Considering the Poldiac by MMVapors

[Neezy]

Hey guys I've been vaping for probably about a year now, maybe a bit over that. I've had an mvp 2 and a nemesis clone so far.
I've had the nemesis clone for a few months now and the first few weeks with it were great. However, after having it for sometime I'm realizing I enjoyed the
side mounted firing button of the mvp. It just felt much more comfortable to use. I've come across the Poldiac which has the side mounted magnetic button system, and am considering it, although it says in bright red letters that this is for experienced users (which was a major bummer).
Would I be shooting myself in the foot getting one?
Are there any other options? I'm trying to find something of higher build quality.

 

[Avid]

I think all mech mods are "for experienced users only" as you would need to know about basic battery safety issues before safely using one. That being said, since you already use a Nemesis, the Poldiac seems like a nice mod if you're looking for a side button feature. Another option is this one which has a locking button, but then it needs one since it juts out. I'd prefer the Poldiac of the two.

I know there are better options for side-fire mechs and I'm sure someone will come along with one. In the meantime, I think the Poldiac seems nice and the written reviews on it are mostly positive. Not a bad choice! But if you're new and the mechs make you a little leary, look for one that can accommodate a kick or at least a safety fuse.

 

[The Ocelot]

I didn't want a bottom button either and was looking at the Poldiac, until a friend ordered one and MMVapor charged him VAT (Value Added Tax), which isn't supposed to be charged to buyers outside of the EU. There was a lot of back and forth, but MMVapors has stated that is their policy. They claim it saves the customer money; whatever. None of the other vape companies in Greece charge it to US buyers. I was bummed, the Poldiac is a beautiful mod, but I won't buy from them out of principle.

I still didn't want a bottom button, so I kept my eye on the classifieds. I ended up getting a bOd Mecha ByLeo. You press down on the top for it to fire. It's a nice mod. Then I had the opportunity to buy a Gus Kiss QE, which has a bottom button. I was very leery, but it turned out I didn't need to be. It has a locking ring on the bottom that is very smooth to open and close. I actually use it more than the bOd.

The Gus on the left, bOd Mecha on the right

 

[State O' Flux]

As a general rule, side-button mech clones have pretty terrible voltage drop - when compared to the authentic version - and some of the authentics have pretty crappy VD as well... so you can imagine just how poor the clones can be.

I have "rebuilt" a few higher quality '69' and Poldiac clones, with results in a few cases cutting VD in half, improving button consistency, and allowing reasonable use down to around 0.4Ω... but if not kept clean and tight, could still get a little warm with exceptionally long draws.

Assuming a first tier battery in all testing, many of the designs have inadequate conductivity - as indicated by localized Joule heating of the mech - for resistances much below 1.0Ω... because most of them predate sub-ohm vaping.
Saying that, there are a few that do well in testing with the existing design, and some that, with low resistance upgrade parts (typically high conductivity springs), are safe to use down to reasonably low resistances.

The authentic Atmomixani 69 (originally named because the side-button can be on top or bottom ), the latest versions of Atmizoo Roller and Dingo and some versions of MM Poldiac have done well in VD testing.

Ocelot - I can't seem to find my notes right now - but I recall that the Mecha bOd (although technically a "top button"), with the silver button/spring upgrade kit, had a VD on par with the Roller... with a silver or rhodium spring kit.
Sorry I don't have specifics... I'll see if I can dig them out later, after my 3rd or 4th cup of coffee. ;-)

 

[Ozwald]

Aww, Ocey called me a friend

I have 2 Poldiacs, both authentic. It's the best side-firing mech out on the market as of now. The VDrop is comparable to most bottom buttons & really isn't something to be concerned about. The "advanced users" line does refer to it being non-regulated, so if you're fine with the mech you have, you'll be fine with the Poldiac.

Your best bet would be to get verified & keep an eye on the classifieds. They pop up from time to time. As Ocey pointed out they do charge a 23% tax that's not supposed to be charged to non-EU customers to "save you money" & their shipping options are quite expensive.