Eleaf Istick

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clnire

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I have 2 iSticks and a FT Smart-20. All working just fine with no issues. I love them for out and about but use mostly my Vamos, Segelei Zmax and the new BV Spire I won last month around the house. I am holding off on anything new until next year. The Clouper mini looks very interesting (I really don't vape over 8-9 watts so raw power is not an issue.) The way it is going who knows what will come in a few months? Until then I will continue to read reviews and opinions and get something else when I find what I want. I love the size and shape of my iSticks, they last me 2 days each and I have had no thread issues (I use the adaptor all the time since I use mostly ego threaded toppers I rebuild) and no charging issues (I am VERY careful plugging and unplugging).
 

Katdarling

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How's your Istick doing? I just responded to Kat's PM and hopefully can help her out too.




I've been having problems with the 510 pin on my black one so I haven't used it in a couple of months.




Xmas is over :p

Hope everyone's Xmas was great!!! :D


I just started using the blue one that Lady Pharaoh donated for my experiment. I've had to resolder the ground a couple of times but I think it's good now but I haven't really touched it until today. It seems to be holding up now. I wanted to PIF to someone in need but I didn't think it was reliable enough so it's been collecting dust.

I loved the size of the Istick but mine hasn't lasted more than a month before the 510 pin and threads started having issues. I've since replaced it with a VS rDNA 40 and VS DNA 30 recently to fill the role of the tiny vaper that would be more reliable and better built. I also got a Hana mini clone with the plans to upgrade it with a DNA 40, VT 510 and 18650. I love the spring loaded 510 pins of my Vaporsharks and VT 510s (currently on a MVP2, Istick and 2 of 7 Hana clone boxes). I also have a Cloupor Mini on order as that's the only real "mini" box (SX Mini and IPV Mini aren't so mini) that's been recently released.

Katdarling - You have first dibs on either Istick if you want. The blue one seems to be more reliable but probably could benefit from a wrap (the ones that go all the way around the Istick) as I've taken the front black pieces off a few times and the double stick tape isn't holding on as well as when it was new.

You're beyond kind and generous, KTM, and I so appreciate it. I am however, receiving a new one from a friend of mine.

I just want to let you guys know that I was (and always am) careful with the charging port. I didn't savagely attack it with the plug, but whatevs. The 'Stick, as we know, is not wildly well made. I was hoping for a 6 month run with it, but for me it's not a big deal.

Having said that, I would love it to go to someone who wants one and has the ability to fix it. I am not offering that up here (cuz that would be an ECF no-no). ;)



Okay Kat. Christmas is over, so silver istick is having her new year's makeover. Is this better?
0d684955d16f96d2f56c4f77f75c45cf.jpg


Sorry about your loss. There has to be a new mega sale coming up soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stunning, pokes! Just beautiful. And thank you. He's still in a coma, so I'll let you all know when we'll be having the memorial service. (a bit more than 1/2 a charge left, so could be tomorrow!) :D


I'm not sure this pic was previously posted, but thought some of you might like to see a size comparison between our dear little device and the IPV mini.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...iscussion/625973-ipv-mini-4.html#post14754666
 

drysprocket

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I really can't wait till these BVC coils come in, the BDC ones im using on my reg nautilus even at 11w on my MVP just have very low flavor (yes im using the largest air hole) but im running BRV Colonel's Custard and i can barely taste it

Should i be using a smaller hole? Are these coils just that crap?

Yeah, it's pretty mindblowing. It's the coils, and not the hole. Just throw this BDC's out once you get these. No joke, most people tend to. Just be sure that you're getting authentic BVC's from a reputable vendor. I had some really hit and miss experiences in the beginning. I stick to Aspire Nautilus BVC Single Coil (Replacement heads) - Sun-Vapers.com now, since they are big about authentic. And I just looked- down to $9.99 a 5/pack which is killer. (I would also stick to 1.8's. I've had better luck with them than the 1.6's for some reason)

I think you'll be a really happy camper once you get them.
 

aldenf

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I hate to disturb the arguments here but would you guys buy another one? There's the Cloupor mini 30 watt and another mini 30 watt I can't think of right now that both take a 18650 battery. I'd jump on one of those if my istick took a dump.

I did purchase a second iStick. But I am very interested in learning what the Cloupor Mini brings to the table. The rest of the "Minis" are far from mini and run closer in size to the MVP2
 

aldenf

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I would buy another iStick in a heartbeat--form factor, form factor, form factor.
One caveat- if more start having the charging issue like Katdarling I might have second thoughts-- that charging port is worrisome.

I too lost my charging port in my first 'Stick. The female USB broke free of the PCB and shorted the chipset...
 

aldenf

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It seems that debates spring up every month or so over issues long since settled in this thread. Reading through almost 8000 posts can be, understandably, very daunting. I have written a new blog post for those, like myself, who are always asking the questions "How?" and "Why?". I'm dog-sitting and felt the urge to utilize my engineering and English educations.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/aldenf/7026-technology-behind-istick-v1.html


Cheers!
 

Katya

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I hate to disturb the arguments here but would you guys buy another one?

Nope. I love mine, I know its shortcomings and I fully expect it to die at any time. I got it for 20 bucks and it was totally worth it.

But I wouldn't buy another one. The MVP 20 (with step down and accurate voltage output) or the mini Cloupor, VS 20 or 30 (no step down) would be my choices. Function before form. :)
 

Jumpin' In...

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I hate to disturb the arguments here but would you guys buy another one? There's the Cloupor mini 30 watt and another mini 30 watt I can't think of right now that both take a 18650 battery. I'd jump on one of those if my istick took a dump.

I've been using an A6 RDA on an iStick almost exclusively for more than 2 months now. While I recognize the iStick's weaknesses - 510 connector, charge port, mean vs RMS - there is still nothing *tested* on the market right now that, on balance and IMO, can better its strengths - size, power, feature set, and price.

Lately I've been thinking about what I would be left with if my single iStick went down for whatever reason. The only other devices I have lying around are 650 mAh, regular and VV ego batts. Frankly, just the thought of having to revert back to egos is sort of depressing.

So yes, I'd buy another one. I probably will. Along with another A6. Even though I don't REALLY need one.

Don't know that I would buy a third, though. I'm hoping that something even better will come around by then.
 

USMCotaku

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It seems that debates spring up every month or so over issues long since settled in this thread. Reading through almost 8000 posts can be, understandably, very daunting. I have written a new blog post for those, like myself, who are always asking the questions "How?" and "Why?". I'm dog-sitting and felt the urge to utilize my engineering and English educations.



http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/aldenf/7026-technology-behind-istick-v1.html





Cheers!


Some of that is all well and good, but unless there are different versions out (not talking about the clone), mine will not put out max voltage on a 1.1 ohm coil. The max it will allow then is 4.6...... Some of you must have different firmware
 

USMCotaku

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When all is said and done, I love the form factor, but am disappointed in the vape quality. After getting accustomed to my 30 watt Hana clone with direct dc to dc output, a 48hz pwm just doesn't vape smooth enough for me now, it makes a harshness in the flavor that you don't get with a direct dc output even at much higher settings
Sent with one hand, the other is busy vaping.
 

aldenf

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Some of that is all well and good, but unless there are different versions out (not talking about the clone), mine will not put out max voltage on a 1.1 ohm coil. The max it will allow then is 4.6...... Some of you must have different firmware

I'm with you, USMCotaku. There have occasionally been major discrepancies in users' experiences. The questions of different firmwares escaping into the wild or significant quality control issues have been voiced before. Nothing has been proven that explains the huge differences some are seeing. These are a couple of the reasons why this thread is so looooooong.

I'm hoping the Cloupor Mini turns out to be a winner at around the same selling price.
 
Nice find (Aspen Valley).

There's so many new devices coming out with varying levels of fit and finish I can see how it can be overwhelming. You really should use higher amp draw batteries. Those Panasonic batteries are good but under 10a draw so if you're going to use more than 15w, the batteries won't keep up.

If you continue to Bing or Google around a bit you'l likely find some other deals right up until the first of the year as just about every other vendor has some type of holiday sale going. At this time last year I had the MVP but wasn't quite happy with that alone as I was upgrading out of all that CE2 1.6ml top coil long wicked crapomizers! and getting into better but still max out at 10-11w tanks. Those plus variable wattage batteries that prove to be much better then the Twiists or Spinners as it turned out plus the Smok Groove II at the time I liked being 3-15w compared to the MVP's 6-11w limits there. The MVP simply became the spare mod while the batteries and Groove II until that died in June and replaced by the VTR sufficed while still lacking.

Along came September and October with a look the new things just coming out and of course the iSticks were looked at the same time four more eGo-V V4s and the 20w Vamo Fire were on order. And then the bluetooth capable Smok BEC Pro 50w just in time for the Atlantis tanks that followed the Nautilus 5 fanks total. First it was the VTR where the flat tops were needed and I grabbed some Panasonic 3400mah standard 18650s until running into the 5000mah but button top used on the pair of Smok ACEs as well as the Vamo V5 I picked up over the summer as well. I found the 3100mah HD flat top batteries worked out well in the VTR and V5 and a tube mod that let go however from trying out the Smok Kick 2 with adapter you put on inbetween tank and mod and then saw the button stick in and no longer spring out on the mod itself. Recycling time for that!

Between that however and the two Smok ACEs all being aluminum you couldn't shove just any 18650 in since the Efest wouldn't even fit in and the VTR had to have flat tops and the Panasonic 3100mah HD flat tops made the day for the time being at least. I pushed them by having both the ZNA 50 and Smok BEC Pro pushed upto the 50w max on a few occasions with a particular flavor that still vapes well at the high end. The batteries haven't been lingering when keeping the ZNA 50 at 30w most of the time. The controversy still remains however between blog writers about protected or unprotected which being the best.

I really can't wait till these BVC coils come in, the BDC ones im using on my reg nautilus even at 11w on my MVP just have very low flavor (yes im using the largest air hole) but im running BRV Colonel's Custard and i can barely taste it

Should i be using a smaller hole? Are these coils just that crap?

On the MVP I pulled the Nautilus off of that and simply slapped a Smok Tumbler back on to run at 7w since I see better results having one on the VTR at 13w as well as on the other 20w APVs(Vamo Fire, Vamo V6). With the 20w, 30w, and 50w mods in the two ITaste mods however simply sit in the stands now as spare mods for quick grab flavors while the iSticks will now being seeing a bit more usage then those two will.

The best thing for use on the MVP however is to use the smallest not largest due to the 11w max on the MVP which runs too cool for the largest opening which make the vape too cool to bring out the flavor as well as vapor output. The coils are great .... kickers actually having five tanks and not one needing a new coil yet! Aspire put something into their coils to make them last longer then what you typically find with the $13 tanks compared the $35-$45 the Nautilus 5ml and Atlantis tanks run for as well as the not shabby Mini tanks.
 

aldenf

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When all is said and done, I love the form factor, but am disappointed in the vape quality. After getting accustomed to my 30 watt Hana clone with direct dc to dc output, a 48hz pwm just doesn't vape smooth enough for me now, it makes a harshness in the flavor that you don't get with a direct dc output even at much higher settings
Sent with one hand, the other is busy vaping.

Agreed. But the good Hana clones are still selling for twice the price. By the looks of it, the Cloupor Mini will bring the DNA 30 experience to the iStick's form-factor. I'm not holding my breath over Chinese engineering and manufacturing however.
 

emmsma

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KTM: My little iStick you repaired for me is doing great. No connection problems at all. Stuck one of those little AFC on it and its doing fine.

I'd probably not get another. The third one I got at a BF sale I passed on to a friend. along with an AFC. She loves it.

I am taking a chance on the Beyang, through a Coop here. Might consider a Cloupor later in the year. I've got a couple mechs that I'm playing with now, and two more arriving very slowly. I might just have enough mods to make me happy for awhile.

Time to expand my toppers, perhaps.
 

Jumpin' In...

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KTM: My little iStick you repaired for me is doing great. No connection problems at all. Stuck one of those little AFC on it and its doing fine.

I'd probably not get another. The third one I got at a BF sale I passed on to a friend. along with an AFC. She loves it.

I am taking a chance on the Beyang, through a Coop here. Might consider a Cloupor later in the year. I've got a couple mechs that I'm playing with now, and two more arriving very slowly. I might just have enough mods to make me happy for awhile.

Time to expand my toppers, perhaps.

Heh. Maybe I'll wait until the first Beyangs hit the shelves.

Any rumors re Innokin going smaller with the next MPV?
 

love coffee

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I hate to disturb the arguments here but would you guys buy another one? There's the Cloupor mini 30 watt and another mini 30 watt I can't think of right now that both take a 18650 battery. I'd jump on one of those if my istick took a dump.

I would definitely buy another! I have 2, and have had no issues whatsoever with either of them. (knocking on wood furiously) I also have a 3rd coming from FastTech as the Smart-20.

It's an inexpensive device, feels great in my hand, and delivers what I need/want in a vape. If any of mine died, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
 

Stosh

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I'll wait on the MVP 20 watt and Beyangs until there's some reviews showing their actual outputs on a scope. I like my iStick and it's output fits my topper builds quite well, no need to chase the next best mod yet.

From what I read of the Cloupor mini, it has all the right features, but the consensus seems to be "if it was only made by anyone except Cloupor"

Maybe a couple months after the Chinese holidays we'll see some tiny, high powered, replaceable battery, good quality mods at a cheap price....I have what to vape in the meantime...:closedeyes:
 
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