Eleaf Istick longevity

[DaveP]

I bought one. It's a nice toy for stealth vaping while I'm out and about. I like the fact that I can hook it to USB while I'm driving. As long as the vehicle is conveniently located to where I am, I'm good for a charge.

My experience with 18650's is that they are fine for a year. Two years out they start lasting 4 hours instead of 8 or 12, but the USB feature changes the useability factor of the istick.

It's possible, but not feasible to change the battery when it goes south because of the way the istick is constructed. The iStick is riveted instead of screwed together and the battery is soldered into the circuit. PBusardo destroyed one of the four he was given for review just to see what was inside. There's no wasted space.

Still, it's a neat device for pocket carry. By the time I wear it out, there will be something else, a new version with a replaceable battery. Until then, I alternate back and forth between the iStick and the Provari. The iStick gets to go out and about town. The Provari gets used while the iStick is charging at home.

 

[nixer]

nothing lasts forever
so far not smoking and istick doing me good

 

[GinnyTx]

our cell phones taught me this...the old "flip" ones it cost more to replace the battery than to just get a new one.

at $33 bucks and we snagged two at $19...I"m good ..even the good ole MVP only has so many charges...

here's hoping something better comes along when my iStick's are pootering out (have one in a box I'm NOT using for that day.."just in case" though)

 

[White Stone]

We ordered one apiece on Nov 4th and are still waiting.

Waiting is bitter sweet. . . .

 

[KTMRider]

Vape NW has Isticks for $29.xx and $6 shipping. Free shipping over $75. I ordered from them when they were selling on eBay and got it in a few days.

The Istick is held together with sheet screws with odd torx heads (in between T5 and T4 but you can get a T5 to work) and can be taken apart and put back together if you know what you're doing (I've fixed 2 so far).

 

[SunshinePete]

our cell phones taught me this...the old "flip" ones it cost more to replace the battery than to just get a new one.

at $33 bucks and we snagged two at $19...I"m good ..even the good ole MVP only has so many charges...

here's hoping something better comes along when my iStick's are pootering out (have one in a box I'm NOT using for that day.."just in case" though)

You're such a sensible lady! I ordered an istick this afternoon for delivery tomorrow, and will I care if it's a worker in 12 months time? If the world doesn't rub me out before then I'll surely have moved on to other devices anyway.

 

[lucky_x16]

I agree with the others, Pick up a decently priced VV/VW mod that you can select decent batteries for, and try and stick to the Glass Clearomizers if you decide to go the tank route and not the RDA/Dripper route.

 

[ahinson]

Thanks guys, I was going to ask same questions. I ordered mine last night I know it will be a huge upgrade from the kanger evod I'm using now.

But I do have a question for those of you already using the istick, I'm looking for a RDA that will fit nicely without looking like a monster on top of this petit thing.

 

[Trailz]

By the time the battery dies on my istick it will probably be gathering dust or given/sold to a friend. I plan to buy an IPV Mini when they're released next month and possibly the Sigelei 150W for sub ohm builds. The MVP 3 should be released soon as well. With all these devices coming to market and the recent explosion of Vape B&B shops and etailers, competition is fierce and it may be heading towards a buyers market.

For those looking for a deal on the istick, Heaven gifts are selling them for $29 on Nov. 12 for 12 hrs. Only.

 

[Train2]

Say what???
Gotta go google now...

maybe the MVP3.0 will be small and compact when it comes in December

 

[lucky_x16]

Thanks guys, I was going to ask same questions. I ordered mine last night I know it will be a huge upgrade from the kanger evod I'm using now.

But I do have a question for those of you already using the istick, I'm looking for a RDA that will fit nicely without looking like a monster on top of this petit thing.

A7 RDA It was my first, and still use it when I go to a B&M.

 

[Just1Fixxx]

Thanks guys, I was going to ask same questions. I ordered mine last night I know it will be a huge upgrade from the kanger evod I'm using now.

But I do have a question for those of you already using the istick, I'm looking for a RDA that will fit nicely without looking like a monster on top of this petit thing.

Istick/EHPro Atomic

 

[kimbrell]

I just ordered an iStick as a backup device. I recently bought a Sigelei 30w tube mod and having issues with it. Going to send it back for replacement (it's under warranty) once I get my iStick in the mail tomorrow. I paid $38 (with shipping) for my unit. I tried an iStick out when I was in a local vape shop the other day. It feels and hits like a dream, especially for the size and form factor. And now reading about the 510 connection issues, I'll just have to be extra careful when changing my top or refilling the juice.

 

[lugano]

I love the stick as well, use a 510 to 510 adaptor to save the threads on the device

 

[DaveOno]

This may seem like a stupid question. But in looking at the Istick a thought occurs to me. Since rechargeable batteries have a shelf life, meaning that they only charge so many cycles, and knowing that the Istick has a battery that is not remove able.... Doesn't that mean that eventually the thing will become useless? I'm looking at one for my wife and don't want to buy it if it's just going to become a paperweight down the road. Seems to me they shouldn't have made it unremoveable. Or am I misinformed?

To the original Poster.
These batteries are rated at roughly 300 cycles. Meaning that on average, the batteries will have reduced capacity to 75% after 300 charges. Capacity meaning how long until it needs recharging. The majority of these lithium ion batteries will continue to work just fine after 300 cycles. But where you used to get 20 hours of use, now you'd get 15.

By the time that happens somewhere in Summer or Fall of 2015, the iStick would be fully amortized many times over. There will be much better things to get. I'm OK with the projected life.

And after 2 months, if my iStick died today, I would buy another today.

 

[lucky_x16]

I just ordered an iStick as a backup device. I recently bought a Sigelei 30w tube mod and having issues with it. Going to send it back for replacement (it's under warranty) once I get my iStick in the mail tomorrow. I paid $38 (with shipping) for my unit. I tried an iStick out when I was in a local vape shop the other day. It feels and hits like a dream, especially for the size and form factor. And now reading about the 510 connection issues, I'll just have to be extra careful when changing my top or refilling the juice.

Thread covers provide that extra bit of support to help save the threads so all the weight of the device is not resting on it.
Thread Covers

 

[SunshinePete]

To the original Poster.
These batteries are rated at roughly 300 cycles. Meaning that on average, the batteries will have reduced capacity to 75% after 300 charges. Capacity meaning how long until it needs recharging. The majority of these lithium ion batteries will continue to work just fine after 300 cycles. But where you used to get 20 hours of use, now you'd get 15.

By the time that happens somewhere in Summer or Fall of 2015, the iStick would be fully amortized many times over. There will be much better things to get. I'm OK with the projected life.

And after 2 months, if my iStick died today, I would buy another today.

That's a strong recommendation. If mine dies after two month the retailer will have the grumpy old man from hell to deal with!

 

[lucky_x16]

Li-on batteries are rated for 500 recharges on average.

 

[KTMRider]

Thread covers provide that extra bit of support to help save the threads so all the weight of the device is not resting on it.
Thread Covers

The Istick doesn't have ego threading. Just a flush 510 connector.

Li-on batteries are rated for 500 recharges on average.

Yes, 500 full recharges. Most batteries' mah rating is from 2.75v to 4.2v. The Istick cuts off at 3.3v so you would have a bit more than 500 recharges.

 

[djsvapour]

I have low expectations, if at all.

Having spent 3 or 4 times as much on shoddy mods that lasted less than a year (less than 6 months with Joyetech EVIC) I'll be happy with even 4 months.

The whole idea that buying a mod with replaceable batteries is better is kind of flawed. OK, so the batteries will last x amount of charges, but chances are the mod won't go on forever, few do.

The iStick is essentially a throwaway item. Under 3 months, not many people are going to be happy.More than 6 makes it a bargain in my eyes.