Clone vs Original Mod

[Jred10465]

So I started vaping about 3 weeks ago and am completely addicted to it all. Not just the actual vaping but the entire hobby of it. I have upgraded from a basic starter to kit to an ileaf 20w with a kanger aerotank and recently purchased my first MOD (clone). I am really interested in building my own rda but didn't want to spend upwards of $200 for my first one. I ended up getting a Panzer clone with a Patriot atty clone. Came as a kit with a battery for just about $60. Was it worth it To get a clone? Will I get the experience I'm looking for with the clone?

 

[Marc411]

If they are decent clones you'll enjoy the new experience. Just watch you nic level. When I started with RDA's I grabbed 12mg by mistake and got a little light headed but was real happy.

Just be safe, always throw it on a meter before firing it up and watch your Ω's.

It's a great hobby and you'll enjoy the improved flavor and vapor.

And welcome to the site.

 

[Jred10465]

Thanks Marc411....what should my Ohms range be?

 

[RamShot Rowdy]

So you're now running a mech mod, so no safety net. You need an accurate ohm meter to ensure your builds are where you think they are...and to make sure you don't exceed your batteries maximum continuous discharge rate. You also need to completely understand Ohm's law and how it applies to mech mods. I would recommend you read this:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-9-battery-basics-mods-imr-protected-icr.html

and:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/6293-14-ohms-law-dummies-vapers.html

 

[Susan~S]

Hello and welcome to the forum jred. Glad to have you here!

Chances the batteries and charger that came with your kit are *crap*, totally unsuitable to vaping with.

A few questions for you.

1. Do you have an ohm reader?
2. What batteries did you purchese (brand, mah, amp limitation)?
3. What is the brand of your charger?
4. Have you educated yourself on battery safety, Ohm's Law, amp draw and understand how these all come together to determine if you are vaping safely?

If not, you have a lot of reading to do. I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (one of our resident battery experts) and visit his blogs. You are now 100% in control of your own safety (and others around you). Make sure you purchase an ohm reader and a voltmeter or DMM so you can measure your builds, check for shorts and measure the remaining charge on your batteries.

BATTERIES

Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.

Purple Efest Batteries not as Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.

OHM'S LAW

Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.

Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.

BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY

Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.

* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics

 

[mikefitz7907]

You can tell the difference in quality between a clone and a authentic...there are decent clones available that will do you just find and then there's clones were the coating will chip away in no time messing up your connection...but you can't go wrong with authentic lol

 

[Jred10465]

Wow....thank you very much for the detailed response. I've been doing nothing but reading up and that is why I started to ask questions. I read the links to ohms law and I understand it. I also read the links on batteries.

The battery tHat the setup comes with is a: IMR 18650 MXJO 3.7V 2500MAH 35A high drain rechargeable battery.

The charger I don't plan on using...I will upgrade

I also plan to purchase an ohm reader before I start to build.

Is the battery I have ok? Should I upgrade? The vape site I bought it from seemed to have decent reviews.

 

[Like A Boss]

Battery is just OK, don't need upgrade.

 

[RichJr]

You could grab an efest 35A 18650. Lowest drop I've tested under load besides my preferred Sammy INR 25A and close third was the Sony vtc4.

 

[retic1959]

You can tell the difference in quality between a clone and a authentic...there are decent clones available that will do you just find and then there's clones were the coating will chip away in no time messing up your connection...but you can't go wrong with authentic lol

Yes you can go wrong with an authentic , there are , by design , authentic pieces of crap . A bad design is a bad design , if you clone it you wind up with two pieces of crap .

 

[v1k1ng1001]

I have the stainless steel panzer clone from fasttech and it isn't the best performer but it's still pretty good. It's heavy and ugly but, this is ok because it is durable and can take a beating. The switch is nice.

RDA clones can be a mixed bag. I usually try to stick with EHpro clones which have been good to me. Infinite clones are sometimes really good. I've generally been disappointed with Tobeco products which work well at first and then go south all of the sudden.

 

[sonicbomb]

Panzers are fantastic so you did well there, solid, recessed fire button and a good safety ring. Infinite make a really good quality clone of the Plume Veil v1.5, I have one and its fantatic but it's down to personal preference at the end of the day. As for safe builds and batteries, read the information that has already been posted. Don't even do a test build until you are 100% certain you know what you are trying to achive with your first attempt.

 

[Rsunderl]

Hi jred and welcome to ECF!

No need to to upgrade your battery as long as you are aware that the Maximum CDR (Continuous Discharge Rate) of those batteries is 20 Amp. The 35 Amp rating is pules.

You always want to base the safety of your builds on the CDR.

BTW, we think those are rewrapped LG 18650 HE2's, which is a fine battery. Here's a thread on them:
MXJO IMR 18650 2500MAH 35A anyone use these?

Hope that helps and Happy and Safe Vaping!

 

[Fir3b1rd]

Makes me nervous... not the clone part, nothing wrong with a clone imho, so long as its quality built, you'll sort your way through that, the price tag is not bad if its a good quality clone.
I'm always nervous to see a new person go mech without knowing how to build.
If you have a good b&m near you, it would be beneficial to go in there and hang out with the builder to learn no matter how much you read or watch you tube, there is no substitute for watching a good knowledgeable person build first hand.
Also a good ohm meter, properly rated batteries and stick with the rating of the battery, also ohm law, ohm law.

Its a ton of fun!!! just be safe with it that's all.
oh, and congrats !!! Welcome to

 

[pinetreehater]

I've found with a few of the Kayfun clones, the threads can be a little tricky. Sometimes I actually have had trouble unscrewing the chimney cap or bottom cap. Never had trouble screwing them in, just unscrewing them. Once, unfortunately, I took pliers to my clone. Scratched it all up despite using a towel. I've noticed the harder you try to unscrew, the more resistant it is. Try and unscrew lightly, and often it'll come apart. Weird, but it was my observation.

 

[Jred10465]

Thank you very much! That is very helpful information. How do you know that the max CDR is 20? Just curious?

 

[Jred10465]

Makes me nervous... not the clone part, nothing wrong with a clone imho, so ling as its quality built, you'll sort your way through that, the' rice tag is not bad if its a good quality clone.
I'm always nervous to see a new person go much without knowing how to build.
If you have a good b&m near you, it would be beneficial to go in there and hang out with the builder to learn
Also a good ohm meter, properly rated batteries and stick with the rating of the battery, also ohm law, ohm law.

Its a ton of fun!!! just be safe with it that's all.
!ph, and congrats !!! Welcome to

I appreciate the concern and would never even start to build before doing my homework. I've already read a ton on ohms law, downloaded the calculator, read about batteries...although I am not done with my research, I have learned a great deal so far! We all have to start somewhere!! Any recommendations on an ohm meter...thought I found a decent one on rtdvapor.Com but not sure??

 

[Fir3b1rd]

I appreciate the concern and would never even start to build before doing my homework. I've already read a ton on ohms law, downloaded the calculator, read about batteries...although I am not done with my research, I have learned a great deal so far! We all have to start somewhere!! Any recommendations on an ohm meter...thought I found a decent one on rtdvapor.Com but not sure??

Rtd is a great vendor, I buy all my batteries from them, unfortunately I'm not in a position to know any particulars on their ohm meter though. I would think its fine, the accuracy point on the 510 ohm meters can be arguably inaccurate but they'll all give you a general approximation, most importantly they'll let you know if you have a short.
That said, I'm sure it'll be a good one dude

I use one from smok

 

[Jred10465]

Rtd is a great vendor, I buy all my batteries from them, unfortunately I'm not in a position to know any particulars on their ohm meter though. I would think its fine, the accuracy point on the 510 ohm meters can be arguably inaccurate but they'll all give you a general approximation, most importantly they'll let you know if you have a short.
That said, I'm sure it'll be a good one dude

Thanks Holmes!!

 

[Marc411]

Thank you very much! That is very helpful information. How do you know that the max CDR is 20? Just curious?

Jred, most rebuttal vendors will tell you what the CD is on a battery. I like the 18650 Samsung 25R and the vendor lists the information so that I can make an educated decision.

Illumn.com

Specifications:
Nominal Capcity: 2500 mAh
Nominal Voltage: 3.6V
Discharge End Voltage: 2.5V
Standard Charging Current: 1.25A
Charging Voltage: 4.20+-0.05V
Max. Continuous Discharging Current: 20A

Dimensions:
64.85mm (L) x 18.33 mm (D)
Weight: 45.0g

These folks are great and almost everything I know came from this site and my battery knowledge came from this gentleman's blog and picking his brain through PM.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-9-battery-basics-mods-imr-protected-icr.html