Help find my 1st mech mod!

[PackMan]

First off, I'm going to buy an rda separately so it doesn't count toward budget. I was thinking an igo-w3, anyone think that's a bad idea?

Anyway, here we go. I was trying to stay under $100 (probably eBay). I want a mech mod with something like a kayfun lite or rsst so I can have an rda and RBA. I was thinking something like a k100 or magneto with good batteries, etc. Any suggestions? Are these atties suggesting good ones? I realize I'm being vague, but I don't want garbage and I want to get it right the first time. Thanks!

 

[PackMan]

Oh, I'm pretty sure I want to go with organic cotton builds. Can I just buy the cotton at Walmart?

 

[joeybear]

There are a ton of great mechs for under $100. If you're good with clones, the Nemesis is amazing both as an authentic and also as a clone and can be found for $35-$50. Realistically, there are way too many to list that kick clouds and are easy to work with. If you're good with clones, check out Fasttech. Fasttech is in China and shipping takes a while, but their prices are amazing and the quality of what they sell is top notch.

 

[joeybear]

Oh, I'm pretty sure I want to go with organic cotton builds. Can I just buy the cotton at Walmart?

As long as it's organic, you're fine. I think most people go to CVS and buy a $3 bag for nearly a lifetime supply.

 

[HeiSINberg]

I have both the magneto and a k101, and a panzer. I use all 3 and love all of them. I have no regrets. All 3 have there differences that I like equally. It really comes down to what you want and your preferences. As far as the cotton goes, I use the CVS sterile cotton roll, its really a lifetime supply, I think walmart does have organic cotton balls though.

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[charliehall72]

I have a k100, a magneto, and a vanilla and they are all excellent. The first two definitely won't break the bank either. I would highly recommend getting a kayfun lite because it's the best RTA I've tried so far. But like people said before there are so many mech mods in this price range and it's hard to go wrong when buying one.

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

For "name brand" clones, I'd suggest the Nemesis, Astro, or Chi You. They all hit really well and can take any 18xxx battery. Kicks, should you decide to go that route, also work well in them all.

+1 for both the kayfun and cotton wick ideas. A nice microcoil with cotton is a sweet, sweet vape - note that you can use them in genisis RTA's as well like the RSST (SS mesh is not obligatory).

 

[havoc1967]

I had a K100 which I gave to my wife. A great performer. I also endorse the Launcher V2 clone available on Fast Tech. There are a lot of great clones available (to include my beloved Nemesis) but the advantage of telescopic means they will use with whatever 18 series batteries you have. The "sectional style" clones (for lack of a better term) like Nemesis, Chi You, King, etc require frequent adjustments whenever you switch types of batteries. The Smok Tech Natural (also telescopic) goes for $50 or under and is also a great performer. Haven't dealt with the Magneto but it has good reviews. You can get the Smok Tech one for $40 if you look for it, which isn't a great deal more than what Fast Tech charges for the Magneto clone.

 

[TheReign]

I got my Hcigar nemesis a few days ago despite the reviews of the crunchy button, There was no crunch to the button, It was buttery smooth, threads were smooth fires great and is quite the sleek looking mod. I matched it with a KFL+ ( by the way get the + version )
Can't go wrong with a nemesis, I also like the Astro. It was a debate between the two and I got the nemesis based on happy customers, Although the Astro is one of the smallest mods in 18350 mode which is TINY, Great for stealth vaping.

 

[Ezzaron]

smoktech magneto + igo-w?

 

[PackMan]

Here's what I got:

K101 (gun metal)
igo-w
mnke 18650 1600mah imr x2
xtar wp2 charger
100 ft kanthal 28 ga

grand total: $96

I am definitely getting some sort of rba with a tank soon, and knowing how I am, I will end up with a magneto or something else to pair with it not long after. So, what do you guys think? Not bad as a start?

I appreciate all the input so far.

 

[PackMan]

Dang, just realized I'm about to slightly eclipse my budget.. Totally forgot about small tools to build with. Anyone know where to grab a little atty tool kit (or anything else to make building easier)? Any suggestions on what to use to drill the holes a little bigger if necessary? Also, can I just test my ohms on my mvp or multimeter? Sorry for all the questions lol.

 

[HeiSINberg]

I usually use my mvp 2 or my multimeter, my mvp 2 for some reason isnt always correct I dont know why so I usually stick to using the multimeter. I know for a fact nhaler.com has a building kit, I forget the price but its got all you need down to a mini torch. What I use is either a 20 gauge needle or a 1/16th drill bit to wrap around, nail clippers, and tweezers. Pretty simple. I normally drill all my rdas to 1/16th unless they have air flow control, then its really not necessary really. You can get everything you need at home depot or lowes, probly cheaper too, thats what I did.

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[NerdVap0r]

You might want to chnage the Xstar WP2 to VP1, their has been recent QC issues on the WP2. VP1 is only a few bucks more iirc, some1 crrect me if im wrong. Batteries, For same price literally more or less. You can get Mah's in the 2XXX range.

 

[RebelGolfer72]

I got my Hcigar nemesis a few days ago despite the reviews of the crunchy button, There was no crunch to the button, It was buttery smooth, threads were smooth fires great and is quite the sleek looking mod. I matched it with a KFL+ ( by the way get the + version )
Can't go wrong with a nemesis, I also like the Astro. It was a debate between the two and I got the nemesis based on happy customers, Although the Astro is one of the smallest mods in 18350 mode which is TINY, Great for stealth vaping.

I think I found one of the biggest culprits to the crunchy switch. The alignment pin, and the groove milled to hold it. If the pin, when inserted goes above the top of the base, it will get shifted a bit when you crank down the bottom firing pin. Add in less than perfect finishing, and loose machining, and the results are hit or miss.

I picked up a Nemesis clone as a "beater" mod the other day. After cleaning everything with alcohol, and polishing the threads with scotch-barite pad, I lightly coated the threads with a THIN layer of No-Ox-Id..waited a bit and wiped it off. No-ox-I'd is NOt the same thing as NoAlOx. This stuff is a thick, waxy grease (think ear wax), that you rub on and wipe off. It was designed for the electrical industry, and is used as a grease/contact protectant for power circuit breakers (devices that the resistance must stay in the 20microOhm range! It's usda safe, but don't put it anywhere that it will get in your airflow Vaping (tastes nasty)

Next I tackled the switch. Completely disassembled, polished the bottom cap post and brass collar with 2 grades of scotch-brite, and cleaned with alcohol. Next I filed the alignment pin a touch, so it didn't bind. I also found a tiny, stiff spring to put in the contact post hole, to add a little extra protection against the contact loosening. Finally, cleaned in alcohol, and gave the No-Ox-Id treatment and put it back together.. Next will be the magnets when I get them.

Out of all of the clones out there, it's the best I've seen. I am the type to buy a few different clones, try them all, and what I like the best, I'll buy the real deal (like my Steamboy Storm Rider 2.1), then keep a clone setup as a beater, and PIF the rest


Nothing beats how a mechanical hits. The regulated devices almost seem to "ramp up" to Vaping power to me, and are not as nice...however, if you are just getting into the hobby, or are moving up from the smaller devices, I recommend getting a regulated device first...if you are rebuilding, you want a resistance checker, and most VV/VW devices have that in. Plus they have built in short/under voltage protection- things you will be glad to have when first rebuilding.

Either way, best of luck! You are going to enter a side of Vaping that you are going to see flavor, and vapor volume you never imagined...plus it is a fun little hobby!




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[Bad Ninja]

Dang, just realized I'm about to slightly eclipse my budget.. Totally forgot about small tools to build with. Anyone know where to grab a little atty tool kit (or anything else to make building easier)? Any suggestions on what to use to drill the holes a little bigger if necessary? Also, can I just test my ohms on my mvp or multimeter? Sorry for all the questions lol.

I picked up some precision screwdrivers and drill bits for wrapping and adjustments on the fly from the .99 cent store.
Small tools like needle nose pliers, side cutters etc are cheap at harbor freight.

 

[PackMan]

You might want to chnage the Xstar WP2 to VP1, their has been recent QC issues on the WP2. VP1 is only a few bucks more iirc, some1 crrect me if im wrong. Batteries, For same price literally more or less. You can get Mah's in the 2XXX range.

I purposely bought the 1600 mah over the 2000 because they are higher amp and allow for lower ohm vaping.

 

[TexasTanker19kilo20]

Started with a K101, still use it with my Nimbus clone.

My main mech is a Chi You clone with a iGo W atty, drilled out 1/8 air holes, makes great clouds.

I use 26g kanthal and organic cotton from CVS. The batteries I use are Sony VTC4 30 amp.

Also I just upgraded the switch in my Chi clone with magnets, it's a much smoother throw than with the spring.

If there was a way to put magnets in the K101, that would be so nice, my K101 has a stout spring and is a pain to fire with my pinkie.

The list you stated looks like a great start. Congrats on enjoying the Mech world, coil building gets better with each wrap.

 

[Keynith]

There are a ton of great mechs for under $100. If you're good with clones, the Nemesis is amazing both as an authentic and also as a clone and can be found for $35-$50. Realistically, there are way too many to list that kick clouds and are easy to work with. If you're good with clones, check out Fasttech. Fasttech is in China and shipping takes a while, but their prices are amazing and the quality of what they sell is top notch.

Ever bought a vamo from them? haha

back on topic, I think the nemesis clone is probably a great Mech to start with. I know alot of the money some mechs ask for, is because of aesthetics. There are some gorgeous mechs out there, all blinged out and some made with gold/silver inlets. I mean, some of them are like pieces are of art...

 

[PackMan]

There are a ton of great mechs for under $100. If you're good with clones, the Nemesis is amazing both as an authentic and also as a clone and can be found for $35-$50. Realistically, there are way too many to list that kick clouds and are easy to work with. If you're good with clones, check out Fasttech. Fasttech is in China and shipping takes a while, but their prices are amazing and the quality of what they sell is top notch.

Just took your advice and ordered a nemesis clone (brass) from fasttech for about $18! Also grabbed a 10 pack of magnets for a couple dollars and a 30ml bottle of juice for $4 just to try it out. I'll let you know in a couple weeks how it is. If I'm happy with it I'll be ordering a Kayfun clone from them next (or something similar like a Russian or aqua or whatever).