Before I start, let me state that this is NOT a 1:1 clone of the Akuma. Below you will see the differences but first lets see the specs and what you get in the mail.
From 88evape:
The Akuma clone from 88evape.com was shipped incredibly FAST! From California to Ohio in 2 days. The mod came in a black box with a velvet/felt-like foam insert for the various tubes. No wooden serialized box here folks. You receive 2 copper engraved tubes and an extension. The two engraved tubes are 18350 and 18500. The extension tube of course is for 18650 mode.
The top cap and locking ring of this clone are made of Australian brass and accent the copper very nicely. Unlike the original and other clones, the extension tube does not screw flush with the main tubes. The ring that goes around the tube where the extension meets might be unappealing to some, while others might find it adds more character. I'm rather indifferent to it personally. I love seamless looks on my mechanicals but the ring doesn't bother me nor is it a deal breaker.
Akuma clone in 18650 mode
Top cap view
Bottom fire button view
Please note that while this clone is serialized, they all share the same serial. (It's a clone ... who cares) Not sure why they picked that specific number but hey! ... whatevs.
Engraving
Ah! The main reason I purchased this device. Very simply, I thought the engraving was cool looking. The engraving on this clone is pretty deep. The machining is of medium quality. If you use a magnifying glass or put the tube an inch or two from your face you can definitely see some slightly rough machining. Nothing horrible and certainly nothing you would notice under normal circumstances while using this mod.
The engraving is of course that of a demon (Akuma in Japanese means demon) however I find the engraving on this clone very similar to the original yet noticeably different. The first difference is the "horn" or "brow" on the forehead. The original is more V shaped while this clone is more U shaped. The original design has deeper and more "3 dimensional" eyes. Interestingly, the clone seems to show more facial details. Especially in the eye and nasal region of the engraving. The differences while somewhat subtle make the two designs stand different from each other. When I look at the original engraving I think skull ... when I look at engraving found on this clone I think predator. Still a wicked design in my opinion but the difference is real.
Akuma clone facial engraving
Contacts and Switch
According to 88evape this clone uses silver-plated copper contacts. As you will see, that is certainly what looks to be the case however I have not sanded either one down to confirm this. What I can tell you is that it hits very well and like a copper mod should.
The top cap has a floating 510 connection with engraved air channels for bottom airflow devices. The air channels are well engraved and the floating 510 works very well. Under the top cap you have a silver-plated screw (standard threaded) to adjust battery rattle. The bottom fire button has 4 vent holes and a very well done engraving which is nearly identical to the original and other clones.
Bottom of top cap and top of switch
The switch in this clone has been a great experience. No problems with the switch like the first batches of the original Akuma. The throw is short yet the device will not fire from it's own weight. The locking ring is smooth and reverse threaded (Righty = locked | Lefty= unlocked). When the lock ring is in the full locked position it ever-so-slightly sticks out past the bottom fire button. I find this not only makes the device more stable but also protects the engraved button from picking up as many scratches and/or scuffs.
Breaking apart the switch you will find a very simple yet effective design. A silver-plated copper screw "button", a copper switch housing with a delrin insulator, a spring, and the bottom fire button. To take apart the switch you simply unscrew the contact "button".
Disassembled switch
The contact button screws directly unto the bottom fire button via a threaded post which sits in the delrin insulator.
An interesting design choice that seems to honestly ... work great. Not a single misfire and no locking ring woes ... nadda.
Conclusions
Overall I am enjoying this mod. It fires everything I sit on top of it hard and instantly ... every time. I really like the design of this clone and the fact that the extension tube doesn't screw in flush makes it a bit different aesthetically from most "seamless" designs out there today. Not for better or for worse ... just different. The mod feels nice and weighty in the hand which makes it feel durable and nearly indestructible. The brass accents really make the mod pop and stand out from other copper tube mods out there. The threads and locking ring are nice and smooth.
While some clones might have a tad bit deeper and/or more 1:1 engraving ... I actually kind of dig the difference on this clone. A little more detail and added design really went along way to make this almost look like an entirely different mod.
Potential Cons
- Certain parts of the threads came tarnished and/or had machine grease (not sure which). Didn't effect the threads at all and a good cleaning will eliminate most of this. The outside of the tubes looked amazing right out of the box, but the inner of the tubes could have used a polishing before they hit the sale floor.
- The fact that the extension does not screw flush with the main tube might bother some. This of course is preference. If you want a seamless look, this is not the clone for you.
- The facial design of this clone is probably the most varied from the original that I have seen. If you want a 1:1 engraving that 95%-100% looks like the original demon skull design this probably isn't for you. As I mentioned earlier ... due to the more detailed and adjusted facial engraving this reminds me more of a demon predator than a demon skull. Personally I still love the design and think it to be pretty unique. If only this sucker could bend light!
- The battery adjustment screw is indeed standard threaded. With certain batteries I have to be a bit more careful screwing the top cap on so the adjustment screw doesn't screw in as well. My Sony VTCs and AWs have zero problem with this, rather it seems to be my old Panasonic hybrids. Easiest method I found for these batteries is to screw the top cap down, unscrew just a hair, then screw it all the way again. This seems to cause the adjustment screw to make perfect connection.
All in all ... I think the $39.99 was a good investment. And I have to say ... that shipping is pretty amazing.
Vape on!
From 88evape:
- 100% copper made body
- brass top cap & lock ring bottom
- Floating pin for adjustment of atomizer and battery
- 22mm diameter
- Engraved top and bottom cap logos
- Laser engraved AKUMA logo
- Battery support: 18350/18500/18650
The Akuma clone from 88evape.com was shipped incredibly FAST! From California to Ohio in 2 days. The mod came in a black box with a velvet/felt-like foam insert for the various tubes. No wooden serialized box here folks. You receive 2 copper engraved tubes and an extension. The two engraved tubes are 18350 and 18500. The extension tube of course is for 18650 mode.
The top cap and locking ring of this clone are made of Australian brass and accent the copper very nicely. Unlike the original and other clones, the extension tube does not screw flush with the main tubes. The ring that goes around the tube where the extension meets might be unappealing to some, while others might find it adds more character. I'm rather indifferent to it personally. I love seamless looks on my mechanicals but the ring doesn't bother me nor is it a deal breaker.
Akuma clone in 18650 mode
Top cap view
Bottom fire button view
Please note that while this clone is serialized, they all share the same serial. (It's a clone ... who cares) Not sure why they picked that specific number but hey! ... whatevs.
Engraving
Ah! The main reason I purchased this device. Very simply, I thought the engraving was cool looking. The engraving on this clone is pretty deep. The machining is of medium quality. If you use a magnifying glass or put the tube an inch or two from your face you can definitely see some slightly rough machining. Nothing horrible and certainly nothing you would notice under normal circumstances while using this mod.
The engraving is of course that of a demon (Akuma in Japanese means demon) however I find the engraving on this clone very similar to the original yet noticeably different. The first difference is the "horn" or "brow" on the forehead. The original is more V shaped while this clone is more U shaped. The original design has deeper and more "3 dimensional" eyes. Interestingly, the clone seems to show more facial details. Especially in the eye and nasal region of the engraving. The differences while somewhat subtle make the two designs stand different from each other. When I look at the original engraving I think skull ... when I look at engraving found on this clone I think predator. Still a wicked design in my opinion but the difference is real.
Akuma clone facial engraving
Contacts and Switch
According to 88evape this clone uses silver-plated copper contacts. As you will see, that is certainly what looks to be the case however I have not sanded either one down to confirm this. What I can tell you is that it hits very well and like a copper mod should.
The top cap has a floating 510 connection with engraved air channels for bottom airflow devices. The air channels are well engraved and the floating 510 works very well. Under the top cap you have a silver-plated screw (standard threaded) to adjust battery rattle. The bottom fire button has 4 vent holes and a very well done engraving which is nearly identical to the original and other clones.
Bottom of top cap and top of switch
The switch in this clone has been a great experience. No problems with the switch like the first batches of the original Akuma. The throw is short yet the device will not fire from it's own weight. The locking ring is smooth and reverse threaded (Righty = locked | Lefty= unlocked). When the lock ring is in the full locked position it ever-so-slightly sticks out past the bottom fire button. I find this not only makes the device more stable but also protects the engraved button from picking up as many scratches and/or scuffs.
Breaking apart the switch you will find a very simple yet effective design. A silver-plated copper screw "button", a copper switch housing with a delrin insulator, a spring, and the bottom fire button. To take apart the switch you simply unscrew the contact "button".
Disassembled switch
The contact button screws directly unto the bottom fire button via a threaded post which sits in the delrin insulator.
An interesting design choice that seems to honestly ... work great. Not a single misfire and no locking ring woes ... nadda.
Conclusions
Overall I am enjoying this mod. It fires everything I sit on top of it hard and instantly ... every time. I really like the design of this clone and the fact that the extension tube doesn't screw in flush makes it a bit different aesthetically from most "seamless" designs out there today. Not for better or for worse ... just different. The mod feels nice and weighty in the hand which makes it feel durable and nearly indestructible. The brass accents really make the mod pop and stand out from other copper tube mods out there. The threads and locking ring are nice and smooth.
While some clones might have a tad bit deeper and/or more 1:1 engraving ... I actually kind of dig the difference on this clone. A little more detail and added design really went along way to make this almost look like an entirely different mod.
Potential Cons
- Certain parts of the threads came tarnished and/or had machine grease (not sure which). Didn't effect the threads at all and a good cleaning will eliminate most of this. The outside of the tubes looked amazing right out of the box, but the inner of the tubes could have used a polishing before they hit the sale floor.
- The fact that the extension does not screw flush with the main tube might bother some. This of course is preference. If you want a seamless look, this is not the clone for you.
- The facial design of this clone is probably the most varied from the original that I have seen. If you want a 1:1 engraving that 95%-100% looks like the original demon skull design this probably isn't for you. As I mentioned earlier ... due to the more detailed and adjusted facial engraving this reminds me more of a demon predator than a demon skull. Personally I still love the design and think it to be pretty unique. If only this sucker could bend light!
- The battery adjustment screw is indeed standard threaded. With certain batteries I have to be a bit more careful screwing the top cap on so the adjustment screw doesn't screw in as well. My Sony VTCs and AWs have zero problem with this, rather it seems to be my old Panasonic hybrids. Easiest method I found for these batteries is to screw the top cap down, unscrew just a hair, then screw it all the way again. This seems to cause the adjustment screw to make perfect connection.
All in all ... I think the $39.99 was a good investment. And I have to say ... that shipping is pretty amazing.
Vape on!
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