out on me. Since then I haven’t looked back at the Fogger, but the specs of the v4 have caught my attention. The deck in the Fogger v4 is designed for dual coils with its dual air channels. Just like the Aqua the air flow is adjustable and flows up through the bottom of the coil. There are 4 juice channels so the juice flow can keep the wicks soaked. Unlike the Aqua these mods come in more common sizes such as 22mm and 28.5mm.

Nice adjustable copper pin, should work great with any mod

Nice adjustable copper pin, should work great with any mod

I always prefer RBA’s with a window. It;s not easy using a stainless tank and trying to guess by taste how much juice there is left. The taste of burning cotton can really spoil my appetite. In case the 5ml capacity of the standard Fogger v4 is not enough, there is the Big Fogger V4 which states the capacity might be around 8ml.

Expected release date of May 24th, preorders now available.

Expected release date of May 24th, preorders now available for black or stainless finishes

Remember to use coupon code “reddit10” for 10% off.

Get your Fogger v4 22mm here: http://www.eciggity.com/fogger-v4/

Preorder the Big Fogger v4 here: http://www.eciggity.com/big-fogger-v4-28-5mm/

The Kayfun Lite Plus 28.5mm Clone Price Drop, $29.99

I got a few more details and a new lower price for this massive RBA. This is the first of many 28.5mm RBA’s we will see in the new future and it is very nice to see the price is the same as the 22mm counterpart. More suppliers are offering preorders for this atomizer, and I’d assume this is as low as the price will get from a U.S. vendor.

Big atomizers give big flavor

Big atomizers give big flavor

The estimated capacity for this atomizer has grown. I previously stated that it is around 8.5mm, this vendor says it is over 10ml. The clear tank is also included. It is not very descriptive but I would assume they mean the window section, and not a whole 1 piece clear tank. The drip tip is interchangeable with a standard o-ring design.

Standard drip tip and a very long chimney

Standard drip tip and a very long chimney

Here is what 101vape is saying about it:

  • Stainless rebuildable atomizer
  • Vacuum system
  • Huge and pure vapour
  • Change coil and make different resistance
  • Air flow control screw on bottom
  • Capacity: more than 10ml
  • 28.5 mm in diameter
  • Clear Tank also included in package

Get your preorder here: http://101vape.com/coming-soon/306-26650-kayfun-lite-plus-by-tobeco.html 

The Storm-A RDA Clone $11.69

The Storm-A RDA is back. The Storm-A was a very popular RDA when it first premiered at a few vendors. Since it first hit shelves this RDA has mostly been sold out. Now it has returned to stores again with a nice price reduction. The Storm-A is the 3 post RDA that strays from the standard design and brings new concepts to a familiar layout. Some would say it is an Origen RDA clone, but there are a few differences that would warrant calling this an original.

Notice the AFC slot instead of the drilled hole.

Notice the AFC slot instead of the drilled hole.

This looks like a complete package here. There is a drip tip included which is a pretty standard design, but it’s always nice to have a drip that you know will have a good fit. This atomizer fits in at the standard 22mm, which is the diameter of most popular mods like the Nemesis or Stingray. This is an rda made by Orieco, which is a company that tends to make products that are very similar to others that are available, but with their own touches. That makes them somewhat unique. It would be really ironic if this was a clone, but I am not sure if it is.

The deck is where this RDA really wins

The deck is where this RDA really wins, but you can’t ignore the nice o-ring placement.

I love that fat knurled center post. I’ve always prefered wire wrapping to post holes. For some reason most of the coils I try to mount through post holes tend to snap and disconnect. I consider wrapping with a nice fat screw head to be more reliable.

Those juice wells remind me of the Magma or Origen atomizers

Those juice wells remind me of the Magma or Origen atomizers

There is a nice insulator on the center post and everything is nice and close to the deck. This could work very well as a low ohm RDA. The juice wells are nice and deep, but I am a lazy person. I doubt I would be able to handle dripping into two different wells to ensure an extra long vape in between drips. I still love the design and really hope this evolves the same way the Origen did and grow some fatter negative post heads, and a channel to connect the wells. For the price you can’t go wrong.

I wish I remembered to use coupon code “10%off” when I bought the Stingray the other day, it still works.

Get yours here: http://www.angelcigs.com/storm-a-rebuildable-dripping-atomizer-rda.html