eLeaf iStick Pico Mega I'm not sure what this comes with or what I need

[Sara Saturday]

Eleaf iStick Pico Mega 80W TC Starter Kit | 26650/18650 Platform

Do I need a charger and battery right now? Does it charge with USB or is that just for firmware upgrades?

The Eleaf iStick Pico Mega 80W TC Starter Kit builds upon the original Pico ecosystem, improving nearly every aspect with a firmware upgradeable, fully-loaded output chipset combined with improvements to the enlarged chassis, and paired with the accompanying Melo III tank. The iStick Pico Mega features one of the best size to performance ratios in today's market, measuring 73.5mm by 53.5mm by 31.5mm coupled with an impressive chipset. The iStick Pico Mega features 80W of power output alongside updated temperature controlled output settings, wit onboard support for Ni200 Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel heating elements along with 3-Mode TCR Setting. Building upon principle of creating an efficient chassis, the structural architecture includes a top-loaded battery cap for the required single 26650 platform or 18650 with battery sleeve (sold separately). Three-button operational usage consists of the adjustment buttons integrated into a recess location at the base. A full-sized OLED screen below the firing mechanism displays intuitive information at a quick glance, for a seamless experience. The Eleaf Melo III tank implements a 4mL juice reservoir chassis, hidden bottom airflow control, convenient threaded top-fill method, and EC Coil System with cross-compatibility with other popular coil structures. The Melo III's marquee feature is the integrated a stealth-like bottom airflow control, allowing direct air channels below the coils and enabled by a simple twist mechanism. The upgraded tank retains the same dependable EC Coil System from Eleaf, including a 0.3ohm and 0.5ohm Kanthal Coil, while having the flexibility to be used with Atlantis, Triton, and cCell coil structures (sold separately). Combining a highly ergonomic device with a regarded sub-ohm tank that truly showcases the functionally-rich system, the Eleaf iStick Pico Mega 80W TC Starter Kit is perfect for individuals looking for a compact and effective platform.

Eleaf iStick Pico Mega 80W TC Box Mod Features:

• Single 26650 High-Amp Battery - Not Included
• Optional 18650 High-Amp Battery
• 73.5mm by 53.5mm by 31.5mm
• Wattage Ouput Range: 1~80W
• Maximal Output in 18650 Mode: 75W
• Minimum Atomizer Resistance: 0.05ohm
• Temperature Range: 200-600
• Versatile Temperature Control Regulation
• Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Compatible
• Temperature Coefficient of Resistance Adjustments
• Three Memory TCR Mode
• Smart Mode
• Intuitive OLED Display
• Three Button Operation
• Bottom Adjustment Buttons
• Highly Responsive Operational Usage
• Top-Loaded Battery Cap
• MicroUSB Port - Firmware Upgradeable
• Spring-Loaded 510 Connection

Eleaf Melo 3 Sub-Ohm Tank Features:

• 4mL Juice Reservoir
• 22mm Diameter
• Superior Stainless Steel Construction
• Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
• Convenient Threaded Top-Fill Design
• Hidden Bottom Airflow Control
• Eleaf's EC Coil System
• 0.3ohm EC Kanthal Coil - rated for 30~80W
• 0.5ohm EC Kanthal Coil - rated for 30~100W
• Cross-Compatible with Atlantis, Triton, and cCell Coils
• Heat-Insulated Drip Tip
• 510 Connection

Includes:

• 1 iStick Pico Mega 80W TC Mod
• 1 Melo III Mini Sub-Ohm Tank
• 1 Preinstalled 0.25ohm 316L NotchCoil
• 1 0.5ohm Kanthal NotchCoil
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• Instructional Manual

 

[Baditude]

Do I need a charger and battery right now? Does it charge with USB or is that just for firmware upgrades?

You will need a charger and at least 2 batteries for that starter setup.

This mod does have a micro USB port which can recharge batteries in an emergency situation, but it is primarily for firmware upgrades. It's recommended to have a Li-ion charger with at least 2 charging bays for external batteries. Of the chargers available from Element Vape, I recommend:

• Nitecore D2 Battery Charger (2-Bay)
  $19.95
  5 star rating

This kit does not come with batteries included. It will accept either 18650 size batteries or 26650 size batteries. 18650 is the more common size battery. Sometimes a 26650 battery may have more capacity (mAh) than many of the 18650 batteries for additional run time, but unfortunately the 26650 size batteries seem to be phasing out to the more popular 20700 and 21700 size batteries, which this mod will not accept. I didn't see any 26650 batteries offered at Element Vape.

Should you choose to buy your batteries from Element Vape along with the starter kit, they do have a good selection of 18650 batteries to choose from. The best brands come from Lg, Samsung, and Sony. The batteries you should choose from depends upon the wattage setting that you will vape at. Higher wattage demands higher amp batteries. However, if you don't plan to vape at higher wattage settings, you don't necesarily need higher amp batteries. If you plan to vape under 30 watts, a 15 amp battery (with a higher mAh rating) would make more sense because you'd get more vape time between batteries. With higher amp batteries you sacrifice run time (mah); with higher mah batteries you sacrifice higher wattage settings.

WATTAGE PER SINGLE BATTERY on REGULATED MOD:
(Total wattage doubles using 2 batteries; Triples using 3 batteries.)

Up to 45W:

Samsung 18650 30Q, 3000 mah 15 amp CDR

Sony 18650VTC6 3000mAh 15 amp CDR

​

Up to 60W:

LG 18650HG2 3000mah 20 amp CDR

LG 18650HE4 2500 mah 20 amp CDR

Samsung 18650-25R, 2500 mah 20 amp CDR

Sanyo UR18650NSX, 2500 mah 20 amp CDR

Sony 18650VTC5, 2600 mah 20 amp CDR

Sony 18650VTC4, 2100 mah 23 amp CDR

​

Up to 75W:

LG 18650 HD4 2100 mah 25 amp CDR

LG 18650 HD2 2000 mah 25 amp CDR

Samsung 18650-24S, 2500 mah 25 amp CDR

Sony 18650VTC5A, 2500 mah 25 amp CDR

Molicel 18650-P26A, 2600 mah 25 amp CDR

​

Up to 90W:

LG18650HB6 1500mah 30 amp CDR

LG18650HB2 1500mAh 30 amp CDR

LG18650HB4 1500mAh 30 amp CDR

Samsung 18650-20S 2000mah 30 amp CDR

​

You'll probably want to carry a spare, charged battery with you while out of the house. If so, you'll want to transport them in a plastic battery case. Contact with metalic items such as coins or keys can short out the battery (which can be dangerous).

The Melo tank comes with two coils:

• 0.3ohm EC Kanthal Coil - rated for 30~80 Watts
• 0.5ohm EC Kanthal Coil - rated for 30~100 Watts

You'll eventually need to replace each coil after 2 - 4 weeks of use. Muted flavor or a burnt taste to your vapor will be the hint. I might be tempted to wait until you decide which coil you like better before ordering replacements. But not having replacements already on hand while waiting for delivery might keep you from vaping.

Be sure to learn how to "prime" your coils prior to vaping.

You won't be able to use TC or Temp Control mode with kanthal coils, just Wattage mode.

Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper
Guide to Choosing a Li-ion Battery Charger
Battery Basics for Mods: The Definative Battery Guide for Vaping