I am trying to decide between the Smok SID and ZMAX V3 ('flat top')...

[OllieDixon]

SID is cheaper and lighter. I like the way both look...

So i guess it comes down to reliability. I know they are both cheap china products, but which one has a higher chance of lasting longer? From the little reading i have done the ZMAX V3 seems more robust but the internals seem fairly fragile.

Also, does anyone have a pic of them sitting side by side with the ZMAX in 18650 mode?

(Please don't suggest the MVP, VAMO, or SVD.. they are not something id like to look at every day hehe)



EDIT: The ZMAX V3 has RMS and Mean setting. The SID does not. What setting does the SID use then?

 

[donesmokin]

Of the two I'd say get the Zmax.

 

[OllieDixon]

Any particular reason?

 

[donesmokin]

Just because I prefer stacked batteries. I don't have a SID so I can't say for sure but they don't look as well built to me. On the other hand if I was on the fence I'd just get both!

Edit: The SID is aluminum, the ZMax is SS. Don't know if I'd like the telescope thing though. I should just shut up, I'm a Vamo guy.

 

[Ronald3638]

I have a SID, Vamo and SVD and my favorite is the SID. It's a solid device and still works perfectly even after being dropped several times. The aluminum tube has 3mm thick walls so it's very sturdy and has a solid feel. It can't do stacked batteries but then why would you want to?
There's no real advantage to stacking unless you like pushing the limits of the device which usually results in a burned out atomizer.

The Mean also known as average mode should never have been used to begin with so the SID did away with it using only the RMS mode, a good move IMO. I could get into the technical reasons this is so but that is a topic all by itself.

 

[Talyon]

My SID lasted 1 month.

My zmax is now 8 months old.

 

[OllieDixon]

I have a SID, Vamo and SVD and my favorite is the SID. It's a solid device and still works perfectly even after being dropped several times. The aluminum tube has 3mm thick walls so it's very sturdy and has a solid feel. It can't do stacked batteries but then why would you want to?
There's no real advantage to stacking unless you like pushing the limits of the device which usually results in a burned out atomizer.

The Mean also known as average mode should never have been used to begin with so the SID did away with it using only the RMS mode, a good move IMO. I could get into the technical reasons this is so but that is a topic all by itself.

Thanks for the info!

My SID lasted 1 month.

My zmax is now 8 months old.

Arrrg .. I guess its just luck with this cheap china stuff.

 

[Standpoint]

I've had my SID for about 6 months, I have tons of devices but tend to use my SID the most at home. It's been very solid, haven't had any issues except one: the single button on the device can be problematic for me. I use a light touch when pressing my buttons, and sometimes instead of getting a hit I instead start scrolling through the menu. Bothers me as it happens pretty frequently. It is big though, kinda feel weird using it out and about, but for those situations I love my eRoll!

 

[Howietzer]

I've had my SiD for close to 6 months as well, and I feel it has been a solid investment. The only problem i've had is also with the button, but slightly different; about once every say 50 presses, if I press to lightly or a little off center, it will read "short". But it always goes right back normal. Another thing I like about it is the fact that it shares identical part threading as the evic, so all the bells and whistles that modders have made for the evic work perfectly with the SiD

 

[Busted knuckles]

I only have the zmax so I can't compare them. I like the zmax in that it's a solid mod, I've dropped it from a standing position and it landed on the atty and the threads are still fine! (can't say the same for my retired vamo)
It vapes fine and takes all sizes of batteries, almost indestructible, and looks good (if you like the tube mod look).

Only thing I can complain about is that the board has tilted in the tube a little and the button push has gotten weird. Not bad, just different. But I think that's an easy fix, I just haven't tried yet.

Good luck choosing.

 

[OllieDixon]

I've had my SID for about 6 months, I have tons of devices but tend to use my SID the most at home. It's been very solid, haven't had any issues except one: the single button on the device can be problematic for me. I use a light touch when pressing my buttons, and sometimes instead of getting a hit I instead start scrolling through the menu. Bothers me as it happens pretty frequently. It is big though, kinda feel weird using it out and about, but for those situations I love my eRoll!

I've had my SiD for close to 6 months as well, and I feel it has been a solid investment. The only problem i've had is also with the button, but slightly different; about once every say 50 presses, if I press to lightly or a little off center, it will read "short". But it always goes right back normal. Another thing I like about it is the fact that it shares identical part threading as the evic, so all the bells and whistles that modders have made for the evic work perfectly with the SiD

I only have the zmax so I can't compare them. I like the zmax in that it's a solid mod, I've dropped it from a standing position and it landed on the atty and the threads are still fine! (can't say the same for my retired vamo)
It vapes fine and takes all sizes of batteries, almost indestructible, and looks good (if you like the tube mod look).

Only thing I can complain about is that the board has tilted in the tube a little and the button push has gotten weird. Not bad, just different. But I think that's an easy fix, I just haven't tried yet.

Good luck choosing.

Thanks for you thoughts everyone

 

[FranC]

I have both and prefer the SID. It's lighter and has VV/VW. Both over 6 months old with no problems.

 

[OllieDixon]

I have both and prefer the SID. It's lighter and has VV/VW. Both over 6 months old with no problems.

Thanks.. They both have VV/WW though heh

 

[yzer]

Go for the Sigelei Zmax V3 telescopic flat top. I've been using mine for seven months now. They are built like a tank.

If the Sigelei telescopic models have an Achilles heel it is the telescopic tube concept itself. The telescopic tube is also one of Sigelei's best features. Users can over-tighten the battery tube which can place a lot of pressure on the internal electronics. This is easily avoided by never tightening the tube past the point that the battery spring is half-way compressed. The other drawback is dirt or poor electrical contact at the battery tube threads. This drawback is common to all threaded telescopic battery tubes. All that is needed is a little Noalox applied to the threads. Noalox may be found at any Home Depot in the electrical section.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ic-flat-top-other-reports-one-week-later.html

 

[yzer]

Last week I misplaced the Sigelei for a while and decided I needed a back-up. I couldn't pass on this price and ordered the second Sigelei V3 flat top.

Sigelei ZMAX V3- Flat top - 101 Vape

 

[OllieDixon]

Go for the Sigelei Zmax V3 telescopic flat top. I've been using mine for seven months now. They are built like a tank.

If the Sigelei telescopic models have an Achilles heel it is the telescopic tube concept itself. The telescopic tube is also one of Sigelei's best features. Users can over-tighten the battery tube which can place a lot of pressure on the internal electronics. This is easily avoided by never tightening the tube past the point that the battery spring is half-way compressed. The other drawback is dirt or poor electrical contact at the battery tube threads. This drawback is common to all threaded telescopic battery tubes. All that is needed is a little Noalox applied to the threads. Noalox may be found at any Home Depot in the electrical section.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ic-flat-top-other-reports-one-week-later.html

Last week I misplaced the Sigelei for a while and decided I needed a back-up. I couldn't pass on this price and ordered the second Sigelei V3 flat top.

Sigelei ZMAX V3- Flat top - 101 Vape

Nice price! thanks. I plan to take the spring completely out if i go for the zmax. Not only will it relieve all the pressure but it will make it a bit shorter in 18650 mode and fit a 18500 in 18350 mode.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...flat-top-other-reports-one-week-later-39.html

 

[yzer]

The spring pressure is not the problem with the Sigelei telescopic. Over-tightening to the point that the spring is totally flattened and then tightening some more is the problem. Depending on which of the two battery caps you use (some Sigeleis ship with two different sized caps) you won't be able to use some battery sizes like 18490 or 18500 without a spring. You definitely will NOT be able to use a 18350 with any cap without a battery spring.