Aspire Archon

[Jaguar G]

Hi everybody,

I just got a new Aspire Archon ($42.95 at MyVaporStore) and while looking for information could not find much in ye old ECF forums so decided to start a thread.

Background on me, I started vaping in 2010 with a KR808 and then quickly moved to a Phidias, a bottom feed battery mod with a 510 atty. Only a couple years ago got into VV/VW devices, started with a Innokin CoolFire IV, then the Innokin MVP 3.0, then I went to a Joytech Cuboid, and when the Cuboid went belly up (when the tank is screwed down the batter looses connection) I purchased an Aspire Archon.

I have to say, I am really digging the Archon. It has has basic TC functions, Ni, Ti, SS, and three presets, as well as Watts, Volts, Bypass (basically making it a non-regulated device), and three programmable custom power curve settings.

I don't do a lot of TC so I will leave that alone, maybe someone with more experience can talk to that. I did pick up some Ti200 coils for my SubTank Mini and will give it a go later. In the meantime I will write about my impressions so far (couple days) and what I like and don't like about it.

First, the cons.

1. Even with a Kanger SubTank Mini, the tank overhangs the sides a bit. Not a deal breaker for me, it doesn't bother me but I know some people are nit-picky about such things. It actually doesn't, just looks that way as the top is sloped inward.
   
2. When attaching the tank, it takes a few seconds to recognize it is there. It made me loosen and tighten the tank several times before I realized if I waited it will see it.
3. Feels a little inexpensive in the build quality. Innokin and Joytech make solid mods you can knock someone out with - this isn't like that.
   
4. Not a fan of the yellow racing stripe.

Okay, now for the pros.

1. Dual 18650, 150 watts all day power for what I run, typically about 20 - 30 watts.
2. Easy battery access, just pull off the side panels and there they are.
   
3. Ergonomics - feels good in the hand, not sharp edges to bite into the hand (sorry MVP 3.0.) Also, it is light weight, quite a bit lighter than the Cuboid.
4. Button click feels right to me.
   
5. Intuitive 5 button layout. Along with the typical fire, plus and minus buttons, it also has "W" and "T" buttons for changing from watts modes to temperature modes. I like this.
6. Probably my most favorite feature, the custom power curves.
7. Logo customization - mine says "Jaguar G".
8. Child lock - I don't use this but I can see it being a nice feature for those who may have inquisitive little ones.

So I typically vape around 30 watts on a .5 ohm STM and my typical draw is abut 5 seconds. Usually about half way through the draw I open my lips from the drip tip to allow air in as well since I don't want that 30 watts all the way through. With the Aspire Archon, this isn't needed. Just put the mod in one of the "C" setting by pressing "W", press and hold the "W" and the profile is editable. Step through the profile in .5 second increments to 10 seconds max, setting the power for each .5 seconds along the way. I have mine set to start at 20W, then after 1 second go to 30W and hold that for two seconds, then drop to 25W, then to 20W, then hold the 20W for another 3 seconds. After that it is usually moot, but I have it jump back to 30W in case I feel the need for more vapor. I love that, delivers just what I want when I want and is easy to set. I understand this has been around for a while with DNA mods, but from what I have heard, this makes it easier and more intuitive and no need to connect to a computer. Don't like a particular point in your power curve, just change it, easy peasy.

So far I'm impressed. It has the feel of the CoolFire IV, the power of the Cuboid, and more functions than both put together. I would say it is a home run if it lasts as long as it should, and for that only time will tell.

Cheers,
Jag

 

[Jaguar G]

Wanted to add, the screen flips automatically, a nice feature. I also know this is likely the same basic chip and button layout as the NX75 from Aspire on which Versa did a great write up on here.

 

[Eskie]

Glad you're happy with it. It's a nice form factor and reminds me very much of my Plato from them. That temp curve entry system is very handy once you get it dialed in. It's not truly temp control, as the mod does not adjust to the coil resistance dynamically, but it does give you an option for better control with say Kanthal which you can't use in TC mode.

 

[ericbnc]

I picked up a gray model. Very easy to get the batteries in and out, TC works with Ti, SS316L, and custom set for SS304. The custom wattage modes are fun to play with but are more of a novelty than a needed feature for me.

The 510 is my only complaint. Most tanks I use fit and work but the Serpent Mini needed a spacer or it wouldn't read when screwed all the way down. I put an adapter on my mods to save the threads so it wasn't a big deal to me but is worth noting. Might only be my unit too.