Little itty bitty mods under $100.

[TaketheRedPill]

I received my CF-IV yesterday, been vaping on it like mad and loving it. Yes, it is a bit heavy but it doesn't bother me, I'm a big guy. Put the black o-rings in my Kanger subtank mini to match, it also matches my cat in the photo sleeping on her black blanket. (At least I hope my photo uploads, it's been a while. )
View attachment 461499

wow - I really like it in black, too. Great pic, shows off that linegrain pattern well !

 

[Capt.shay]

MVP, Cool Five IV, I-stick 50, I-stick 30

 

[Susaz]

MVP, Cool Five IV, I-stick 50, I-stick 30

Really, at the wattages I usually vape the most convenient is the istick 30, although by this time is not cost effective, being other things out there such as the sigelei Mini. But yet, it's the best to date. I'll update when I get my egrip Oled... A fight will take place there!

 

[Capt.shay]

Really, at the wattages I usually vape the most convenient is the iStick 30,

Yea, well, the 30 stick makes the most sense on paper for me as well. I still spent my money on the Innokin product.

 

[Jingles]

I am debating the Cool fire IV in Purple. My IStick 50 started having BLS symptoms yesterday (autofiring). That was after I broke a GS Air M tank that was on it, so juice leaked on it. I cleaned it up, than the auto firing started. I've got it calmed down for now. So since I was browsing Sweet Vapes site for a new GS Air M, the Cool Fire IV caught my eye. It is so easy to justify purchases when I really wasn't going to buy anything this week.

 

[aldenf]

Really, at the wattages I usually vape the most convenient is the iStick 30, although by this time is not cost effective, being other things out there such as the Sigelei Mini. But yet, it's the best to date. I'll update when I get my egrip Oled... A fight will take place there!

I'm with you, Susaz. That's why I haven't purchased anything since the iStick 30. If one already owns 18650 batteries, there are other choices. But if you have to get batts along with the mod, it's hard to beat the iStick 30. I have two DNA30 mods that vape great... at almost twice the size. But I can't get the same battery life as I get with the iStick. Will I pick up something else? Absolutely. But I'm waiting for something to grab me and not let go...

 

[Kent C]

istick 50/subtank - Kanger Subox/subtank - Heatvape Defender/GS Air M

Subox came in the mail today - just a few hours ago...

As you may know by now 'hand fit' is a priority for me. All else - wattage, style, tank accommodation, spring loaded center pin, placement of fire button, weight, etc. etc., are important but how it feels in the hand - the most common interface - is more important to me. I don't have a scale but weight on specs from vendors sites post 4.3oz for the Defender without a topper and 5.99oz for the Subox with the Subtank combined. With the GS Air M, the Defender feels lighter to me. I understand that not all agree as to what's important and that there are different sizes of hands Just pointing this out for those who like the Defender or the istick 30 and are looking for a replaceable batt mod that is very similar in feel, the the Subox would fit that category.

All these have rounded corners. The 50 is 45mm wide. The Subox is 39mm and the Defender is 35mm. While it wouldn't be a 'deal breaker' the 50's width is not as comfortable for me as the Defender. And the difference in the width of the Subox is hard to detect from the Defender. At one point I had to look at which one I was holding. :- ) That wouldn't be the case with the istick 50W.

I have the same take on the center-pin on the Subox as Suzas "although when I push with the pin it gives in and comes back." but it's not as apparent as the spring loaded thinner pin on the Defender. Both my Lemo and Lemo 2, The GS Airs, Kanger Emow, Aerotank V2, Aerotank Mega, Kayfun 4 clone/Taifun all fit and fire on the Subox.

I put the 1.5Ω OCC in (came with the 0.5Ω coil in place) and it's vaping well. The 'new' smaller air hole setting in the AFC is nice and have been using that. Each selection clicks into place like the former Subtank.

I think I've 'found' my replaceable batt mod and, barring any severe problems, will likely be getting 2 more in the future. If the "deeming regs" come down hard, maybe more I'll be looking for the 1.5Ω OCC replacement coils - so far haven't seen anyone who sells them, even though they are selling the new Subtank and KBox mini separately now. If someone spots the 1.5Ω coils, give me a heads up :- )

 

[gerrymi]

the fact that its bigger than the iStick 30, doesn't have more battery life than it, and is somewhat heavy.... I dunno. mainly, I just want an attractive, SMALL, mod that comes in red.

You didn't mention whether you already have a RED 30W-iStick.

If you do...you're still "allowed" to buy a 2nd one. (I like my "Red" one the best...but the Silver is a close second.)

Or..."attractive, SMALL, RED" mod...how about a "ROSE" 36 Watt Heatvape Defender?

$30.72 w free shipping:

Heatvape Defender VV / VW Variable Wattage E - cig Box Mod with Digital Display OLED Screen - 510 / eGO Thread-30.72 and Free Shipping| GearBest.com

EDIT: How fortuitous that while I was typing this post...Kent was posting a picture of the Heatvape Defender!!!

 

[Katya]

Thanks, Kent!

I understand that the RBA decks and coils are interchangeable between the Subtank and the Subox tank, is that correct?

 

[Kent C]

Thanks, Kent!

I understand that the RBA decks and coils are interchangeable between the Subtank and the Subox tank, is that correct?

That's my understanding as well from more than a few videos, although I haven't tried them yet...

 

[Kent C]

EDIT: How fortuitous that while I was typing this post...Kent was posting a picture of the Heatvape Defender!!!

For @Kyi here's a picture of both the istick 30 and the Defender side by side: (the one on the left is a heatvape invader mini and the defender and istick are close as far as weight goes).

 

[pokemom]

For those of you interested in the new subox kit:

Bottom line, Phil says it is a good device that is a little overpowered for low wattage vapors, and the tank is good allowing for good mtl vaping. He also really likes the new rba and builds a 1.4 ohm coil for it.

 

[gerrymi]

I have the same take on the center-pin on the Subox as Suzas "although when I push with the pin it gives in and comes back." but it's not as apparent as the spring loaded thinner pin on the Defender.

Thanx Kent for the excellent review. Now I'm back to seriously considering getting the Subox Mini Mod.

The "problem" with the "fixed 510 pin" on the VV V3, V4, MVP2 and 20W-iStick wasn't the fact that it was fixed...it was that it would collapse (thus requiring a small screwdriver/paperclip, 510-eGo adapter, etc.).

Does your 510 pin seem "firm"...or do you get the feeling that after a number of different toppers it will collapse into a state of "uselessness"???

 

[Kent C]

For those of you interested in the new subox kit:

Bottom line, Phil says it is a good device that is a little overpowered for low wattage vapors, and the tank is good allowing for good mtl vaping. He also really likes the new rba and builds a 1.4 ohm coil for it.

Wattage goes down to 7W and the 1.5Ω OCC is reading 1.6 currently. (Defender/istick go to 5W) I'm vaping a strongish flavor DV's Habana Reserve at 12.5W. Even with my lighter flavors, I'm never below 7W, but I understand that 'mmv' with others.

edit: @pokemom - I finally watched the video and understand more what you're saying on the low wattage part and how Phil's graphs show the changes - although at those wattages I'm guessing the person may be using the 1.5 ohm OCC or building a higher ohmed coil on the RDA so the wattage may be more accurate (the graph bars to the right in the video). The 0.5ohm coils (far left) was where the biggest gap in wattage was. But yeah, lighter flavor/low watt vapers might want to use the 1.5Ω OCC or build a 1.6-1.8 coil in the RDA to keep the flavor flowing

 

[aikanae1]

istick 50/subtank - Kanger Subox/subtank - Heatvape Defender/GS Air M

Subox came in the mail today - just a few hours ago...

As you may know by know 'hand fit' is a priority for me. All else - wattage, style, tank accommodation, spring loaded center pin, placement of fire button, weight, etc. etc., are important but how it feels in the hand - the most common interface - is more important to me. I don't have a scale but weight on specs from vendors sites post 4.3oz for the Defender without a topper and 5.99oz for the Subox with the Subtank combined. With the GS Air M, the Defender feels lighter to me. I understand that not all agree as to what's important and that there are different sizes of hands Just pointing this out for those who like the Defender or the istick 30 and are looking for a replaceable batt mod that is very similar in feel, the the Subox would fit that category.

All these have rounded corners. The 50 is 45mm wide. The Subox is 39mm and the Defender is 35mm. While it wouldn't be a 'deal breaker' the 50's width is not as comfortable for me as the Defender. And the difference in the width of the Subox is hard to detect from the Defender. At one point I had to look at which one I was holding. :- ) That wouldn't be the case with the istick 50W.

I have the same take on the center-pin on the Subox as Suzas "although when I push with the pin it gives in and comes back." but it's not as apparent as the spring loaded thinner pin on the Defender. Both my Lemo and Lemo 2, The GS Airs, Kanger Emow, Aerotank V2, Aerotank Mega, Kayfun 4 clone/Taifun all fit and fire on the Subox.

I put the 1.5Ω OCC in (came with the 0.5Ω coil in place) and it's vaping well. The 'new' smaller air hole setting in the AFC is nice and have been using that. Each selection clicks into place like the former Subtank.

I think I've 'found' my replaceable batt mod and, barring any severe problems, will likely be getting 2 more in the future. If the "deeming regs" come down hard, maybe more I'll be looking for the 1.5Ω OCC replacement coils - so far haven't seen anyone who sells them, even though they are selling the new Subtank and KBox mini separately now. If someone spots the 1.5Ω coils, give me a heads up :- )

Those size and weight comparisons are invaluable. Ty. I'm kinda frustrated that so many manufacturers seem to leave that consideration out of their design; SMOK, Siegeli specifically. My hand is not square. It does not fit around a box. Siegeli did the same to their 75w tc unit and then ask over $100 on pre-order?

For me, getting burned by the istick 50w soured me. Even the istick 30w's have a higher rate of failure than what I consider "average" in that I tend to expect at least a 6 month life span and they aren't making it that long.

I have more faith in Innokin to produce a quality built-in battery device that will last awhile and I tend to rate that as a better value for now. I'm not familar with Heatvape's products, but that's a very smart design. I wish I could buy them all really.

I like having a good mix of built in and replaceable batteries. The Subox definatley fits in. I'm not going to be able to resist much longer. Between all these higher wattage boxes and attys, plus the addition of temperature control, it seems like vaping equipment has turned a new corner in less than a month - and it's a whole new world!!!

 

[aikanae1]

Thanx Kent for the excellent review. Now I'm back to seriously considering getting the Subox Mini Mod.

The "problem" with the "fixed 510 pin" on the VV V3, V4, MVP2 and 20W-iStick wasn't the fact that it was fixed...it was that it would collapse (thus requiring a small screwdriver/paperclip, 510-eGo adapter, etc.).

Does your 510 pin seem "firm"...or do you get the feeling that after a number of different toppers it will collapse into a state of "uselessness"???

From what I've picked up (don't have a Subox) the "squish" is provided by an oring, not "play" as in many of the ego-type connections. I don't know what kind of a difference that makes? One of the values of having a less flexible pin is that it can be made more resistant against leakage causing problems. The spring loaded connections, at least some of them, have been pretty open and susceptable to allowing internal damage from moisture. One of the design challenges Heatvape had was creating something that was resistant.

 

[Kent C]

Thanx Kent for the excellent review. Now I'm back to seriously considering getting the Subox Mini Mod.

The "problem" with the "fixed 510 pin" on the VV V3, V4, MVP2 and 20W-iStick wasn't the fact that it was fixed...it was that it would collapse (thus requiring a small screwdriver/paperclip, 510-eGo adapter, etc.).

Does your 510 pin seem "firm"...or do you get the feeling that after a number of different toppers it will collapse into a state of "uselessness"???

Like Suzas said it moves down and pops back up. It isn't 'mushy', maybe it has a firm silicone base under it that makes it kind of 'springy' (just a guess), but from Kanger it isn't spring loaded. I'll need more time to really tell but I put every topper I have out, on it without any problems. And frankly the black Subtank looks great on it, so except for 'experimenting', it's likely to stay right there Like others, I rarely remove the full tank for refilling so I don't expect it to be a problem at all. That said, if Kanger has a "v2" with a spring loaded pin, then I'd be good with that too :- )

As far as pins go - the worst that I've had (besides the original istick20) were the first non-joye 'variable' voltage (3 different settings similar to the bigger Kbox and just before the Twist came on the scene) Vision V3s? Way under spec for almost any topper I had at the time - needed a screwdriver or pick for each refill of the clearo. (also before circuit board spacers which likely would have fixed it. lol).

 

[aikanae1]

You know someone is going to tear one of these apart, giving us a detailed inside view.

 

[Susaz]

istick 50/subtank - Kanger Subox/subtank - Heatvape Defender/GS Air M

Subox came in the mail today - just a few hours ago...

As you may know by know 'hand fit' is a priority for me. All else - wattage, style, tank accommodation, spring loaded center pin, placement of fire button, weight, etc. etc., are important but how it feels in the hand - the most common interface - is more important to me. I don't have a scale but weight on specs from vendors sites post 4.3oz for the Defender without a topper and 5.99oz for the Subox with the Subtank combined. With the GS Air M, the Defender feels lighter to me. I understand that not all agree as to what's important and that there are different sizes of hands Just pointing this out for those who like the Defender or the istick 30 and are looking for a replaceable batt mod that is very similar in feel, the the Subox would fit that category.

All these have rounded corners. The 50 is 45mm wide. The Subox is 39mm and the Defender is 35mm. While it wouldn't be a 'deal breaker' the 50's width is not as comfortable for me as the Defender. And the difference in the width of the Subox is hard to detect from the Defender. At one point I had to look at which one I was holding. :- ) That wouldn't be the case with the istick 50W.

I have the same take on the center-pin on the Subox as Suzas "although when I push with the pin it gives in and comes back." but it's not as apparent as the spring loaded thinner pin on the Defender. Both my Lemo and Lemo 2, The GS Airs, Kanger Emow, Aerotank V2, Aerotank Mega, Kayfun 4 clone/Taifun all fit and fire on the Subox.

I put the 1.5Ω OCC in (came with the 0.5Ω coil in place) and it's vaping well. The 'new' smaller air hole setting in the AFC is nice and have been using that. Each selection clicks into place like the former Subtank.

I think I've 'found' my replaceable batt mod and, barring any severe problems, will likely be getting 2 more in the future. If the "deeming regs" come down hard, maybe more I'll be looking for the 1.5Ω OCC replacement coils - so far haven't seen anyone who sells them, even though they are selling the new Subtank and KBox mini separately now. If someone spots the 1.5Ω coils, give me a heads up :- )

Glad I'm not the only one. Mine arrived a week ago and nobody could beleive it... That box is a serious contender. I haven't found the OCC coils either, I'm on the lookout too.

 

[jefsview]

The Evic VT in "cool black" is on it's way to me. Cant pass up a 5000 mAh battery and to test the temperature control option for less than $80 shipped (full kit).

And it's not any larger than the iStick 50W, just a tad heavier.