Having buyer's consternation...

[cramptholomew]

I want to buy my first mech. Preferably a top side-button mech mod. There are only a few that I can find in my price range (atimazoo and Poldiac are not options), but all of the ones I've seen (except two) seem to have design issues, or they seem downright cheaply made. The one that I REALLY WANT is always out of stock. I don't like the look of the bottom side/palm-button mods. That leaves me looking at bottom button mods, but I can't wrap my head around using a bottom button. It seems like it's not very ergonomic. I like the look of them though... Is pushing a bottom button be something that you need to "get used to", or is it actually more intuitive than I think?

That said, I might be looking at the sigelei Silver Dragon, or the Magneto. Thoughts?

Any other options that I should look at? Any other affordable top side-button mods that I don't know about? I don't really like the looks of the k100 or k200 style. Nor do I like brass/gold.

My other option is the SVD, which is not a mech. BUT, I found a good deal on one...

I don't want to sound picky and/or whiney. I'm just trying to be judicious with my money. So, if I'm going to buy something, I want to buy something that I like, and is hopefully fairly well made.

Any advice, opinions, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Apex Kodiak]

Im getting my first bottom button in today, and after a hour or so ill report back on the feel. Right now I have a flat top v3 zmax, so the motion will be as new to me as it would be to you.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4

 

[AgentAnia]

Have never used a mod up till now, but have been looking at the Magneto at my local B&M. It's in the $50 range, which seems reasonable. It telescopes to accommodate 18350 or 18650 batts (w/ or w/o fuse or kick), so doesn't need a separate extension tube. There's a bottom ring that unscrews to protect the button from accidental firing... Simple. Sturdy. That's probably what I'll get if I decide to go mech.

Will be interested to hear Apex's reaction to the bottom button.

 

[Apex Kodiak]

its not bad. odd at first but you get used to it quickly, i have large hands and use my ring or middle finger. i still feel for the button near the top. not awkward at all.

 

[Myrany]

I have 2 bottom button mechs. A K100 and a sentinel clone.

I have very small hands and I find the K100 difficult to use as the button is REALLY hard to press. The sentinel however works like a dream. I love this thing and in fact use it more than my Vamo these days.

 

[genghishahn]

I am a huge fan of bottom-button mods. All of my mechs, save one, are bottom-button. A little awkward at first, but it's something you get used to pretty quickly.

OP: with regards to your question about top side-button mods--have you looked at the Sigelei #20?? It's an Atmizoo Roller clone. Can't really think of any other mods in that price range with the button configuration you're looking for. If it's something that interests you, look for the version with the upgraded hot spring (brass).

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4

edited for typos.

 

[jow350]

My favorite mech mod is the Sigelei # 24 which happens to be top button. Very well made, very low voltage drop and built-in airflow control. The only negative is the lack of button lock, the only accidental fire protection being the ring (which I took off because I don't like the look and feel). I had the same reservation about bottom button mechs in the beginning as well, but found that I got used to them rather quickly.
That being said, I do use the mechanical mechs every once in a while, but do find myself going back to VV/VW devices as my primary vape. Most of the time I use my SVD with a 18650 at home and my Sigelei Telescope ZMax with a 18350 when I'm out and about (just upgraded to V5), just because they're less hassle and easier to use than the mechanicals...

 

[jow350]

OP: with regards to your question about top side-button mods--have you looked at the Sigelei #20?? It's an Atmizoo Roller clone. Can't really think of any other mods in that price range with the button configuration you're looking for. If it's something that interests you, look for the version with the upgraded hot spring (brass).

I have a #20 and would definitely not recommend it as a first mechanical, at least not until they fix the switch. Mine misfired all the time, then the switch got stuck on fire, glad I had it kicked at the time. I bought it at 101vape, they're waiting on Sigelei to send out replacement switches and will send me one once they get in, until then it's staying in the drawer.

 

[cramptholomew]

My favorite mech mod is the Sigelei # 24 which happens to be top button. Very well made, very low voltage drop and built-in airflow control. The only negative is the lack of button lock, the only accidental fire protection being the ring (which I took off because I don't like the look and feel). I had the same reservation about bottom button mechs in the beginning as well, but found that I got used to them rather quickly.

That's the ONE I've been drooling over. AFAIK only two places carry it. One place only has the black ring protector thing, and I want silver. Both are out of stock. If it comes down to it, I'll buy it with the black ring. I don't really plan on using the ring, but I figure that I'd rather have the color I want, in case I DO end up using it.

I have a #20 and would definitely not recommend it as a first mechanical, at least not until they fix the switch. Mine misfired all the time, then the switch got stuck on fire, glad I had it kicked at the time. I bought it at 101vape, they're waiting on Sigelei to send out replacement switches and will send me one once they get in, until then it's staying in the drawer.

I looked at the #20, and it is pretty much my only other option for a top button. BUT, the reviews are not good. I don't want my first mech to be all buggy and glitchy.

Any recommendations on a nice, solid, bottom button - besides the Magneto or Silver Dragon?

 

[Baditude]

Not a true mech in the strictest definition (it does have an electrical switch and an amp limit for safety purposes), but is the Silver Bullet from AltSmoke out of your price range? $85. These have been a very popular "mech" mod for several years and are considered a "classic" and still very popular today.

You can use a Kick in them, and you can also get an extension sleeve sold by AltSmoke to continue using the 18650 battery. Top side button (considered one of the best in the business) and built like a tank from heavy aircraft aluminum. Several colors to choose from. Also consider it is US made and the manufacturer will service it if you don't wish to yourself.

 

[coho72]

I want to buy my first mech. Preferably a top side-button mech mod. There are only a few that I can find in my price range (atimazoo and Poldiac are not options), but all of the ones I've seen (except two) seem to have design issues, or they seem downright cheaply made. The one that I REALLY WANT is always out of stock. I don't like the look of the bottom side/palm-button mods. That leaves me looking at bottom button mods, but I can't wrap my head around using a bottom button. It seems like it's not very ergonomic. I like the look of them though... Is pushing a bottom button be something that you need to "get used to", or is it actually more intuitive than I think?

That said, I might be looking at the Sigelei Silver Dragon, or the Magneto. Thoughts?

Any other options that I should look at? Any other affordable top side-button mods that I don't know about? I don't really like the looks of the k100 or k200 style. Nor do I like brass/gold.

My other option is the SVD, which is not a mech. BUT, I found a good deal on one...

I don't want to sound picky and/or whiney. I'm just trying to be judicious with my money. So, if I'm going to buy something, I want to buy something that I like, and is hopefully fairly well made.

Any advice, opinions, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I own quite a few mech mods and what I have is split down the middle between high end mods and what I believe are the best made china mechs. I don't think anyone will disagree with me here that as far as build quality and voltage drop EH Pro makes the finest mechs under $100 . As for the switch , you will get used any one that you use on a daily basis but I do prefer mods with a bottom side. I have been the owner of the new magneto with adjustable pin for a few days now and that is another well built mech and is probably the best value for your dollar. There is only one vendor that I know of selling the latest version with no logo and adjust pin and that is Trianglevape.com $39 is a good deal. If you want to get up into the $60-$90 range Egovape carries almost all the EH pro models (EA - Chi You - GG-Nzonic) Last but not least if you are hell bent on a top side mechanical , the sigelei #20 has been redesigned with a brand new top cap that has adjust pin , it looks super sharp if your a fan of the Roller , but I haven't seen any reviews on it yet. I think Vaportekusa carries that one. Good luck in your mech quest!

 

[Bmannator]

I have both the Sigeleis #19 and #24 (maybe a couple of others) I like them both and use them daily.
Vapor Tek USA Great Deals on Premium Vapor Products has a good selection, fast shipping, and great customer service.
The #19 now has a no glue-no magnet switch. Some people had problems with the magnet (I didn't)
I noticed that the bottom spring in my #24's are heating up (turning blue) and losing tension after a few weeks. Vaportek sells replacements for $4
OR?... I picked up a 1/4x20 solid brass hex nut at the hardware store for 33 cents. I fits just right with a 18350. I sorta "screwed" the nut onto the spring (you have to fiddle with it to get it snug) The spring keeps it from falling out when you change batts.
For 30 bucks a piece, there's no reason not to get one of each. They have several different styles.
The threading on mine isn't bad but a coat of "Nolox" will make a world of difference.

 

[Vaslovik]

That's the ONE I've been drooling over. AFAIK only two places carry it. One place only has the black ring protector thing, and I want silver. Both are out of stock. If it comes down to it, I'll buy it with the black ring. I don't really plan on using the ring, but I figure that I'd rather have the color I want, in case I DO end up using it.

I've been living with the Sigelei 24 over a month now and it's not all that bad, but the button has issues from time to time. If you get it be aware that you will need to take the brass screws out of the button section from time to time and clean the ends of them and also that little cone in there that comes down between them when you push the button. I clean that with a paper q-tip stick with alcohol on it. You can't get in there with anything else because that section is sealed, which I really don't like.

The plating has worn off my button too and now it's a solid brass color.

 

[cramptholomew]

I've been living with the Sigelei 24 over a month now and it's not all that bad, but the button has issues from time to time. If you get it be aware that you will need to take the brass screws out of the button section from time to time and clean the ends of them and also that little cone in there that comes down between them when you push the button. I clean that with a paper q-tip stick with alcohol on it. You can't get in there with anything else because that section is sealed, which I really don't like.

The plating has worn off my button too and now it's a solid brass color.

I've been re-thinking the #24. At first I was like, "I want a top side button like my eGos, and the #24 is the best looking one that I've seen". Now that I have the bottom button Silver Dragon, I've realized that there's probably a good reason there are so many bottom button mods. The mechanics are much more simple, and it's a hell of a lot easier to build a good button config. The side buttons require a lot more engineering to make them activate. The bottom buttons are just a spring and a contact. The mechanics on the silver dragon are just that - the button, a spring, and the contact. The only plastic that's in it is an insulator for the button contact. I've only had mine for 4 days, but it's rock solid so far.

I heard the #20 Sigelei Roller clones have side-button problems as well, though they may have fixed them. Maybe Sigelei will offer a fix for the #24, but until then I think I'll stay with the bottom button mech mods.

 

[Vaslovik]

I heard the #20 Sigelei Roller clones have side-button problems as well, though they may have fixed them. Maybe Sigelei will offer a fix for the #24, but until then I think I'll stay with the bottom button mech mods.

I agree with everything you said. All of this is why I have ordered two bottom button mechs, the Sentinel and the Magneto, which might arrive in today's vapemail. The Magneto doesn't even have a spring in the switch, just opposed magnets. I really like that.