Diablo Hybrid started as a one man's project in 2012. The modder who goes by the username 'gixxxer' in different vaping forums, had a clear idea for the Diablo Hybrid. And that was to build a simple, user friendly device for himself and then hopefully others too. His requirements included: large juice tank, good conductivity, possibility to use different batteries, easy-to-setup genesis style atomizer, and as small size as possible. All of this of course using only high quality materials. Basic and simple design, rather than innovative or artistic design.
When other vapers showed some intrest for the Diablo too, the first batch of Diablo Hybrids came out at December 2012 - and it received quite positive response from the users. Based on the feedback he received from the vaping community, the modder made some updates for the second batch, that came available at March 2012. First version of the Diablo didn't actually had any major issues, but as usually in these devices something can be always done a little better. And if something can be done a little better - then why not to do it? So what we have here now is Diablo Hybrid v1.1, and I have listed the differences between these versions at the end of the review.
Switch part & the tubes:
Build material in Diablo Hybrid is 316L stainless steel, and it comes with polished or satin finish, which is in these first two batches done with media blasting method. You have possibility to use 18350 batteries, and 18650 batteries with the add-on tube. Kind of 'mini' and 'standard' in the same package, which I think is very nice. Both contacts - negative contact in the switch, and the positive contact in the atomizer - are made of brass and they are gold plated. So conductivity is working really well in this mod, and thanks to gold plating the brass parts doesn't need cleaning or polishing so often. Negative contact in the switch is adjustable, and around the contact is insulation part. Under the insulation is spring washer, so comparing to first version of the Diablo there is now more flexibility for little bit of different lenght batteries. No more battery rattling in the tube, no more gaps between the tubes.
Switch works very precise and hits hard every time. Locking ring is a little wider than the device itself, and it's very pleasant to use. Button movement is done with magnets. For my taste the button movement felt a little bit too hard. I'm used to spring operated softer buttons, so I just replaced the magnets with nice brass spring. This is not by any means modification that you need to do, just a little something I did for my personal taste. I'm also guessing, that just by using the button couple of weeks it would have improved a lot.
Atomizer part & the tank:
Diablo has a simple genesis style atomizer. Quit similar than Zen atty's for the most part. Positive and negative connections can be used with a phillips screwdriver. Wick hole size is 3.3mm with the insulation, and 4mm without it. Insulation parts in positive post, and in the wick hole are made from PEEK-plastic, which is quite more heat resistant material than delrin for example. People using unoxidized mesh wicks or very low ohms can maybe appreciate this feature.
Making your wick and coil for this atomizer is quite easy, even for the beginners. The positive post is little bit high for the three wrap coil for my taste, but then again - that's just me, and I know people who prefer to do that kind of setup in Diablo and don't see the any problem. Air hole in the top cap is 1.2 mm, and the air chamber is pretty much what it looks like from the outside - it's not reduced in anyway, but the wall thickness in the top cap is quite heavy and it's shortened 1,5 mm from the first version. Tightness of the cap with double o-rings is just right, the cap doesn't come off easily by accident, but it's still pretty easy to remove.
The atomizer part of the Diablo Hybrid is removable. Actually some users noticed during the first batch, that it can be also threaded into GGTS same way as Z-atty-G. Modder himself didn't had a GGTS, so that was just lucky coincidence for his part. Turned out also, that the threading was bit too short for the GGTS, when using some other than 18650 batteries - so the modder decided to make atomizer with longer threading, to be sold separately and it is now called 'DVG'. Anyway, this information might be useful to know for the GGTS owners, that are considering to purchase this device.
4,5ml juice tank is made from the pyrex glass, and it's 2,5mm thick. It handles direct hits very well, but as usual with pyrex or any glass tanks - inner pressure breaks them more easily, usually when removing them in wrong angle. Maybe that's why the modder has choosed quite thin o-rings for the tank - but that has also caused the only actual issue in this current Diablo Hybrid batch. As it has been turned out, these glass tanks have 0,1mm tolerances in inner diameter. I had a little bit of leaking with my first tank, but when I changed it to my spare tank there was no leaking at all. However, the modder promised to send new o-rings for everyone who has noticed these problems in their tanks, and this issue is naturally fixed for the future batches. In meanwhile - I've been using one layer of dental floss under the o-rings, and this has fixed the issue totally. Thanks to fellow finnish vaper for this great idea!
How does it vape & conclusion:
So, the most important thing. How does it vape? I have to admit at first, that I don't have experience from wide range of hybrids or genesis style atomizers. I've been using them about 4,5 months at this moment, so I have only tried and owned a few. But, I know how to make my wick and coil, and with my usual setup (4 wraps of 28awg kanthal to unoxidized mesh wick) Diablo fires hard and produce satisfying amount of vapour for me. Taste is well presented, and I can taste all the different notes from my favourite e-liquid. Since the airchamber is rather big, this is not intense tastebomb like mini-DID or other small chambered atomizers. Taste is more like balanced, than 'in your face'. The airhole feels just right, and I don't have a feeling that it should be any larger or smaller.
As overall, build quality is excellent. Threading in every part works really well, I like the polishing and the surface of the tubes feels flawless. As for the design, it little bit lacks personality - but especially in 18350 mode this really pleases my eye. Beautiful little asskicker. Diablo-logo on the button is nice, but it really doesn't show anywhere from there. The issue with tank o-rings was quite annoying, but will be fixed by quarantee customer service, and it can be fixed easily by yourself too. And as for the magnets; some people like them, but if they don't feel comfortable for you - just replace them with spring.
If you live inside the EU, you can purchase your Diablo-products straight from the webshop (link), or if you live in another part of the world through the retailers (link). Sign up for the newsletter, and join the facebook group and you will be informed for upcoming batches. I personally also look forward upcoming devices like Diablo One, which is made from anodized aluminum with some artwork - and little bit more in distant future Diablo Fulgoris, which is going to be DNA20 powered device. The price for this basic ss-version of Diablo Hybrid is 170 euros + costs.
Pros and cons:
+ Gold plated brass contacts, good conductivity
+ Adjustable negative screw, and flexible design in the switch
+ User friendly atomizer, and insulated wickhole wide enough
+ Top cap fits perfect with double o-rings
+ PEEK plastic used in insulation parts
+ Large pyrex glass juice tank
+ Overall build quality
- Leaking issues with tank o-rings
- Button movement quite stiff with magnets
- Some people may find the design too modest or ordinary
Differences between versions 1.0 and 1.1:
1.) Changed the battery tubes from welded ss-tube to without welding, because the weld can be seen with the blasted finish. 2.) Added a spring to the button insulation, to make sure that the device will accept and fit all batteries without ratling. 3.) Changed the design of the contact pin on the button, to make sure it doesn't fall apart when using the locking ring. 4.) Moved the lower o-ring on the top cap 0.5mm upwards. 5.) Shortened the top cap 1.5mm.
When other vapers showed some intrest for the Diablo too, the first batch of Diablo Hybrids came out at December 2012 - and it received quite positive response from the users. Based on the feedback he received from the vaping community, the modder made some updates for the second batch, that came available at March 2012. First version of the Diablo didn't actually had any major issues, but as usually in these devices something can be always done a little better. And if something can be done a little better - then why not to do it? So what we have here now is Diablo Hybrid v1.1, and I have listed the differences between these versions at the end of the review.
Switch part & the tubes:
Build material in Diablo Hybrid is 316L stainless steel, and it comes with polished or satin finish, which is in these first two batches done with media blasting method. You have possibility to use 18350 batteries, and 18650 batteries with the add-on tube. Kind of 'mini' and 'standard' in the same package, which I think is very nice. Both contacts - negative contact in the switch, and the positive contact in the atomizer - are made of brass and they are gold plated. So conductivity is working really well in this mod, and thanks to gold plating the brass parts doesn't need cleaning or polishing so often. Negative contact in the switch is adjustable, and around the contact is insulation part. Under the insulation is spring washer, so comparing to first version of the Diablo there is now more flexibility for little bit of different lenght batteries. No more battery rattling in the tube, no more gaps between the tubes.
Switch works very precise and hits hard every time. Locking ring is a little wider than the device itself, and it's very pleasant to use. Button movement is done with magnets. For my taste the button movement felt a little bit too hard. I'm used to spring operated softer buttons, so I just replaced the magnets with nice brass spring. This is not by any means modification that you need to do, just a little something I did for my personal taste. I'm also guessing, that just by using the button couple of weeks it would have improved a lot.
Atomizer part & the tank:
Diablo has a simple genesis style atomizer. Quit similar than Zen atty's for the most part. Positive and negative connections can be used with a phillips screwdriver. Wick hole size is 3.3mm with the insulation, and 4mm without it. Insulation parts in positive post, and in the wick hole are made from PEEK-plastic, which is quite more heat resistant material than delrin for example. People using unoxidized mesh wicks or very low ohms can maybe appreciate this feature.
Making your wick and coil for this atomizer is quite easy, even for the beginners. The positive post is little bit high for the three wrap coil for my taste, but then again - that's just me, and I know people who prefer to do that kind of setup in Diablo and don't see the any problem. Air hole in the top cap is 1.2 mm, and the air chamber is pretty much what it looks like from the outside - it's not reduced in anyway, but the wall thickness in the top cap is quite heavy and it's shortened 1,5 mm from the first version. Tightness of the cap with double o-rings is just right, the cap doesn't come off easily by accident, but it's still pretty easy to remove.
The atomizer part of the Diablo Hybrid is removable. Actually some users noticed during the first batch, that it can be also threaded into GGTS same way as Z-atty-G. Modder himself didn't had a GGTS, so that was just lucky coincidence for his part. Turned out also, that the threading was bit too short for the GGTS, when using some other than 18650 batteries - so the modder decided to make atomizer with longer threading, to be sold separately and it is now called 'DVG'. Anyway, this information might be useful to know for the GGTS owners, that are considering to purchase this device.
4,5ml juice tank is made from the pyrex glass, and it's 2,5mm thick. It handles direct hits very well, but as usual with pyrex or any glass tanks - inner pressure breaks them more easily, usually when removing them in wrong angle. Maybe that's why the modder has choosed quite thin o-rings for the tank - but that has also caused the only actual issue in this current Diablo Hybrid batch. As it has been turned out, these glass tanks have 0,1mm tolerances in inner diameter. I had a little bit of leaking with my first tank, but when I changed it to my spare tank there was no leaking at all. However, the modder promised to send new o-rings for everyone who has noticed these problems in their tanks, and this issue is naturally fixed for the future batches. In meanwhile - I've been using one layer of dental floss under the o-rings, and this has fixed the issue totally. Thanks to fellow finnish vaper for this great idea!
How does it vape & conclusion:
So, the most important thing. How does it vape? I have to admit at first, that I don't have experience from wide range of hybrids or genesis style atomizers. I've been using them about 4,5 months at this moment, so I have only tried and owned a few. But, I know how to make my wick and coil, and with my usual setup (4 wraps of 28awg kanthal to unoxidized mesh wick) Diablo fires hard and produce satisfying amount of vapour for me. Taste is well presented, and I can taste all the different notes from my favourite e-liquid. Since the airchamber is rather big, this is not intense tastebomb like mini-DID or other small chambered atomizers. Taste is more like balanced, than 'in your face'. The airhole feels just right, and I don't have a feeling that it should be any larger or smaller.
As overall, build quality is excellent. Threading in every part works really well, I like the polishing and the surface of the tubes feels flawless. As for the design, it little bit lacks personality - but especially in 18350 mode this really pleases my eye. Beautiful little asskicker. Diablo-logo on the button is nice, but it really doesn't show anywhere from there. The issue with tank o-rings was quite annoying, but will be fixed by quarantee customer service, and it can be fixed easily by yourself too. And as for the magnets; some people like them, but if they don't feel comfortable for you - just replace them with spring.
If you live inside the EU, you can purchase your Diablo-products straight from the webshop (link), or if you live in another part of the world through the retailers (link). Sign up for the newsletter, and join the facebook group and you will be informed for upcoming batches. I personally also look forward upcoming devices like Diablo One, which is made from anodized aluminum with some artwork - and little bit more in distant future Diablo Fulgoris, which is going to be DNA20 powered device. The price for this basic ss-version of Diablo Hybrid is 170 euros + costs.
Pros and cons:
+ Gold plated brass contacts, good conductivity
+ Adjustable negative screw, and flexible design in the switch
+ User friendly atomizer, and insulated wickhole wide enough
+ Top cap fits perfect with double o-rings
+ PEEK plastic used in insulation parts
+ Large pyrex glass juice tank
+ Overall build quality
- Leaking issues with tank o-rings
- Button movement quite stiff with magnets
- Some people may find the design too modest or ordinary
Differences between versions 1.0 and 1.1:
1.) Changed the battery tubes from welded ss-tube to without welding, because the weld can be seen with the blasted finish. 2.) Added a spring to the button insulation, to make sure that the device will accept and fit all batteries without ratling. 3.) Changed the design of the contact pin on the button, to make sure it doesn't fall apart when using the locking ring. 4.) Moved the lower o-ring on the top cap 0.5mm upwards. 5.) Shortened the top cap 1.5mm.
