First mech mod: nemesis clone or magneto authentic?

[jj6404]

I know there's probably been 100 of these question threads in the past but since I couldn't find any recent one I decided to start one myself.

I've got a freakshow v2 on the way and a cheap 4nine clone but after reading some reviews on it I'm not expecting much out of it. My vape budget is extremely low but I want to start looking into a decent mech mod under $40.

From my research so far it seems that the best clone out there is the nemesis by hcigar? But I can't seem to find that exact manufacturer. I was thinking either that or a smok Magneto since it's an authentic and pretty cheap as well. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Fattlestar]

There are many opinions on what the best clone is. Recently, the trend is the SMPL clones. There are many good answers though. My own research led me to the Stingray X instead of the Nemesis for my first mech. I probably would go for a Nemesis clone before a Magneto, but that's just an opinion.

Here is an Hcigar nemesis, if that's what you're looking for. Good vendor.
HCigar Nemesis Mod Clone

 

[jj6404]

There are many opinions on what the best clone is. Recently, the trend is the SMPL clones. There are many good answers though. My own research led me to the Stingray X instead of the Nemesis for my first mech. I probably would go for a Nemesis clone before a Magneto, but that's just an opinion.

Here is an Hcigar nemesis, if that's what you're looking for. Good vendor.
HCigar Nemesis Mod Clone

So a clone before an authentic? Just have to make sure it's a really good clone then huh...

OK I just saw how cheap it is. Probably will end up going with this one. Thanks for the link! But why did you choose stingray over the nemesis?

And do you know if the flat top batts I ordered will work with this mod? I read about a kick but don't know what that is or if I need one :/.

 

[Fattlestar]

Yes, you need to do your research before buying anything, authentic or clone. There are poor authentics, and poor clones. But there are also excellent examples of both.

Infinite, Hcigar, Cigreen are well known clones that tend to have a high quality product. Some clone manufacturers also make authentics of their own (check out the cigreen Dragon and Excalibur, reasonably priced authentics, look VERY nice). I'm not a big fan of Smok in general, so that's why I personally wouldn't go for the Magneto.

Most authentics aren't in my opinion reasonably priced. $200 is just too much for a battery tube, for me. There are great exceptions to this rule, and when you can find a reasonably priced, reasonably well-reviewed item that is authentic, you can buy with more confidence.

All of this is purely from my own needs as a vaper, you'll have to make these decisions for yourself. I bought an SXK/Infinite Stingray X for $30, and it functions perfectly. The original is worth purchasing at $250 I believe, just not for me.

 

[Fattlestar]

So a clone before an authentic? Just have to make sure it's a really good clone then huh...

OK I just saw how cheap it is. Probably will end up going with this one. Thanks for the link! But why did you choose stingray over the nemesis?

And do you know if the flat top batts I ordered will work with this mod? I read about a kick but don't know what that is or if I need one :/.

I chose the Stingray X for a few reasons over the Nemesis. First, it has a magnetic switch (stock - if I were to get a nemesis, I'd get the magnet upgrade for it anyhow). Second, it is a steel covered copper mod, so no penny smelling hands but all the great conductivity of copper. Third, it has both a top cap and a hybrid adapter, so if I needed as little voltage drop as possible I could use the hybrid instead of the top cap. Fourth, it is a very small mod, even with the top cap it is much shorter than other similar mods (NOT including the newer SMPL and 4nines which are incredibly short but are hybrid only, which was a negative for me). Fifth I liked the look of the engravings and the cutouts on both the body and the switch. The Stingray X has a lot going for it, which I like. That doesn't mean it's the right mod for you though

Flat tops are generally more compatible so you should be just fine with flat top 18650's as long as you buy good ones (Samsung 25r, LGHE, Efest, AW).

A kick is a small board that you put into a mechanical mod to make it into a regulated device, which offers some protections and steady output (usually from 5-12 watts or with the kick 2 up to 15 watts). The Nemesis comes with a kick tube I believe, so it is already set up for using a kick if you want. Some people love the kick, others don't want the regulation so that they can get the most out of their coil builds since a kick will force them to use resistances between 1.5 ohms and 3 ohms. Most people who use mechanical mods aren't using kicks, because they are building coils below 1.5ohms, but there are still plenty who do use them.

Are you sure a mechanical mod is what you are looking for? You may want to look at a regulated device instead. They are generally safer and offer easy fine-tuning. Mechs require more knowledge and more effort to get the most out of.

 

[jj6404]

I chose the Stingray X for a few reasons over the Nemesis. First, it has a magnetic switch (stock - if I were to get a nemesis, I'd get the magnet upgrade for it anyhow). Second, it is a steel covered copper mod, so no penny smelling hands but all the great conductivity of copper. Third, it has both a top cap and a hybrid adapter, so if I needed as little voltage drop as possible I could use the hybrid instead of the top cap. Fourth, it is a very small mod, even with the top cap it is much shorter than other similar mods (NOT including the newer SMPL and 4nines which are incredibly short but are hybrid only, which was a negative for me). Fifth I liked the look of the engravings and the cutouts on both the body and the switch. The Stingray X has a lot going for it, which I like. That doesn't mean it's the right mod for you though

Flat tops are generally more compatible so you should be just fine with flat top 18650's as long as you buy good ones (Samsung 25r, LGHE, Efest, AW).

A kick is a small board that you put into a mechanical mod to make it into a regulated device, which offers some protections and steady output (usually from 5-12 watts or with the kick 2 up to 15 watts). The Nemesis comes with a kick tube I believe, so it is already set up for using a kick if you want. Some people love the kick, others don't want the regulation so that they can get the most out of their coil builds since a kick will force them to use resistances between 1.5 ohms and 3 ohms. Most people who use mechanical mods aren't using kicks, because they are building coils below 1.5ohms, but there are still plenty who do use them.

Are you sure a mechanical mod is what you are looking for? You may want to look at a regulated device instead. They are generally safer and offer easy fine-tuning. Mechs require more knowledge and more effort to get the most out of.

Yes! I love the look of them. I want to try at least. That's why I'm looking for real cheapies. Plus regulated mods are so expensive. I have an istick 30w and i love it but it was only $33.

 

[Fattlestar]

Just make sure you're careful with the 4nine. With a hybrid you have to make sure your atty has a long enough 510 (one that goes out past the threads around it) otherwise you'll get a short which could be a real problem.

 

[jj6404]

Just make sure you're careful with the 4nine. With a hybrid you have to make sure your atty has a long enough 510 (one that goes out past the threads around it) otherwise you'll get a short which could be a real problem.

Will do. I could always use the freakshow on my istick anyway right?

Btw, where did you get your stingray for $30?

One more thing, on that vaperoyalty site it says to always use a kick chip with unprotected batts. Do you know if the Efest batteries are protected or not?

 

[Fattlestar]

Will do. I could always use the freakshow on my istick anyway right?

Btw, where did you get your stingray for $30?

One more thing, on that vaperoyalty site it says to always use a kick chip with unprotected batts. Do you know if the Efest batteries are protected or not?

You don't need a kick with unprotected batteries. It is safer to use a kick, yes, but it defeats the purpose of a mechanical mod. That statement is unimportant. IMR batteries are unprotected, and are the proper batteries for you to use, kick or not.

There are several good Stingray X's for around 30 dollars. Two of the options require a several week wait because they ship from China. Focalecig and Fasttech. The other option is to search out SXK Stingray X on ebay, the SXK being an important part because that is the better manufacturer for that particular device. If you want the best quality Stingray X, best bet is to buy from the focalecig US warehouse, but it will cost closer to $37 with shipping (but it will show up at your door in days instead of weeks).

The nemesis was also good choice though, I didn't mean to change your mind.

 

[jj6404]

You don't need a kick with unprotected batteries. It is safer to use a kick, yes, but it defeats the purpose of a mechanical mod. That statement is unimportant. IMR batteries are unprotected, and are the proper batteries for you to use, kick or not.

There are several good Stingray X's for around 30 dollars. Two of the options require a several week wait because they ship from China. Focalecig and Fasttech. The other option is to search out SXK Stingray X on ebay, the SXK being an important part because that is the better manufacturer for that particular device. If you want the best quality Stingray X, best bet is to buy from the focalecig US warehouse, but it will cost closer to $37 with shipping (but it will show up at your door in days instead of weeks).

The nemesis was also good choice though, I didn't mean to change your mind.

Well,you're changing it lol. I've been looking at them. Now what's the difference between the original stingray and stingray x??

I've found some with a one metal design and the little stingray etching and the one with the show thru copper with the big stingray etching or cut out. Is the inner copper tube the difference?

Also, I found a $20 stingray on mfs but they don't state the manufacturer. And $40 ones on vaperoyalty but they are made by hcigar. Do you think this one might be better than the sxk?

 

[Fattlestar]

Difference between the original stingray and the stingray x clones:

The original stingrays are slightly taller, have a somewhat different switch design, and come in several different configurations just like a Nemesis (Brass, Copper, Stainless, Mix, multi-tube, single tube, etc). Only comes with a top cap, no hybrid adapter.

The Stingray X is a steel wrapped copper mod, slightly different switch design, comes with a hybrid adapter AND a topcap. Better design IMO, smaller, hits harder, etc. Copper is better all around, but comes with some problems. It is softer metal. Having the steel protecting it is helpful.

I actually have a regular stingray on the way, because I still like the design. But I am fairly sure I'll always favor the Stingray X.

The MFS stingray you are referring to I can't tell the manufacturer for, so there's no way to know. It is the Black version, so be aware that the ones that are coated or painted tend to wear off (leaving exposed copper, some people just sand it all off when it starts getting 'ugly'). It is also not an X, just an original Stingray clone.

If you want a Stingray X, I would shell out the extra $$ for an Infinite or SXK version, or the Fasttech 1:1 or a Cigreen clone. But that's what I personally would do - you might be able to get away with another manufacturer having a great clone. I would stick with a clone that has silver plated copper contacts instead of the bare copper contacts.

If you want an Original style stingray clone, Hcigar, Infinite, SXK would be the ones to look for.

 

[Fattlestar]

Here is a very useful review of the Stingray X clone. Worth a read if you are interested in one.

Stingray X Clone Review - Mechanical Mod | Vaping Cheap

 

[jj6404]

Here is a very useful review of the Stingray X clone. Worth a read if you are interested in one.

Stingray X Clone Review - Mechanical Mod | Vaping Cheap

So the X should be thicker than 22 mm then right? Since it is an inner and outer tube?

 

[Fattlestar]

So the X should be thicker than 22 mm then right? Since it is an inner and outer tube?

Nope, 22mm outter, flush fit for 90% of the atomizers out there It's a great design.

Pic with a Magma on it. Magma is 22mm at the base (23 at the airflow ring). You can see it is flush at the base and the airflow ring is out further.

 

[Fattlestar]

Also if you're set on black, they have the SXK Black version in the US warehouse at focalecig.

$30.10-$30.64 (Ship from USA)Stingray X Style Mechanical Mod by SXK- Black

 

[jj6404]

Also if you're set on black, they have the SXK Black version in the US warehouse at focalecig.

$30.10-$30.64 (Ship from USA)Stingray X Style Mechanical Mod by SXK- Black

I ordered the 4nine in SS before I had an atomizer in mind. I was planning on using my subtank mini on it in the meantime but I'm thinking that's not gonna work after looking at the 510 on it.

But my freakshow will be carbon fiber so I'm set on black or carbon fiber for the mod. Looking at the Paragon too :/. But thanks for the link!

 

[Fattlestar]

I ordered the 4nine in SS before I had an atomizer in mind. I was planning on using my subtank mini on it in the meantime but I'm thinking that's not gonna work after looking at the 510 on it.

But my freakshow will be carbon fiber so I'm set on black or carbon fiber for the mod. Looking at the Paragon too :/. But thanks for the link!

Yeah I think the Subtank has a spring 510, which means it'll likely short if used on a hybrid. Proceed with caution!

Paragon is nice, the copper version (carbon fiber) would probably hit great, and simple construction with just the 18650 tube.

 

[jj6404]

Yeah I think the Subtank has a spring 510, which means it'll likely short if used on a hybrid. Proceed with caution!

Paragon is nice, the copper version (carbon fiber) would probably hit great, and simple construction with just the 18650 tube.

Well the subtank mini doesn't have a spring loaded 510 but looking at it idk, it doesn't seem to protrude more than 1 mm at most from the threads.

Just clicked on your link. I thought the stingray x came with magnet switch?

Anyway I also found a Paragon clone on amazon (manufacturer not mentioned) for $22.

 

[Fattlestar]

Yes, the Stingray X is purely a magnetic switch, not sure what you mean?

Careful with ebay. A lot of times you get no customer support once you buy. Still, I buy plenty of stuff from ebay, just worth mentioning it's buyer beware. I like to find actual vendors for most purchases, for safety and support should something not work out right.

EDIT: I double checked the link, That's a typo. No Stingray X has a spring switch. (No Stingrays period with spring switches). You can clearly see the two circular magnets in the images of the item.

 

[jj6404]

Yes, the Stingray X is purely a magnetic switch, not sure what you mean?

Careful with ebay. A lot of times you get no customer support once you buy. Still, I buy plenty of stuff from ebay, just worth mentioning it's buyer beware. I like to find actual vendors for most purchases, for safety and support should something not work out right.

EDIT: I double checked the link, That's a typo. No Stingray X has a spring switch. (No Stingrays period with spring switches). You can clearly see the two circular magnets in the images of the item.

OK cool. And it's amazon, not eBay. At least they have their a to z guarantee

Well I checked amazon again and saw 1 single HCigar Paragon from a third party for 25 bucks and I pulled the trigger!