Focalecig ... A new Fasttech??

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Nikkita6

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Wow, I see Focalecig has decided to sell the infamous Marstech mods without that horrible carto tank, for a lower price.

Not that I'll be buying another, but the mod only is not bad. (Neither it is good). Alas, the tank was a remarkable POS. It leaked on the bottom (I corrected it), then it leaked on the top and i also managed to fix that, but when it mysteriously started to leak THROUGH the glass, it was too much for my antileaking abilities and I just tossed it away.

Yeah, we've come to the conclusion that over the long haul, the tank portion is a fail ... its disposable. :unsure:
 

Nikkita6

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Review: Caravela Tube Mod set

The newly released Caravela tube mod set is very nicely presented in a white gift box, with gold printed lettering bearing the name Caravela. Aesthetically, it is as beautiful, and well made as the Ehpro version of the Caravela mechanical mod. However, even as this tube mod finds its inspiration in the Ehpro Caravela, there are a few aspects of this mechanical mod that sets it apart from Ehpro’s take on the very popular Caravela sailing ship mechanical mod.



The 3 tube mod set features the following:

23mm diameter mechanical tube mod (1 tube per 18350, 18500, 18650 battery configurations)
mirror polished stainless steel body- brushed semi polished finished top cap
510 threaded top cap
Dual adjusting copper positive contact pin
brass negative contact
Reverse threaded locking ring
Vent hole in bottom cap
Laser engraved Logo, serial #, and bottom switch





Build quality/Construction: This 3 tube mod set weighs in at a hefty 246 grams, which is nearly 100 grams heavier than the average 3 tube mod set. The individual tubes are very nicely machined, and well finished. The threading of the tubes, as well as the top, and bottom caps are very clean, and thread nicely on, and off the device, without any grinding, or squeaking. The top cap has a brushed, semi polished finish which breaks up the looks from the mirror polished tubes, which in my opinion, creates a nice contrast. The 23mm tube diameter, in addition to the thick cut tubing makes for a very nice, solid feel in the hand.

The fire button is spring loaded, and has a smooth, and soft touch fire action. The spring is not a very stiff one, so this mod will fire under its own weight, especially in 18500, and 650 modes. In 18350 mode with a Taifun GT installed, the mod does not fire under its own weight. The length of switch throw is naturally long, and unlike the Ehpro Caravela, you cannot screw the contact pin in any further to shorten the throw. However, you can use a small o ring around the neck of the negative contact to shorten the length of the throw (see photo demonstration below).

The reverse threaded locking ring, in spite of being of the same texture, and width as the rest of the mod, handles nicely. If gripped with the top of your thumb, lined up with the top of the locking ring, activating, and releasing the locking ring is fairly easy.

*Important note* In 18500 and 650 modes, it is very important that you completely engage the locking ring. I left a hair’s distance between lock ring and the switch, and set the mod down in 500 mode, and I came back to a very hot mod that had been firing.




The dual adjustable copper positive contact pin can be adjusted one of two ways. The upper portion of the pin adjusts (with pliers) for flush mounting of your top device. The lower portion of the pin is used to adjust for battery rattle. Using flat top batteries with this mod will make for the easiest, and smallest amount of adjusting.

ETA: you only need pliers to initially back out the upper portion of the pin. Once extended, its easy to grip and further adjust with your fingers.

However, in the case of nipple top batteries, you will need to remove the entire lower portion of the pin in order to close up your tubes. This will initially result in battery rattle, so you will need to further adjust the upper portion of the pin (outward), as well as adjusting the 510 connection of your top device (also outward to make contact) in order to reduce the battery rattle once the lower pin is removed. This will stop battle rattle with normal use of the mod (picking up, setting down) however, if you shake the mod around, you will hear the battery move …. So don’t do that.





Performance: This is not the kind of mod that you can just throw a battery in, with any top device, and go. You will need to make precise adjustments in order successfully run this mod with the topper of your choice, and top devices with adjustable 510 connections are highly recommended for use with this mod. This is especially true for use with nipple top batteries.

Once you get your mod adjusted to fit well with the top device of your choice, this mechanical is a heavy hitter, which is to be expected considering the excellent conductivity that copper contacts can provide. I could definitely feel a marked difference in the flavor, throat hit, and vapor production from my Taifun GT, going from the Astro mod, to this Caravela. The firing action of this mod is so easy, and effortless, thanks in part to the soft spring within the switch. On the flip side of this, due to the softer spring, you must lock the mod before setting it down (18500/650 mode), but this is hardly a deal breaker for me.

Due to the weight, and fine mirror polish finish of this mechanical, I do not find it to be suitable for an out and about, “beater mod” … nor is it pocket friendly. This is a “shiny” to be enjoyed in the comforts of home while relaxing on your favorite sofa, and having a good vape … with a polishing cloth nearby (fingerprint magnet). This is what I would call a “collectors” mod.

Pros- attractive/aesthetics, high quality, good machining, clean threads, thick tubes, adjustable copper contacts, easy switch/firing

Cons- needs precise adjusting for use with nipple top batteries, upper portion of adjustable pin requires pliers to adjust, soft spring switch needs to be locked in 500/650 mode, long throw that needs modding to shorten, fingerprint magnet

 
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Nikkita6

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FCpro vs EHpro Caravela 18350 comparison



While this Caravela mod set (SKU 13537 ) is very comparable to the EHpro 18350 Caravela mod (SKU 12629), there are some differences. Namely, the top cap design, and the lack of adjust-ability of the negative contact . Both mods offer positive pin adjusta-bility, EHpro has 3 different gold plated brass pins, and this new Caravela set offers one dual adjustable copper pin. The top cap on this Caravela ( which I will call the FCpro) is also approx. 1-2mm thicker (height) than the EHpro version, so it is also taller than the EHpro in 18350 mode.

The mirror polish finish, and diameter are identical however, the FCpro version is a little heavier, and a tad thicker (tube thickness) than the EHpro version. And while the bottom switch design is almost identical, the brass contact pin of the FCpro is longer, and the threading is positioned differently along the shaft of the pin, making it less adjustable than the EHpro brass contact. In addition, the serial # band on the FCpro is thinner, and uses a different font than the EHpro. The positioning of the Caravela ship logo’s on the tube also differs between them, with the FCpro Caravela being placed higher on the tube, and the name logo using a different font as well.

While neither of these Caravela clones are 1:1 with the original Caravela, they don’t need to be. The EHpro Caravela has developed its own faithful following of users, due to its reputation of very high quality, finish, and performance of the mod. In this, the FCpro is no different. It’s similarities to the EHpro makes it desirable, while its differences makes it appreciated.

**possible bonus** There is a magnet upgrade available on Ebay for the EHpro Caravela switch, which may also fit this Caravela mod.





 

Nikkita6

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Great review Nikki!
From which atty would one steal an o-ring to shorten the throw on the button? Would one of those small o-rings on the Kayfun do the trick?

I think I took the o ring from my Taifun pack, but I don't see why one from the Kayfun pack wouldn't work also ... make sure its the smallest black one though. The one that would go on the chimney ...

I had two different sizes, a small, what I will call an xtra small .. the larger of the two was too big, so the mod fired as soon as you closed it up. Then I swapped it for the extra small, and that one was perfect. :)
 

Laylel

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Review: Caravela Tube Mod set
FCpro vs EHpro Caravela 18350 comparison
thank you for review.

Ok. Prometheus. I don't wont single coil and building duel for around 2 ohm, what 3.7 Ohm ea... Screws are rusty aha, and i guess its no contact somewhere and i'm getting 3,7, so i summing it somehow read only 1 coil, anyway, as was told before those screws are sucks. Where do you guys get screws for replacement and what size they are?
Thank you.
 

Nikkita6

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thank you for review.

Ok. Prometheus. I don't wont single coil and building duel for around 2 ohm, what 3.7 Ohm ea... Screws are rusty aha, and i guess its no contact somewhere and i'm getting 3,7, so i summing it somehow read only 1 coil, anyway, as was told before those screws are sucks. Where do you guys get screws for replacement and what size they are?
Thank you.

If you are building dual coils hoping for a 2 ohm result, then each coil needs to 4 ohm ... Rusting screws means there is water around the area of the screws, as eliquid doesn't cause rusting, hard water does ..

Dual coils are tricky .. both positive leads need to be properly secured to the positive post in order for them to fire evenly.

As far as replacement screws, you're gonna have to read around for that. I know from browsing FT that some people were replacing the screws straight away, but what size, and from where? No clue .. So google it, I am sure you can find an answer somewhere. :)
 

Laylel

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Thank you, sure will look it up, and like any true chipmunk i will be not surprise if i have them somewhere being meant for something else and forgotten.
If you are building dual coils hoping for a 2 ohm result, then each coil needs to 4 ohm ... Rusting screws means there is water around the area of the screws, as eliquid doesn't cause rusting, hard water does ..
I'm summing they come rusty way or got water/moister on the way. I had it in safe place and started to mess with it only a day ago, before that it did sit in box not even touched. But what ever it is what it is.
Thank you
 

Laylel

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Hey, there is new Caravela Mechanical Mod - Silver(1X18650 (not included)) for $14
and
Stingray Style No Mechanical Mod - Golden(1x18350/18500/18650) got drip tip in set - i'm really looking for that one, next paycheck gona order it.

I was looking for polishing pastes for metal, i'm not good at specific products in north America, so now contacting one Russian company, those guys supply special paste (it's like sandpaper only in paste with different size of polishing bits in it) for polishing and reconstructing knifes including knifes made from hard types of metal. Prices are ok, but they do not usually ship outside of country. If they would it's great stuff for all type of metal devices. Can't wait.
 

Laylel

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I have an other issue with Prometheus. Central post. It doesn't get fully screwed in after i put coil in. So drip tip sit right on it. It works beautiful. I got duel coil for 1.9 Ohm and put it for 10W (think gona turn it down) and it works just like dripping one. I'm so happy. It seems like i finally got cotton wick right, so it doesn't give me dry hits. Anyways, i gon some plastic drip tip on (so i do not get hit by electricity) but have no idea what to do now. Top on central post screwed properly all possible way down, and without coil it was going down just fine. Should i just get that coil cut in central screw dipper? Have no idea.


PS
My heart is broken http://www.ebay.com/itm/Caravela-Co...199?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad30d416f
 
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Laylel

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Wow, I see Focalecig has decided to sell the infamous Marstech mods without that horrible carto tank, for a lower price.

Not that I'll be buying another, but the mod only is not bad. (Neither it is good). Alas, the tank was a remarkable POS. It leaked on the bottom (I corrected it), then it leaked on the top and i also managed to fix that, but when it mysteriously started to leak THROUGH the glass, it was too much for my anti leaking abilities and I just tossed it away.

I was there, i just finally tossed it too. Well, my hubby helped me (thank him), other way i still will battling this bugger.
 

Laylel

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What was the issue with the tank?

Sent from a BIG phone.....Galaxy Note 3

Not really sure. But from the start it was mess. Gurgling to a dry hits, liking carto if juice going below 1st hole on carto (from top) and in the end
Now QQ
Atty is in garbage (fully my folt, never ask male to unscrew that what is stuck:facepalm:)
Here some pics of what happened.
View attachment 316170View attachment 316171View attachment 316174
Metal ridge on shield got off and deadly stuck to a base of atty. Can be from
1) phithical damage (don't remember it happening, but who knows)
2) overwarming of base from chain vaping cost loosing of connection, leaking of juice, which got dry and got it stuck.

But i got to keep drip tip :p

Other pain, it doesn't take boge or kanger cartos, so you can use only original one (have to stock those up). I did try to put vivi nova guts, but got wrong tank (nova tank) and couldn't do that, for sure doesn't take kanger pro/uni/mini tank guts... To much of the pain.
 
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AnsonJames

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Got my replacement Squape base from Focal today - less than two weeks to arrive and functioning perfectly too (fixed the original base I had just after they shipped the replacement) absolutely spot on service from Focal.

I'll definitely be using these guys over Fasttech in the future - they're better in every respect bar being slightly more expensive.
I don't mind paying a little extra for great service though.

This Squape looks bloody fantastic on my Provari;
10pskls.jpg
 
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