The Orchid V2 RTA Clone $11.08!

After a much needed personal leave from the site I am back! And what a great time it is to be reviewing the new vaping gear. Lots has changed in my absence and I plan on playing a little catch-up through my articles, but this here is the newest, latest and greatest. Today the highly anticipated V2 of the Orchid atomizer clone popped up for a ridiculously low price. At $11.08 it is cheaper than just about any other rebuildable tank atomizer available and after using the Tobeco V1 Orchid for a couple weeks, I would highly endorse this RTA. Although the design of this atomizer is not perfect, the price and features really make this a great addition to any collection. Here is my review/preview of the Orchid clone. 

4 Channels! 4 posts! 4 pieces!

Many Vapers out there would relate this atomizer to the Kayfun or Fogger v4 and they wouldn’t be wrong. I have toiled around with my own Orchid and found many parts to be interchangeable with my army of Kayfuns. The chimney section on this atomizer is wider than the Kayfun’s and is not interchangeable. This puts a bit of a limit on the amount of parts that can be swapped. Personally I don’t care for the plastic tank or top-heavy cap, which lead me to explore every possible combination of tank sections and top caps that would be compatible. Once again I became slightly frustrated with the chimney which I found to be too short to noticeably increase the tank capacity. The sellers claim the capacity is 2.5ml – 3.0ml, but I am finding it to be closer to 2ml. I finally settled on using 1 Kayfun Nano steel tank section paired with a regular Kayfun clear tank and steel band. I chose my flat-cap that came with my Kayfun Lite +v2 to top it all off. 

My personal pocket rocket. Pictured on a 4nine clone in 18350 mode. This is the maximum capacity the chimney would allow

The new V2 of the Orchid clone features a bottom filling port for those Vapers that hate removing the cap. I have been using the top fill and flip method without many issues. Besides the fill port change, the Orchid V2 clone is the same as the V1. The deck on this atomizer does use allen screws, I would have preferred a Phillips option, but I can live with it. I use my Orchid with a dual coil at .7ohms and I have not had a single wicking or gurgling issue. I use considerably less cotton in my builds, and I would say they are very similar to a Fogger v4 with the cotton running half way down the vertical juice channel. The draw is very airy and the vape might even satisfy some cloud chasers out there. Since I have been using this with the purple 18350 batteries I usually swap the battery each time I fill.  

The new fill port will make some people happy, others have been using the top fill Kayfun cap from Fasttech.

I paid almost double for my Tobeco Orchid and am very happy with it. If you are looking for a Kayfun with larger clouds you really can’t go wrong at this price. I wish there was a middle ground between the Fogger v4 and the Orchid, just like a Kayfun with the base from this atomizer. 

Here is what the site says about it:

• Compatible with 510 drip tip (drip tip sold separately)
• Quad-pole for dual coil build
• 4 wick channels
• 2 air holes
• 510 connection (brass contact, adjustable)
• Laser engravings on the chimney
• Bottom screw-refill hole

Get yours here: http://www.fasttech.com/products/1411/10009514/1850901-orchid-v2-styled-rebuildable-tank-atomizer-2-5-3

Stay tuned with the site, I am planning on adding plenty of new content in the near future!

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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/

Review: The Origin Mod Clone

Nice logo alignment

I have been waiting for this clone to come around. I love my Aqua (clone) and preemptively ordered the Origin mod clone to accompany it. The Origin mod is originally made by UVO Systems, and by Fontoon. The clone is of the 1st iteration of the mod, but currently there is a v2 rolling around. There are a couple unique features to the Origin mod. If you read my reviews you would know I bought it because of the hybrid adapter for the Aqua RBA. Sometimes when a mod has a hybrid RBA you might get a few choices of mods to use it with since many different mods use similar connectors. Not the Aqua. The Aqua and the Origin are both unique because they are 21mm in diameter. They also were made originally by the same manufacturer. The release of this clone came side by side between two different models. The one I received has a spring loaded switch, the latter has a magnetic switch.

Probably the nicest packaging I’ve gotten for a clone

First Impressions

I received a nice accented box with a magnetic flap, UVO logo across the top. The clone manufacturers are really stepping up their packaging to the next level. There are no signs of a true manufacturer on the box. Just the usual foam cutout with a mod inside. When I opened the box I saw a noticeably scratched up mod. It was the first thing I noticed before admiring the beautifully conic cutout on the top ring. Besides the scratches, the mod was overall very clean. There was a little smudge in the threadings, but otherwise the mod looked clean.

Looks like someone scratched it with a nail

Probably the fist thing I did was unscrew the whole top cap and affix my (Chi-You pin) hybrid adapter to my Aqua. I’ve heard complaints about some batteries not fitting into the tube, but my Sony VTC’s just slid right in. I went ahead and screwed down the atomizer and made sure the button was in a short mode. The mod wouldn’t tighten all the way, and began autofiring when I tried to close it. This mod was going to need a little bit of work before it would be ready to use.

I give it a 7/10 particularly because of the scratches

Build Quality

This mod is machined pretty well. The 21mm width is very noticeable when you hold it in your hand. Although this mod is thinner than just about every mech out there, it doesn’t feel flimsy or top heavy. There are a few parts of the design that I think could have used a bit more consideration. For example there was an o-ring on the bottom of the button insulator. This was unnecessary and seemed to just be a quick fix for a mod that needs a bit more spacing on the inside. I wish I intended to use the top cap to this mod, it is probably the most impressive part of the whole assembly.

Just look how nasty those threads look

When I get a new mod I like to clean off the threadings and give the tubes a solid flick to see if the mod will tighten down, this mod flicked right together. I was surprised because the threading looked really gritty and coarse. The spring in the button was very flimsy. When I tried to stand the mod up it has a considerable lean and a heavy atomizer would have probably caused it to constantly fire. The contacts are brass, which is pretty standard. There is now an Aqua atomizer coming out that has a silver plated hybrid adapter, I would have favored that instead of mine for better connectivity. I wish there was more to comment on, but this mod is not a stand out or a complete failure in really any measure.

I give it a 6/10

Performance

This is my favorite section in reviews. Some mods have their inherent issues and this mod is no exception. Let’s start with the most unique part of the mod, the button. Right out of the box the button was way out of wack. The button was so loose that it looked like the mod would buckle over if I put to much weight on it. I decided to dissect the button and see what was going on in there.

Notice I already removed the o-ring from the insulator

There’s a nice combination of brass and steel with an insulator to keep everything separate. I’ve read that users who are looking to use the kick have to remove the insulator to be able to tighten down the mod. The nut that holds the button together has some nice knurling on the sides, this makes it very easy to tighten the button down. After removing the insulator and pin I was able to easily grip the nut and expose the rest of the parts. The flimsy spring was the first thing that I noticed. It resembled the “gold” spring from my Nemesis clone which gave me the idea to double up the spring with a spare from my Nemesis. I reassembled the button and tightened everything down to keep it as short as possible. This turned out to be a requirement for using this mod if I didn’t want to expose the tube’s threads. The second spring definitely helped out this mod a lot. It was now able to stand without any wobble and my concerns of it firing diminished.

The button has very smooth action. There is no click or crunch when when the button is fired, it feels very cushy. I guess my biggest disappointment with the button is the inability to toil with the adjustable settings. With an 18650 battery and the Aqua atomizer (pin fully tightenend) I can’t adjust the throw of the button much at all before the mod fires. Now is a good place to mention the locking ring. The locking ring is not reverse threaded and is very impractical to use. The smooth sides make it near impossible to grip. The short button throw makes it hard to trust as well.

This mod does vape well. I love the Aqua atomizer for it’s flavor and clouds, and this mod compliments it nicely. The brass contacts provide a minimal voltage drop, I would have preferred silver contacts like the Nemesis, or Caravela clone, but I think the novelty lies with the hybrid connection. As I switch the atomizer between my Nemesis and this mod the difference in vape is not very noticeable at all.

I give it a 5.5/10

Aesthetics

This is where this mod should really shine. The real purpose of buying a hybrid mod is because the atomizer is “that” good and you want the perfect mod to fit it. Unfortunately for me, these two are not perfect matches.

Notice where the atomizer and tube join

When I ran my thumbnail up the side of the mod I could easily feel that the atomizer is slightly larger than the tube. In my opinion that is a real bad design flaw and I am not sure who to blame, the atomizer or the mod.

Another very noticeable yet strange feature of this mod is in the laser engraving, in particular the addition of the Vaporwall VW above the serial number. As far as I know there is no Vaporwall edition Origin mod.

They did the serial without a 0 in front!

I might have my expectations set a little too high, but adding the VW just annoys me. They did get something right though, the serial has no “0” in front of it. Having a 0 in front of a serial number always annoyed me. Issues aside the laser engraving was very well done. It is darker and much bolder than it is on the atomizer. The button also looks very nice with the band of polished stainless steel running across it.

I give it a 6.5/10

Overall Value

This mod was cheap. At $21.15 it is one of the cheapest I’ve bought. Most mods have at least one or two unique features to stand out from the crowd. This mod has the 21mm width and the complicated button. I’d say the 21mm width is very noticeable. The difference in size is more noticeable than the difference between my Nemesis and Chi-You. I haven’t had any issues with battery fit, so I’d say they did a good job there. The button on the other hand is pretty bad. I’ve already heard numerous complaints from experienced vapers not being able to get the mod to fire reliably. I’d say due to the fit of the tubes, the adjustable settings of the button are useless. Don’t let that ruin the mod for you, there are worse buttons out there, The Chi-You and the Private v2 come to mind. For $21 it is hard to find a mod that is better, but not impossible.

I’ve had worse

The run down:

• Unique 21mm diameter
• Threading is coarse but functions nicely
• The spring in the switch is flimsy
• Good quality engraving
• Impractical locking mechanism
• It might arrive scuffed up
• Performs well in hybrid mode, but isn’t flush
• Nice packaging
• No battery rattle
• This mod is cheap

This mod gets a 6/10 overall

I got mine from Fasttech, you can pick it up here: http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10006879/1547400-origin-style-mechanical-mod

Review: The Aqua Atomizer Clone by Tobeco

Ordering this atomizer was a no-brainer for me. I’ve been waiting for an affordable alternative Kayfun style atomizer and the Aqua by UVO Systems clone popped up on a US based shop for $29.99. If this atomizer was any more expensive I probably would have held out, but for just a few dollars more than most Kayfun clones I couldn’t resist. Just a couple days after placing my order for the Tobeco Aqua at 101vape, my Tobeco Kayfun Lite clone showed up from overseas. I’m not going to ramble on about how bad Tobeco’s Kayfun lite clone is, but it made me very worried for the Aqua Atomizer. Luckily I was in for a surprise.

Standard packaging, nothing to write home about here.

   First Impressions

The atomizer arrived in a standard bubble wrapped Tobeco cardboard box with a magnetic flap. Initially I was slightly disappointed in the contents of the package. There was no red o-rings (deal breaker,) no secondary drip tip and worst of all… no hybrid pin. 101vape has already updated the product listing stating that anyone who ordered before will be receiving a hybrid connector free of charge. Also Josh from E-CIG RBA FANS says the pin from the Chi-You fits perfectly. Luckily I have a couple of those clones sitting around gathering dust. Upon arrival this mod was surprisingly clean. Besides a little black industrial smudge in the drip tip and threadings, this mod barely needed any scrubbing. Personally I hate silica wicks and as per usual I immediately ripped out the shoddy dual coil silica build, threw it in the trash and tossed the disassembled mod into rubbing alcohol to soak. Once the atomizer was properly sloshed I dried it off and had my way with it.

Right out of the package

I give it a 4.0/10, particularly for missing parts

Build Quality

After the Tobeco Kayfun Lite clone left a bad taste in my mouth I was prepared for disappointment. Counter to my expectations the build quality is excellent. The steel has a nice and even brushed finish that is consistent throughout the atomizer. The holes are all neatly drilled out with no excess material. The threading is as smooth as can be, making the air flow and fill cap very easy to adjust.

Fully stripped down

Every part has an excellent fit. The atomizer feels very solid when fully assembled. I would go as far to say the build quality rivals my authentic Kayfun Lite. This atomizer feels tough, and I wouldn’t be real worried about dropping it, it gives me the impression that it can take a beating. The only minute concern is the well for the drip tip. It is a bit too big for most drip tips to have a secure fit, although the stock drip tip does fit it perfectly.

I give it a 9.0/10

Performance

This will make or break an atomizer. There are some relatively ugly atomizers out there that have excellent performance and in many cases performance can redeem their less desirable qualities. Being the first dual coil Kayfun style atomizer, I had some very high expectations. My mind is blown, this RBA is a true standout. It is even better than I hoped. Having recently jumped on the multi-micro-coil bandwagon I was not going to settle for a single coil in this RBA.

The RBA in its natural building habitat. Dual micro 28 awg with 8 wraps at 2mm for .63 ohms.

I noticed something while building and attaching my coils… This RBA does not require any tools at all! The posts are made up of some nicely machined thumb screws that can easily be tightened by hand. It was really easy to attach the coils without a screw driver in hand. Placing the cotton wick went easily as well. I just slammed it through the coils then jammed it into the juice wells and closed up the chamber. The 510 pin is adjustable which is a nice touch for those finicky mech mods out there.

Yup that’s a pin

The design of this mod made filling it a breeze. I went ahead and measured the capacity. After priming the wick, I was able to fit 1.6 ml of juice into the tank. The atomizer’s capacity and steel tank are probably the two biggest drawbacks of the design.

I especially appreciated that I didn’t have to hold a finger over the air intake during filling. I Just screwed down the steel tank to seal off the air flow, filled the tank from the top, closed it, flipped it and opened the air flow. I noticed that the holes in the top cap make the lid very easy to grip. It was ready to vape. I had set high expectations and this atomizer exceeded them all. Right off the bat I was getting amazing flavor and massive clouds. The flavor was every bit as good as a dripper, and the warm vapor temp resembles one as well. I haven’t been able to put this atomizer down. I already prefer it to the Russian 91. If it wasn’t for the 18650 form factor to accommodate the sub ohm coil I would undoubtedly shelve all my other atomizers. I have vaped over 5 tank loads in this RBA and can’t complain at all.

I give it a 8.5/10, with higher capacity and a clear tank it would be very close to a 10.

Aesthetics

This atomizer is not destined to win beauty pageants, although it does display excellent craftsmanship. To be honest the drip tip is one of the uglier designs I have seen. The polished finish on the drip tip clashes with the brushed finish on the rest of the atomizer. The shape resembles an awkwardly tall top hat. The drip tip is also very thin, I’m sure it would eventually shatter my front teeth if I kept using it so I opted to use my Chi-You drip tip from Fasttech. I would have preferred the alternate drip tip that the UVO made Aqua comes with.

The 21mm width looks slightly awkward on most mods

I wish there was a 22mm version of this mod so I wouldn’t be required to use the Origin mod for a flush fit. The laser engraving on this mod is very high quality, but is off from the original. The font is off, and there is a small difference in the symbol above it. I always dislike when a mod puts a 4 digit serial for a 3 digit number, mine is 0814. Having the 0 in front of the serial just reminds me that this is a clone and there are thousands of these made. Since this is a clone I can’t really complain about that. The stickler in me wishes this had the red o-rings on the inside. Even though they are never really seen, I would sleep better at night knowing they were there.

I give it a 7/10

Overall Value

I ordered this RBA from 101vapes where it came to $31.99 shipped. That is a very low price for a rebuildable atomizer (clone) from a store in the U.S. I would not hesitate to buy another. This atomizer is specially designed to be the first dual coil pressurized rebuildable atomizer and it is excellent for the price. Out of the box I didn’t have to make any major adjustments, no drilling or polishing. This RBA was quick to set up and has performed flawlessly so far. I recommend this to anyone that is a fan of the Kayfun and wants to make bigger clouds, or even just an airier draw.

Glowing with potential

The run down:

• Excellent threading and a breeze to build
• Really nice airy draw with clouds of vapor
• Handles any kind of wick for any kind of vaper
• Easy to fill, albeit low 1.6ml capacity
• Alternate drip tips fit loose and the stock one is a drag
• Laser engraving is nice and deep, but not perfect
• Tough and sturdy, I doubt I will break it soon
• No leaks, nice seals, and no red o-rings

A Solid 9/10 overall

I got mine from http://101vape.com/home/178-aqua-atomizer-clone.html for $31.99 shipped. They are constantly going in and out of stock.

The Poordiac. The First Legitimate Clone of The MMVapors Poldiac Mod.

I was skeptical at first. There was my favorite mod, the Poldiac. Many vapers would refer to this mod as the current top of the class. The Poldiac features beautiful details, a magnetic push button switch, and near non-existent voltage drop. All these perks add up to a serious price tag. The base model will set you back $250. For your money you get the mod in whatever size you prefer. It will cost another $44 per battery tube+pant combo if you want another size as well. A complete Poldiac with all 3 size tubes will set you back almost $350. That is not cheap, but I’ve seen first hand that it’s performance is top notch. As far as I’ve seen in mechanical mods, it has yet to be topped. Sure you can go get yourself a Atmomixani Nemesis and get similar performance in a smaller package. You can even get a clone of the Nemesis and pay 1/5 of the price and get similar performance, but what happens when you try to clone the Poldiac?

Which one is it?

First Impressions

Consistent in my clone purchasing experience, the box looked nicer on the website. It really is nice though. Much nicer than say… The Chammer box or even an iPhone. The box has a nice magnetic flap that easily flips open to reveal the mod and its additional 18650 tube + 18500 extension. I learnt the brand Asmart from watching the new clone news and confirmed it with the label on the box. It didn’t look too pretty at first. There was a nick on the bottom. Fingerprints all over the tube. The boring in the ovals of the brass base were not properly punched through. This mod was as dirty as hobo money. Yet I haven’t even mentioned the 18500 “extension.” Note you do not get a full set of tube/pants for 18500’s included. It is a common tube extender like with other clone mods like the Chi-you or Nemesis. Lastly the brass finish was (and still is) rather inconsistent. I had to give mine a few times over with the ol’ polishing cloth and it still looks a little funny.

I give it a 5.5/10

THIS IS A REENACTMENT FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

Build Quality

Now is it’s time to shine, Vaperoyalty only had the polished silver finish available. I would have preferred a satin finish, but no worries I want to see how well it all goes together. I started off as I usually would with any subject, I took the pants off. Now these are some nice fitting pants. For anyone unfamiliar with the Poldiac build, it features “Pants” and a “Shirt,” this is part of what makes the mod unique. Notice in the above pic there is a separation in the bottom of the 18650 tube, what appears to be a button is actually two full size tubes. They have an amazing fit, really smooth slide between them. The same goes for the 18350 set. I can loosen up the bottom cap and spin it like I’m playing Russian roulette and the mod will still fire!

Serialized and sitting pretty

The amazing set of silver pins. Each silver pin consists of two parts. Each solid silver. Just like the original. They are reverse threaded. Just like the original. They are derlin insulated between the button connection… you get the drift. Even the spring in the base is silver, and you get a spare included! The button mechanics are spot on. Everything from the magnetic button press and the adjustable pin’s firing range are all excellent. The shirt (albeit a new design, I’ll get to that later) slides right around if I ever needed to lock the mod. I love the build quality overall.

The clone on the right is nearly identical to the original.

Another shot showing the top side

I give it a 9.5/10

Performance

Indistinguishable from the original. The button fires very reliably. I can screw on any atomizer, and with a quick fiddle of the pin, it will fire. I’ve read other reviews that say the tubes are not interchangeable with the original, with my clone they are. I can use either of the two included tubes on the original poldiac and they fit perfect. The voltage drop is near non existent.

My fine craftsmanship was involved in this. That is my diy $4 voltage meter

I can’t say enough good things about this, I am blown away. I’ve always been worried about mods with the switch on the bottom, because I walk with them in my pocket and become paranoid about it firing on me. Not with this one. It is so unlikely that something would prod my pocket and fully compress the firing switch, that I don’t even think about locking it. This button takes a nice intentional press to fire and I appreciate that. I love my nemesis clones, and I hate to say this, but this one has won me over. I haven’t used them since I got this, except for my drippers. Its been 2 happy weeks now and I can’t complain a bit.

I give it 10/10

Aesthetics

The looks of this mod sure is swell. Until you put a real Poldiac next to it. There are noticeable differences. The original is significantly shorter. Now this is all relevant. Without an original Poldiac to compare to, it is unnoticeable. The overall difference is about 1.5mm. 

The other noticeable issue is an inconsistency in the brass. The middle band of brass which makes up the button housing is a different consistency than the other two bands. You have to look pretty close to notice that though. Also the slits within the brass bands are a bit sharper than the original. This will make it gather a bit more grit from you hands. All that considered, it looks great. I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference from 5 feet away… Except for the shirt. The shirt on this mod has a design that currently is not sold by MMvapors. While they have used a solid shirt in the past, and currently have a slotted version, I can’t find anyone selling the grooved design at this time.

Clone on the left

I give it a 9.5/10

Overall Value

This is not the cheapest clone there is. There is even another clone of the Poldiac available for a fraction of the cost, ($25 at multiple sites.) At $70 it is actually the most expensive clone I’ve bought to date. I don’t regret it one bit and I think it is worth every penny. I’ve never bought another clone that shipped with a magnetic switch and solid silver pins. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is second to none of my other clones. I would say at $70 this mod is a bargain.

18650 mode after some polishing

In summary the nitty gritty:

• Solid silver connections everywhere
• Excellent threading and brass connectors
• Solid insulation and battery vents
• Adjustable pins to accommodate a variety of atomizers
• Incredibly reliable firing action
• 99% of the original design, slight subtle differences
• Real eye candy, a true piece of art

A solid 9.5/10

You can get yours at http://www.vaperoyalty.com/poldiac-mod/ For $69.99 when they come back in stock. These guys ship fast and have excellent customer service.

The Hammer Mod Clone Review.

I originally got on the preorder for this mod the day it was announced. I’ve had mine for almost a week now and I feel cheated, because now anyone can get there’s for the same price and a few places got them in stock. I got mine for $44.99 from 101vape, and at this moment that offer is still available. So far I love my clone. It does have a few quirks though, but none bad enough for any regret. I have the Tobeco version which seems to be the first one to hit the shelves.

Tobeco Hammer Mod Clone.

First Impressions

This thing is heavy. I heard many initial reviewers talk about the weight, but it is real. With an atomizer attached I feel like I could bash any of my other mods to pieces. If mods were forced to fight in the gladiator arena, this mod would be Russell Crowe. The whole battery compartment is one solid steel block. It looks great. The mod came in a lackluster package. There is some cut foam holding the 3 pieces and that is all. I didn’t really expect much more than that.

Build Quality

The build quality is excellent. The battery tube could use a revision. While inserting my first battery I noticed that the tube is narrow. I could not fit any of my batteries that have stickers on them into the tube (Ehpro 18350’s.) In addition to being narrow the whole battery compartment in general feels like it could use another millimeter of length to allow the button to be tightened down all the way. That being said I love the concept of the design. Since the battery compartment and compartment housing only have 1 opening there is no futzing around with the contacts. Just toss a battery in, button side down, and tighten the button on and it will work. The lazer engraving is deep and thick and seemingly perfect. The painting on the atomizer plate is the opposite.

The atomizer cap, and it’s second rate painting

When I received my mod the black paint on the atomizer cap was running down it’s sides. As a fiend for polishing I immediately grabbed some polishing tools and filed that off. I’m not a stickler for details, but my friend even noticed it from a good 8 feet away while I was vaping. When I was changing the tubes I found another small blemish. The ring that holds the tubes/button to the base had crunchy threads. There was a significant scratch on one of the threads that had to be filed off. I was worried this would eventually ruin the threading.

I give it a 6.5/10.

Performance

The design of this mod is excellent. The button is nice and crispy and fires reliably. The locking ring works effortlessly. This mod is rather impractical as a pocket mod, but its nice to have for placing the mod into storage. The floating firing pin is worry free and hasn’t given me a single issue. I have multiple atomizers with varying length pins, but I just tighten them down and it fires. Usually a floating pin worries me when compared to a nice adjustable pin like the nemesis clone has. I tested a fresh battery and got a nice 4.19v reading, for a mod of this novelty that is refreshingly good. The mod is very well balanced, I don’t knock this over nearly as much as my tube mods.

The Chammer I preordered from 101vape. I swear it is standing up on it’s own.

I give it a 9.5/10

Aesthetics

This mod looks great and it makes a statement. I love having it on my desk at work with my Russian 91% on it. Even in 18350 mode I can stand it up on its bottom or back. There were some blemishes on the mod when I received it, but to be honest I never received a perfect clone. After a thorough cleaning and a nice few minutes of polishing the mod looked great. The mod is big. Deceptively big. The thin-feeling polished exterior of the mod feels a bit brittle and I’ve noticed it was a bit uneven when I got the mod. My serial number is 0981, I wish it didn’t have the 0 in front. Also I would never drive using this mod, because it looks like I’m smoking weed when I use it.

Next to a Nemesis/R91% and Poldiac/Kayfun Lite, the mods are clones.

For the nice laser engraving, unique design, comfortable weight and finish: I give this mod an 8/10.

Overall Value

Perceived value is an important factor. I paid $47 to get this mod shipped over. There are numerous (clone) alternatives available with the same features in that price range. The strong points for this mod are:

• The unique and novel pipe design
• The flexibility for all batteries and 510 atomizers
• Great performance from the brass floating pin
• Weight and overall stability
• Crispy reliable button

I give this mod an 8 Overall. If it is the pipe mod you are looking for… than look no further. You will not be disappointed. The blows all the other pipe mods I’ve tried out of the water. I have always wanted a pipe mod for myself and as a cheap addition to my arsenal I love this little bad ass.

$47.00 shipped from 101vape in stock right now.

http://101vape.com/home/149-the-chammer-mod-.html

I Have Received The Poldiac Clone!

I am going to keep this brief, since I plan to write an in-depth comparison between the original Poldiac and the clone, or counterfeit as some people prefer to call it. I purchased this mod from Vape Royalty and for the few hours I’ve had it, I’ve been very happy. Right away I noticed the high quality of this clone, and some differences from the original. I’ll break it all down after I give this mod a good test run.

The Poldiac Clone in 18650 mode after a quick polish, and of course I had to put on my polished tank. This mod definitely needed a good cleaning/polishing when I got it.

Here is the short mode. It is a little bigger than a Nemesis, but definitely not too big. Man my keyboard looks awful.

Here is the link for those interested $69.99 http://www.vaperoyalty.com/poldiac-mod/

My Favorite Drip Tips

Drip tips add a lot of style to a favorite atomizer and there’s a few that standout as my favorites.

Drip Tips

The Loki Stub, The Muffler, and the Grooved Shortie

The Loki Stub can be found at http://lokilab.com/products/loki-stub I like it for it’s tasteful little flame and the short rounded design. Looks excellent on a Kayfun at $12

I’ve always had a soft spot for the angled muffler tip. At $2.21 each these are a bargain and give a nice simple slant to your atomizer. The wide bore is very airy as well. https://www.fasttech.com/p/1442707

The grooved shorty is another bargain and it can be had for $2.85. This is a two parter, and you get an insulator base as well. Personally I don’t see a use for the insulator base unless I was to use a very short dripper, but on a Kayfun it is rather useless. https://www.fasttech.com/p/1508905