Hybrid Mech Mods Info and Safe Usage

[anavidfan]

With all the recent mishaps in vaping, especially how some are labeling mechs and hybrids as dangerous devices, that they are as a whole something that should be avoided, that they are out dated and so risky etc.

Someone that has a lot of experience needs to write a basic guide to mech and hybrid use for " dummies"
( Please dont freak out, Im not labeling newbies as dummies )

There needs to be a basic definition of what a mech is , tools you should have and basic instructions etc.

Also Hybrids are another topic that many, even me has very little knowledge of.
What I know, a "hybrid vaping device is one that was designed to be used as an integrated battery case and atomizer. Meaning the whole design was meant to use with a specific atomizer to the specs of the threading etc.

Yes, you can use other atomizers on the tube , BUT there are a few details that one has to take into account; the positive pin etc.

Every day there is at least 1 post about dangerous mishaps or someone that cant understand why the switch gets hot, why their battery is got some weird stuff on it, why , why why.

Many of these posts seem unbelievably mis informed. " Im using a battery that has some holes, that is warped , that I got from a toy my kid was using ( okay, thats an exaggeration) I want to make my ohms at 0.000001 ....

I wish I had the knowledge and the ability to really write a basic non-condensating ( is this a word?) guide so it doesnt come off as a scary thing or so dangerous that it adds to the scare mongering of mechanical and hybrid devices.

So many times these types of posts just end up with all this "vs" replies," with all the reg device why use a mech" Mechs are outdated, my dog is better than yours... etc. For every pro there's a con and for every reason I like something there is a reason why is sucks for someone else.

Please , there has to be a non-partisan person that has used these and can write a non-biased guide to mechs, hybrids, faux or pseudo hybrids and semi-mechs.

 

[daveid777]

I think I can explain...
A true hybrid mech requires an atty that has threads which screw directly into the tube, where you see the positive end of the cell. The 510 connection does not screw into anything, rather making direct contact with the positive end of the battery. The negative is carried through the body to the atty, and not the 510 connector.
A "fake" hybrid is one that has a 510 connection still, but the attys 510 protrudes through a hole to make direct contact with the cells positive. The negative still uses the 510 connection.
Why the latter is more dangerous, I will let a more experienced user answer. My only thought is because the "fake" hybrid connector is really just a threaded hole, if the 510 doesn't protrude enough when the cell is pushed upward to fire the positive may hit the mod/hybrid connector causing an instant short circuit. But that is just speculation on my part, as I have not really researched this.

 

[anavidfan]

Yeap, thats pretty much what I think I know about hybrids. But seems like something is not getting through for people who are taking the step up from an ego type, or VV or VW beginner set up. Too many are ending up somehow being sold devices that are not necessarily a ticking bomb or unsafe , but can be these if not really used properly.

There are so many factors to the safety and use. I hope someone takes this post and helps out with information with out a "Vs" war.

I can only advise on what I use and even then all my advise or experience is with the gear I use. Ive been using mechs mostly and Ive had safe and enjoyable experiences for years with what I have.

I think a potential buyer needs to have a basic idea of what they want out of vaping, what they need to get it and what all that entails.

 

[KentA]

I'd like to nominate anavidfan for this task as a vaping veteran with the writing skills & background necessary to explain the peculiarities of the modern mechanical vaping device.

 

[daveid777]

It's a nice thought to believe that consumers of any product will generally be educated about their purchases, but it's just not true. No amount of stickies, or posts to the effect, will keep people from purchasing and using dangerous setups without knowledge of the potential hazards.
I mean, we all (pretty much) went out and bought cigarettes at one point. And probably continued to use them despite fully understanding the risks involved.
I'm afraid you have a much larger task at hand. You will have to make people change their behaviors, and really think about what they are doing/about to do... and what the possible outcomes may be.

 

[Marc411]

I picked up a noisy cricket and have yet to build it. I've been using mechs for almost two years but for some reason I am apprehensive to build this one. I have a .8 in my Veritas that was supposed to go onto it but for some reason I just don't have the stones.

 

[KentA]

It's a nice thought to believe that consumers of any product will generally be educated about their purchases, but it's just not true. No amount of stickies, or posts to the effect, will keep people from purchasing and using dangerous setups without knowledge of the potential hazards.
I mean, we all (pretty much) went out and bought cigarettes at one point. And probably continued to use them despite fully understanding the risks involved.
I'm afraid you have a much larger task at hand. You will have to make people change their behaviors, and really think about what they are doing/about to do... and what the possible outcomes may be.

I think anavidfan is suggesting a resource that will make it easier for people who ARE searching for this information to find it in a sensible, comprehensive essay. All the information is available on ecf, but it is fragmented in hundreds of threads that are complete with distracting comments.

Mech mods are very simple devices, but their presentation in our forums defies simple understanding. Just enter "hybrid" into the search engine to see how complex we've made it.

Aside from the social aspects, vape knowledge is ecf’s raison d'être. If we want to promote vaping, if we can reduce injuries & fear of injuries, an educated review the mechanical mod is long overdue.

 

[entropy1049]

With all of the confusion, misuse of terminologies, lack of understanding, and common sense in seemingly short supply, I agree with the need to self police. Our first responsibility should be to not further perpetuate incorrect or unsafe practices, and check ourselves and each other when it happens.

A standardized comprehensive tutorial, peer reviewed and approved by our ECF "body politik" would certainly help to get everyone on the same page, and reduce confusion for the new user. Possibly a Wiki of sorts, with contributors able to submit helpful, pertinent information to be reviewed by staff members/subject matter experts for inclusion into the general tutorial.

Just thinking' out loud here...

 

[hogheadv]

I picked up a noisy cricket and have yet to build it. I've been using mechs for almost two years but for some reason I am apprehensive to build this one. I have a .8 in my Veritas that was supposed to go onto it but for some reason I just don't have the stones.

I am not really an expert but I would say that may be a good thing. I only own a veritas clone but I would not trust the pin on a faux hybrid mod. I also wouldn't want to run a series mech mod on a veritas, not near enough airflow or room to put enough wraps of thicker wire to handle 8.4 volts.

 

[snork]

It's weird how we've made the simplest way to vape complicated enough to require the most knowledge.

 

[entropy1049]

I picked up a noisy cricket and have yet to build it. I've been using mechs for almost two years but for some reason I am apprehensive to build this one. I have a .8 in my Veritas that was supposed to go onto it but for some reason I just don't have the stones.

Go ahead and try it. I build my Noisy Cricket with a Glacier II at 0.8-1.0 ohms typically. At the resistance of your build in your Veritas, you're pulling less than 11 amps of current. if your batteries are sufficiently rated, give it a spin. I'm an old school tube/parallel box guy, but love the Noisy Cricket. Just be sure to practice good battery rotation discipline and be sure that your positive pin is always protruding below the 510 connection.

Be smart, be safe, and enjoy your Noisy Cricket!

 

[inspects]

With all the recent mishaps in vaping, especially how some are labeling mechs and hybrids as dangerous devices, that they are as a whole something that should be avoided, that they are out dated and so risky etc.

Someone that has a lot of experience needs to write a basic guide to mech and hybrid use for " dummies"
( Please dont freak out, Im not labeling newbies as dummies )

There needs to be a basic definition of what a mech is , tools you should have and basic instructions etc.

Also Hybrids are another topic that many, even me has very little knowledge of.
What I know, a "hybrid vaping device is one that was designed to be used as an integrated battery case and atomizer. Meaning the whole design was meant to use with a specific atomizer to the specs of the threading etc.

Yes, you can use other atomizers on the tube , BUT there are a few details that one has to take into account; the positive pin etc.

Every day there is at least 1 post about dangerous mishaps or someone that cant understand why the switch gets hot, why their battery is got some weird stuff on it, why , why why.

Many of these posts seem unbelievably mis informed. " Im using a battery that has some holes, that is warped , that I got from a toy my kid was using ( okay, thats an exaggeration) I want to make my ohms at 0.000001 ....

I wish I had the knowledge and the ability to really write a basic non-condensating ( is this a word?) guide so it doesnt come off as a scary thing or so dangerous that it adds to the scare mongering of mechanical and hybrid devices.

So many times these types of posts just end up with all this "vs" replies," with all the reg device why use a mech" Mechs are outdated, my dog is better than yours... etc. For every pro there's a con and for every reason I like something there is a reason why is sucks for someone else.

Please , there has to be a non-partisan person that has used these and can write a non-biased guide to mechs, hybrids, faux or pseudo hybrids and semi-mechs.

I agree, seems lately someone is asking about their hybrid every other day. If there was a link to point them at without a dozen people telling the OP different things it would certainly help.

 

[rhelton]

I picked up a noisy cricket and have yet to build it. I've been using mechs for almost two years but for some reason I am apprehensive to build this one. I have a .8 in my Veritas that was supposed to go onto it but for some reason I just don't have the stones.

You will be just fine. Maybe build to 1ohm to start with and go from there. I dont have to tell you about batteries you have been around long enough to know better. A series device is safe to use, and that device you have is built to handle the task at hand. Stacking batteries has been around since they have been invented and stacking cells to achieve a higher voltage is very common. I would not be afraid of that device at all, start small and ease your way into it.

 

[Marc411]

Go ahead and try it. I build my Noisy Cricket with a Glacier II at 0.8-1.0 ohms typically. At the resistance of your build in your Veritas, you're pulling less than 11 amps of current. if your batteries are sufficiently rated, give it a spin. I'm an old school tube/parallel box guy, but love the Noisy Cricket. Just be sure to practice good battery rotation discipline and be sure that your positive pin is always protruding below the 510 connection.

Be smart, be safe, and enjoy your Noisy Cricket!

That's the plan!

I find it somewhat funny because there a really a couple things that you need to be mindful of with hybrid caps.

510 pin must extend far enough out so that it's the only thing making contact with the positive contact of your cell.
Use quality cells
And build appropriately to the cells

Seems easy and reasonable.

The stories I've read and seen posts where folks using tanks or drippers that don't even have an adjustable 510 pin. I'm no expert but any time you use a tank where the 510 pin is flush with the threading you are just setting yourself up for failure.

 

[93gc40]

IMO, there is not one thing about using a mech..... That does not or should not be applied for Regulated mods. IMO, ALL the risks are present, just lessened. And since with a regulated mod it is possible BY DESIGN to exceed the limitations of the battery, knowing and understanding those risks is more important. New technology is not making us safer, it's making us dependent.

 

[Marc411]

Yes but a mech with a 510 pin is not like setting up a mech with a hybrid cap.

The folks that are having failures aren't using the appropriate topper (or build) and that is what's causing some of the issues.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Most new users don't come here for reference before they buy. Some don't go anywhere for reference other than a friend or acquaintance. I think this is more prevalent with younger folks, but not limited. It is just my general opinion.

When I was young, Saturday mornings were chores and then household projects. If I had somewhere to go I was released from household projects (cleaning shed, mopping, etc.) Really what my parents were pushing for their 7, 8, 9 year old son was to get out, meet friends and go play. We went all over, built forts, played Army, rode bikes, fished and learned to think for ourselves as to whether something was dangerous. My son did the same thing.

When I walk the dog, I see parents out watching over their kids. Making up games...just thinking for them.

I know that might sound, in today's world, like I didn't give a crap. I knew what was going on in school, the play areas, the other kids; we talked and I did things with all the kids to meet them. They joined us when we all went to the park or on a day trip. I hovered pretty close, but just out of control.

As to the OP, sad to say, I think it is a mindset that is prevalent out of fear. Soon, I wouldn't be surprised, those parents watching over their kids will be "packing". Kids are kids and so are some 20-somethings...and us old guys, too.

 

[Bad Ninja]

Id be happy with a sticky explaining to vapers what a hybrid is.

A hybrid is relatively safe. Dedicated atomizer, no way to use the wrong atty.


A hybrid LOOK mod can be very dangerous to a newbie.

There a HUGE difference, and yes, the terminology matter when trying to vape safely.

 

[anavidfan]

Ok, lets do this, seems like we have few people here that seem to have experience on these so lets just keep this going.

Lets start at the top with photos of what we think are good top caps. Since Hybrids, semi-hybrids have significant differences and a few very important safety features needed, lets get some good photos. They dont have to be your own photos, what ever portrays the feature best.

 

[anavidfan]

I think anavidfan is suggesting a resource that will make it easier for people who ARE searching for this information to find it in a sensible, comprehensive essay. All the information is available on ecf, but it is fragmented in hundreds of threads that are complete with distracting comments.

Mech mods are very simple devices, but their presentation in our forums defies simple understanding. Just enter "hybrid" into the search engine to see how complex we've made it.

Aside from the social aspects, vape knowledge is ecf’s raison d'être. If we want to promote vaping, if we can reduce injuries & fear of injuries, an educated review the mechanical mod is long overdue.

I dont really know you KentA but I know you've around for a long while. Please, if you can help out the newbies, feel free.... I put up this thread because I hoped it could be a joint venture. Some of you have mech boxes, and we need information on those. Some of us have semi-mech tubes mods, and can take some photos and a brief explanation of why its not a true mech but a semi mech, etc...

I guess we can do this as a progressive topic thread. We'll start with switches and when that topic seems tapped out , we'll progress up ....