Are Mechanical Mods Going the Way of the Dodo Bird?

[Steamer861]

A lot of mech users get all touchy about this topic. But it's true! Regulated mods are taking over! Setup a poll and you will see I would bet the farm mech users are less than 20% of the market now

 

[HecticEnergy]

Interesting... I vape at 50 watts all day on my mech and have never had to change the battery twice in one day, sometimes only every other day. The size to power, or (and often price to power) ratio simply cannot be beaten by a regulated device. There's no regulator stealing efficiency in my SMPL, hence the absurd battery life.

I agree that regulated is far more user-friendly, and I'd generally prefer that some people using mechs were not (see: New Members Forum). But, mechs will never die. Hell, after the FDA gets its hands on vaping, your choices may be cigalike, ego, or "flashlight".

But, all that aside. The real reason mechs will never go away? Squonking.

Some squankers are regulated. I prefer a regulated vape, but cannot afford or don't like the style on the regulated squanker. I hope squankers become more popular forcing manufactures to put out decently priced regulated squankers.


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[HecticEnergy]

Again, I don't think mechanical mods will go away, but the trend seems to be going toward regulated mods.
A year ago the DNA seemed to be the only viable regulated mod, but they were prohibitively expensive for most users. Now they are much cheaper and still reliable... For the most part (I think cloupor is a good example of bad mods).


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[alicewonderland]

yeah there will always be a niche for mods. I give them the durability bulletproof aspect. Its like the whole 'back to basics' kinda of deal, simple, cheap, and it works.

 

[HecticEnergy]

Sort of like genesis attys or carto tanks... There are still people using them and loving them, but I think it's a niche of vapers.
Mechanical mods have the advantage of being smaller than regulated devices and apocalypse resistant


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[roxynoodle]

Not hard at all, and I really don't even see the point of those coil gig thingies, exactly because MAKING a coil isn't hard at all. Mounting it might be a little more challenging, depending on the atty design. Those not capable of making their own coils, have no business with a mech, PERIOD -- it's so easy to do, if they can't manage that, how in the world are they going to manage battery safety???

I don't see them going away, no; I just ordered a 2nd one, as part of my vapocalypse prep, because I have neither the know-how nor the proper tools to "mod" a flashlight tube into a vaping device. I want to have at least a couple of devices that I know will endure, far past the endurance of electronic devices -- just in case the goobers in DC do something so drastic that vaping cannot continue as we know it.

But I do prefer my electronic devices, for all the reasons mentioned, but mainly for convenience.

Andria

I just bought a coil master, and I'm a mathematician. I also have arthritis and neuropathy. Some days, now that its winter, I'm wrapping some ugly coils. If it helps me, that would be great. They aren't just for idiots

 

[Darryl Licht]

Interesting... I vape at 50 watts all day on my mech and have never had to change the battery twice in one day, sometimes only every other day. The size to power, or (and often price to power) ratio simply cannot be beaten by a regulated device. There's no regulator stealing efficiency in my SMPL, hence the absurd battery life.

I agree that regulated is far more user-friendly, and I'd generally prefer that some people using mechs were not (see: New Members Forum). But, mechs will never die. Hell, after the FDA gets its hands on vaping, your choices may be cigalike, ego, or "flashlight".

But, all that aside. The real reason mechs will never go away? Squonking.

A few questions:

At what wattage are you vaping all day on a mech?
Using a single 18650?
How many ml per day?
You don't notice any flavor degradation as the batt drains?

Every mech user I know says that's the case (flavor degrades as batt dies, and most say it dies quickly).

 

[AzPlumber]

I resent your tone and your calling me naive!

I didn't base it on just one day, but several visits. However, yesterday I hung out for 4+ hours and they were super slammed busy, so a very good day to observe this phenomena! It was easily 80% box mods 20% mechs in this shop! An OBSERVATION & good subject for a discussion.... IMHO

If all you can contribute to a discussion is a pre-pubescent statement such as yours, feel free to refrain from participating in such discussions in the future!

A bit sensitive?

Look Darryl I've been at this for over 3-1/2" years and have seen the market swing wildly in different directions during that time. A day or two at a couple of shops is NOT indicative of the whole market. I use to drive several hours to the "local" vape shop, now there are dozens within 30 minutes. Each one of these shops is set up differently, some cater to starter kits, some to Ego users, some to advanced users and some try to carry a bit of everything. I stand behind my "naive" comment (no tone), because spending 4 hours in one of these shops will not give you an experienced view of the market.

 

[chomper33]

If observations at vape shops have something to do with anything, I guess it would be worth observing the most popular devices sold on one of the worlds largest ecig shops?

Fasttech's top 40 most popular mods:

Mechanical
Regulated

1 Nemesis Style Mech Mod(stainless)
2 Vamo v5
3 Chi You Style Mech Mod
4 Stingray X Style Mech Mod (stainless)
5 Sentinel M16 Style Mech Mod (brass)
6 Astro Style Mech Mod
7 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (brass)
8 Panzer style Mech Mod
9 Innokin iTaste SVD
10 Private V2 Mech Mod
11 PA-PS Style Mech Mod
12 Nemesis Style (copper)
13 Nemesis Style Mech Mod
14 Launcher v2 Mech Mod
15 Atom Style Mech Mod
16 69 SS Telescopic Mechanical Mod
17 Origin Style Mech Mod
18 Sentinel M16 Mech Mod
19 4Nine Style Mech Mod
20 Mixed Caravela Style Mech Mod
21 Astro Style Mech Mod
22 Sentinel M16 Mech Mod (alum + brass)
23 Vamo V3
24 Vamo V2
25 Nemesis Style (black alum)
26 Congestus Style Mech Mod
27 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (mixed edition)
28 Innokin iTaste SVD Starter Kit
29 Caravela Style Mech Mod (18350)
30 Vamo v5 (chromed brass)
31 Pegasus Style Mech Mod
32 Hammer Style Mech Mod
33 V3 Telescopic Mech Mod (brass)
34 H-ANA MODZ Pack DNA 30 Style Mod
35 Caravela Style Mechanical Mod Kit
36 Innokin iTaste MVP Starter Kit
37 Chi You Style Mech Mod (brass)
38 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (chromed brass)
39 Innokin iTaste VV/VW 800mAh
40Pisces Telescopic Mech Mod

What does this prove? I have no idea. I am bored and had fun posting it though.

 

[AndriaD]

Coil gig thngies? Do you mean tools like the coil master?

I agree that there are many mech users out there that are young and inexperienced who probably shouldn't be using a mech or rebuildable atty! It's not they're fault, some people are just not mechanically/mathematically inclined. I also feel that safety should be most important, and regulated mods pretty much cure that!

Yeah, those coil master things -- I guess if you want dual coils, those would be handy, being able to make both coils just alike. But for single coils, why bother?

And that's true about safety; I waited till I had been vaping and hanging around here asking questions about batteries and ohm's law and amperage and whatnot for about 6 months, before I got a mech. I have ZERO mathematic abilities when you go to anything beyond basic algebra, but I'm pretty good with mechanical stuff -- which I really didn't even realize, till I started doing this. I stay safe by using that steam-engine calculator, so I know how many amps my batteries need to be capable of, because I really can't deal with formulas -- just looking at them kinda makes my eyes cross. Even the mathematically-challenged like myself can stay safe, with good tools like steam-engine.

But, the limitations of mechs have always been there, and so are mechs; they won't disappear just because of electronic devices -- they haven't yet, and if the ANTZ get their way, our vape electronics might become a fond memory of the Golden Age of Vaping. I really hope not, I like electronics, but I'm trying to prepare for a worst-case scenario -- hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Andria

 

[Darryl Licht]

If observations at vape shops have something to do with anything, I guess it would be worth observing the most popular devices sold on one of the worlds largest ecig shops?

Fasttech's top 40 most popular mods:

Mechanical
Regulated

1 Nemesis Style Mech Mod(stainless)
2 Vamo v5
3 Chi You Style Mech Mod
4 Stingray X Style Mech Mod (stainless)
5 Sentinel M16 Style Mech Mod (brass)
6 Astro Style Mech Mod
7 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (brass)
8 Panzer style Mech Mod
9 Innokin iTaste SVD
10 Private V2 Mech Mod
11 PA-PS Style Mech Mod
12 Nemesis Style (copper)
13 Nemesis Style Mech Mod
14 Launcher v2 Mech Mod
15 Atom Style Mech Mod
16 69 SS Telescopic Mechanical Mod
17 Origin Style Mech Mod
18 Sentinel M16 Mech Mod
19 4Nine Style Mech Mod
20 Mixed Caravela Style Mech Mod
21 Astro Style Mech Mod
22 Sentinel M16 Mech Mod (alum + brass)
23 Vamo V3
24 Vamo V2
25 Nemesis Style (black alum)
26 Congestus Style Mech Mod
27 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (mixed edition)
28 Innokin iTaste SVD Starter Kit
29 Caravela Style Mech Mod (18350)
30 Vamo v5 (chromed brass)
31 Pegasus Style Mech Mod
32 Hammer Style Mech Mod
33 V3 Telescopic Mech Mod (brass)
34 H-ANA MODZ Pack DNA 30 Style Mod
35 Caravela Style Mechanical Mod Kit
36 Innokin iTaste MVP Starter Kit
37 Chi You Style Mech Mod (brass)
38 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (chromed brass)
39 Innokin iTaste VV/VW 800mAh
40Pisces Telescopic Mech Mod

During what time period were these the top sellers?

Because I'm talking right now in the industry.

 

[Darryl Licht]

Yeah, those coil master things -- I guess if you want dual coils, those would be handy, being able to make both coils just alike. But for single coils, why bother?...Andria

I think the point is to use them to create a more uniform and tight coil every time. Personally, If I had one, I'd sit and make a large quantity of coils and not have to worry about making them for a while. Small fishing lure boxes are perfect for storing premade coils, and you can easily label each compartment as to # winds and/or gauge used.

Additionally, tools like the coil master allow those with arthritis or other conditions to make coils themselves.

 

[alicewonderland]

i use those coil makers because its easy. you can argue that it already is easy to make a coil, but this makes it easier lol.

 

[Darryl Licht]

i use those coil makers because its easy. you can argue that it already is easy to make a coil, but this makes it easier lol.

Do they not also give you greater consistency on your coil builds?

 

[HecticEnergy]

Do they not also give you greater consistency on your coil builds?

Ive been at this for a bout a year (rebuilding) for me, its as easy to use a drill bit as any jig. The coil master seems a lot easier than other jigs though, as you don't have to screw any leads down to capture them, you just hold it with your thumb. That said, I understand there is a market for them, and I don't look down on anyone using them - they are especially handy for those with dexterity issues.
I don't think they make "tight" coils in the terms of it wrapping tightly against the rod, but I bought one to do a coiling video and try out, so time will tell. Also, if you want a tighter coil you can always capture it in the atty (or a pair of pliers) and pull the rod away from the posts to get the coil to synch down on the rod.

 

[Ryedan]

Yesterday while hanging out in my neighborhood B&M, I couldn't help but notice the overwhelming numbers of regulated box mods. The mech users were few and far between, and many who came in with mechs that had issues, left with a shiny new box mod.

Personally as a newer vaper, I don't see the point to using a mech mod when a regulated box mod is so much easier to find the "sweet spot" for a juice. Particularly if you are into switching juices often.

As someone else already pointed out (or maybe a couple of people), your neighborhood B&M is not a great place to do research on worldwide vaping trends. Actually, I believe most vapers use cigalikes and eGo class hardware. You will not find them at a vape shop though

In the higher end gear I do believe regulated mods are making a comeback these days and that is a good thing for battery safety. People can still use sub-standard batteries and get in trouble because of that, but it will reduce the number of people who experience battery shorts which is IMO the biggest problem with mechanical mods.

The issue of overheating juice and inhaling 'bad stuff' does not get addressed by regulated mods. This might actually be worse with the new really high power mods that make more power than most of the mechanicals out there.

I started with regulated mods and switched to mech mods after about a year. Back then there were no alternatives for more power. I'm so comfortable and satisfied with mech mods and rebuildable attys now that I have no incentive to explore regulated mods. Also, my favorite vape these days is a Reo Grand bottom feeder and they only come mechanical. I've also been making my own juices for over two years now.

Once you learn how to set up a mech mod properly for your vaping style and preferences and how to do the maintenance required, many people become very satisfied with them. It does IMO take more research and experience to accomplish this than with regulated mods so it's not for everyone. The nice thing is that these days there are high power regulated mods out there that satisfy that need without resorting to mechs.

OTOH, I really doubt mech mods will ever go away altogether because of how inexpensive they are, their durability, performance, simplicity and style.

 

[Ryedan]

If observations at vape shops have something to do with anything, I guess it would be worth observing the most popular devices sold on one of the worlds largest ecig shops?

Fasttech's top 40 most popular mods:

Mechanical
Regulated

1 Nemesis Style Mech Mod(stainless)
2 Vamo v5
3 Chi You Style Mech Mod
4 Stingray X Style Mech Mod (stainless)
5 Sentinel M16 Style Mech Mod (brass)
6 Astro Style Mech Mod
7 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (brass)
8 Panzer style Mech Mod
9 Innokin iTaste SVD
10 Private V2 Mech Mod
11 PA-PS Style Mech Mod
12 Nemesis Style (copper)
13 Nemesis Style Mech Mod
14 Launcher v2 Mech Mod
15 Atom Style Mech Mod
16 69 SS Telescopic Mechanical Mod
17 Origin Style Mech Mod
18 Sentinel M16 Mech Mod
19 4Nine Style Mech Mod
20 Mixed Caravela Style Mech Mod
21 Astro Style Mech Mod
22 Sentinel M16 Mech Mod (alum + brass)
23 Vamo V3
24 Vamo V2
25 Nemesis Style (black alum)
26 Congestus Style Mech Mod
27 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (mixed edition)
28 Innokin iTaste SVD Starter Kit
29 Caravela Style Mech Mod (18350)
30 Vamo v5 (chromed brass)
31 Pegasus Style Mech Mod
32 Hammer Style Mech Mod
33 V3 Telescopic Mech Mod (brass)
34 H-ANA MODZ Pack DNA 30 Style Mod
35 Caravela Style Mechanical Mod Kit
36 Innokin iTaste MVP Starter Kit
37 Chi You Style Mech Mod (brass)
38 Nemesis Style Mech Mod (chromed brass)
39 Innokin iTaste VV/VW 800mAh
40Pisces Telescopic Mech Mod

What does this prove? I have no idea. I am bored and had fun posting it though.

That is impressive chomper

Nice work!

 

[bullet08]

only thing that's going to fail on mech is me. and i double check everything. so far no issue what so ever. it only takes few try to find out what will work with new setting and new juice. so not much work there either. i can see the attraction of regulated mod, but i prefer mech mod for it's simplicity.

 

[readeuler]

A few questions:

At what wattage are you vaping all day on a mech?
Using a single 18650?
How many ml per day?
You don't notice any flavor degradation as the batt drains?

Every mech user I know says that's the case (flavor degrades as batt dies, and most say it dies quickly).

I said I vape at 50 watts, which is approximately true. It may be more accurate to say that my 0.3 ohm build draws 14 amps of current initially, then down to 12 as the battery gets to 3.6 volts. My old build was a 0.275 ohms, and had similar battery life.

A single Samsung 25R 2500mAh 18650, yes. They're fantastic batteries.

It's been around 5ml on average, maybe a little more. 15mg/ml, so I don't need to chain vape (although I do vape all day, like I said).

No significant flavor degradation. Vapor, somewhat, but flavor, not really. It's a low resistance build, so even with a drained battery, it does pretty well for itself. I guess I'm just a mech whisperer compared to everyone you talk to

In other news: Roxy, you're a mathematician?? That's awesome!

 

[tFOrRESTee]

Mech mod still has its place and still will, at least for me. While all my box mods couldn't detect my subtank resistance and display something like "check atty", my mech mods still let me vape it like a son of a ...... Tankers+mech mods are still a great combo on the road.

I don't go to B&M any more because looking at their outrageously overpriced, last generation gears just plainly make me sick to my stomach. Sorry, I don't support other people ripping me off. I don't think they care though since their ejuice are their bread and butter winners, and there are new suckers coming in everyday to buy their old gears. Good thing is I have been doing my own ejuice for quite a while now so I am done doing business with them. So, I don't really know what people use nowadays, mech mods or regulated mods.