Help me understand Mech Mods and figure out if it's right for me...

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timastyle

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I'm expecting a full dozen fails. To get some wire to be able to build tonight, my local B&M has both wire and ribbon 28 gauge Kanthal A1. The ribbon costs more, but is it worth it? Any advantages to it?

On a side note, I have my zmax currently set to 8.5w but when I fire it up, it's only showing 7.6w. I've noticed it in the past when the battery is low but it's showing 75%. Would you know why that is?
 
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dylanlg2

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but as I stated before, I don't have a desire to build my own coils.

Then don't even consider buying a mechanical... the only real advantage they have over VV/VW is the fact you can build your coils sub ohm and still vape on.. you don't seem to have the motivation to do the research required to know how to build coils safely, so my best advice would be to stick with the zmax and replacement heads in the protank
 

dylanlg2

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I'm expecting a full dozen fails. To get some wire to be able to build tonight, my local B&M has both wire and ribbon 28 gauge Kanthal A1. The ribbon costs more, but is it worth it? Any advantages to it?

On a side note, I have my zmax currently set to 8.5w but when I fire it up, it's only showing 7.6w. I've noticed it in the past when the battery is low but it's showing 75%. Would you know why that is?

Ribbon wire's advantage is more surface area touching the wick, which should give you more vapor production afaik... the only disadvantage that I know of, is (depding on the size) some ribbon wire wont fit through the posts on certain RDA's like the helios or Raiju.. thats only on the really thick ribbon wire though afaik..
 

zhentipede

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there is a very usefull app called vapers tool box it helped me a lot in building.... all info u need is there ex: coils used how many wraps watts ampere draw ohm resistance etc.... i went ahead and boughta sony batt 2100mah 30amp so i can vape all resistance build i make... 20131112_083337.jpg ohm meter is also very useful plug and play...

vape safe
 

Mr343

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Ribbon/regular kanthal... .I think the difference IMO is minimal at best. I find that MAYBE you will pick up different notes with the same juice but even at that it is not a very big difference at all. I build daily. My favorite would have to be 28ga..... Has the most usability for what I like to do including twisting two strands together is my current favorite wire...... I feel like ribbon can be slightly difficult to use AT FIRST when learning the ropes. 30Ga would be a really good first wire as well....:)

As noted from others, an ohm meter to measure a coil after built and on a atty is paramount IMO.... That will tell you if something is wrong...and if you are in the park you want to be or not.... Start off slow (I.E. higher ohm coils 1.3 or so maybe 1 ohm) than make your way down from there as desired.

When building common sense and "Your Gut" will keep you safe so listen to them...

Best of luck in you journey
 

Stosh

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Snip one end of the wick off close to the coil, gently pull it out from the other end, maybe with a little push from a toothpick.

Can't tell for sure from the pic, but the coil diameter seems a little large. Once you get the wick out, dry fire the coil to see how well it heats up. Try to keep it to a dull orange so you don't pop the coil, although with 28 ga it should be sturdy.
 

timastyle

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Ok, so I took my first pass at building a microcoil and I must say that I am happy with the outcome. I used 28 gauge Kanthal and coiled it up around a 1/16" drill bit (not sure on the total number of wraps, but I think it's about 10-11 as my eyes keep going crazy on me). Initial resistance came in at 1.5 ohm on the first fire, then "low load". I messed with the coils a little and fired it up again to a 1.5 ohm consistently. After I installed the cotton wick, I put the juice in and started vaping. It really is hitting nice and now it's reading the resistance at 1.7 ohm. I'm' very happy with my first pass. I've attached a pic of it prior to wicking. The coils could be tighter, but not bad for the first go around. The larger air hole has also helped considerably.

IMG_20140128_184603.jpg
 

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timastyle

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So next up will be to purchase a mech mod for me. It's pretty intimidating looking at them. There are so many different makes, models, clones, etc that it makes me wonder why there are so many. Don't they all essentially do the same thing?

I would plan to use my mech at home with a RBA and the VV/VW on the road with a PT2. I'm not sure how people do it, but the IGO-L would leak all over my pants since I carry my device in my pocket. I suppose I could get a RTA for when I'm mobile...
 
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SpookyDriver

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So next up will be to purchase a mech mod for me. It's pretty intimidating looking at them. There are so many different makes, models, clones, etc that it makes me wonder why there are so many. Don't they all essentially do the same thing?

Variety is the spice of life. Same reason Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors and liquor stores sell 106 different brands of vodka. They all to the same thing, but everyone has different tastes.
 

Mr343

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It really is just like the world of VV devises if you think about it.... there are a ton of them out there too. SO really it is the same process, you should hunt for what you like the look of first, and then you can narrow down features and fit/function after that. The clone market is where I suggest doing home work if you go that route.

There are subtle differences in most of the Original products out there... I.E. none clones.... In that realm of Mech's you should be fine staying with what you like the look of to make it simple. The other things maybe to consider...telescoping or not...The real only advantage if you like the telescoping look is all battery's fit in the same device just screw tubes in or out and perfect fit with no battery rattle and good contact. That main advantage comes when you have a few batteries and need to leave for the day or something. I know you are not leaving with it so may not be of a concern to you. I would make sure (most originals due) that the top caps center pin is floating and or adjustable for a flush mount fit. This sometimes is not found on devices although not to common.


I started in Mechanical this same way so be warned :) I now vape nothing but mechs and have adjusted builds and toppers to have them be my all day every day devices. So maybe spend and or save for what you are really loving..

Have a good day
 
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timastyle

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Thanks MR343! I was looking around and I love the way the V3tronix Flip looks, but the price ($250-$375) is considerably more than what I want to pay and haven't been able to find a clone for it. Any recommendations along those lines of mod (don't like the Maraxus if that's what you were going to throw out there)? I like the engraved look and gives it a bit of character over the simple/sleek designs of say a Caravelo or Nemesis.

And you're right...I'm already considering just selling/trading the zmax for a mech and either using the PT2 or buying a RTA with my own microcoils. I started a new thread about that here:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...lt-my-first-coil-igo-l-now-what-tank-get.html
 

Mr343

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Thanks MR343! I was looking around and I love the way the V3tronix Flip looks, but the price ($250-$375) is considerably more than what I want to pay and haven't been able to find a clone for it. Any recommendations along those lines of mod (don't like the Maraxus if that's what you were going to throw out there)? I like the engraved look and gives it a bit of character over the simple/sleek designs of say a Caravelo or Nemesis.

And you're right...I'm already considering just selling/trading the zmax for a mech and either using the PT2 or buying a RTA with my own microcoils. I started a new thread about that here:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...lt-my-first-coil-igo-l-now-what-tank-get.html

Dam dude that is quite the piece there. Had not seen that yet....

Well the closet thing I can think of that I might suggest would be a Panzer by MCV....I think it is fricken BA and price is not bad at all. I think 180-190.... Here is link of one place that carries her.... Can be hard to find right now like allot of the original stuff... But I think would be worth it.

Check it out here: Panzer Mechanical Mod – Vapersphere

Again hope this helps you... Let me know how that strikes you good or bad

Edited to add this link:
http://www.vapersphere.com.au/collections/mechanical-mods/products/lunar-mechanical-mod

Maybe you might like this one, not at all like your first choice but different and not like all others??

Just a thought.... It is in stock too.
 
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