Is mech/unregulated more enjoyable?

[Opinionated]

The answer is sure subjective, I just wanted to hear from all sides to get a better sense of what kind of mod I'll try when I finally decide to get a new one.

(Not answering the quote anymore)

Also, thanks everyone for the links! I'm kind of on a budget atm so I'm not buying another for now, but I'll dig into all your suggestions and do my reading thoroughly!
I started out vaping thinking it'd just be a replacement for my nicotine fix, but I've stepped up my game since with my rda, and I'm not willing to stop there!

Well just so you know.. I have an unregulated Pulse.. these are very well reviewed and not bad little mods for the price. (Under 30 dollars)

It's certainly not a bad investment if you know what your doing as far as ohms law etc. And the Pulse is good to learn whether or not you even like squonking before you go and spend a lot of money.

But you HAVE to know ohms law and battery safety and how to build and have a good ohms meter etc.

I vaped for 4 years and I could teach classes on safety at this point.. safety is paramount to cost or pleasure or any other factor..

Your battery can go into thermal runaway if you do it wrong. This is not to scare you, its just to make sure your knowledge is equal to your desire to try.

 

[Kazuko]

I've read a lot about battery safety actually. I know about CDR, ohm's law calculations for both mech and regulated and how and why those calculations differ, the actual CDR sheet by Mooch, the brands to trust and not to trust, married batteries, charging them externally, chipset accuracy in ohm's law calculations, etc.
I always measure my coils on my Coil Mater 521 Tab mini, before and after fixing hotspots.
I also know as batteries get used and abused, their safe amp draw will decrease. Tell me if I'm missing something, but I think it's about all there

 

[Opinionated]

I've read a lot about battery safety actually. I know about CDR, ohm's law calculations for both mech and regulated and how and why those calculations differ, the actual CDR sheet by Mooch, the brands to trust and not to trust, married batteries, charging them externally, chipset accuracy in ohm's law calculations, etc.
I always measure my coils on my Coil Mater 521 Tab mini, before and after fixing hotspots.
I also know as batteries get used and abused, their safe amp draw will decrease. Tell me if I'm missing something, but I think it's about all there

Where do you buy batteries from?

 

[Kazuko]

Where do you buy batteries from?

My local B&M. I don't buy those online. The only thing I bought online were coil heads for me Melo tank, and I bought them from Amazon, nothing like AliExpress, Wish, or similar.

 

[Opinionated]

My local B&M. I don't buy those online. The only thing I bought online were coil heads for me Melo tank, and I bought them from Amazon, nothing like AliExpress, Wish, or similar.

I always recommend people avoid buying at vape shops and buy straight from reputable battery wholesalers like liion wholesale or IMR batteries etc..

But as your in France, I don't know anything about France.

I'd say you have the basic safety knowledge to try your hand at mechanical mods.

Build your own coils, not factory coils but yeah.. just don't build too low.

Ask for help if you need.

Recomend a good first mech?

Listen to older vapers like @Baditude

 

[Hawise]

My local B&M. I don't buy those online. The only thing I bought online were coil heads for me Melo tank, and I bought them from Amazon, nothing like AliExpress, Wish, or similar.

Mooch has listed some reliable EU battery sources in his chart, in case you ever want to buy batteries online. Then again, a trustworthy B&M is always a nice thing to have.

 

[Kazuko]

Regulations in France are quite strict, which is a good thing for batteries. The wrap seems authentic, and I highly doubt they would try and fake batteries, especially since they sell more than enough over-priced Efest crap, they won't fake Sony or Samsung. But I here your concern, and will probably consider buying from Mooch's approved list when buying multiple batteries at once!

Thanks a lot for your answers everyone, as always you guys are so helpful!

 

[Asbestos4004]

Regulations in France are quite strict, which is a good thing for batteries. The wrap seems authentic, and I highly doubt they would try and fake batteries, especially since they sell more than enough over-priced Efest crap, they won't fake Sony or Samsung. But I here your concern, and will probably consider buying from Mooch's approved list when buying multiple batteries at once!

Thanks a lot for your answers everyone, as always you guys are so helpful!

It's not your b&m faking batteries....it's the folks that gave your b&m an incredible deal on bulk batteries. Sony's are cloned regularly .

 

[sonicbomb]

Mechs are an anachronism. They were created as a simple solution to an engineering problem, and from that perspective they have been superseded but modern regulated devices. Yes I know that they have relevance in light of the upcoming prohibition. But in my opinion the main reason people continue to use them (until a while ago myself included) is because they just like them, and are willing to work within their limitations of which there are quite a few.

I haven't smoked for 8 years, but I still have my old Zippo.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

The biggest difference is simple.

One makes the news with people hospitalized or dead over "mistakes".

And I love that they always say: "I know what I'm doing, been doing it for years."

 

[Str8vision]

When I first started vaping regulated mods topped out at 15 watts, were huge and expensive. I opted to use mechs because they were small/compact and power was limited only by the battery/build. With a little work a well built mech can last a lifetime, they're highly durable.

As technology advanced regulated mods became smaller in size, vastly more powerful and reasonably priced. They provide a safe and consistent vape throughout a battery's discharge cycle. This enables a person to fully utilize the battery's capacity without suffering from ever declining performance. Regulated mods also grant the user control over the build. With the push of a button you can fully customize your vape, an ability I've really come to enjoy.

All my old mechs are safely tucked away in storage. Some fond memories for sure but in truth I'd really rather not have to use them again.

 

[Terry Koontz]

I have a authentic Kato Hammer mech that I used and really liked.
I switched to Provaris.
The Kato is now a paper weight.

 

[Zaryk]

My opinion on this is that it is all personal preference. Some like simple, durable,easily repairable mech mods. Some like the easily adjustable, low maintenance, automated safety features of regulated mods.

I like mechs because I don't like the design of most regulated mods on the market (it's like they are competing for "flashiest mod of the year" award, to the most part). Mech designs are typically more elegant, and more adult looking in my opinion. I like the challenge of building to have a safe, satisfying experience. And I don't like to rely on cheap Chinese made electronics to maintain my safety for me. Plus there are so many less aspects to go wrong or break on a mech, and I always stick with the "KISS" rule (keep it simple, stupid).

 

[Baditude]

I've used both regulated and unregulated (mech) mods for several years. I like both. But as time goes on, I find that I like to adjust my vape "on the fly". You can do that with a regulated mod by adjusting the wattage setting; you can't do that with a mech because it has a fixed power output. My mechs have been retired for a couple of years now.

The Pro's & Cons of Regulated vs Mechanical Mods:
Regulated Pro's:

The battery power to the atomizer is controlled (or regulated) to stay the same throughout the battery charge by a microchip, from a fully charged battery until it is discharged to the low voltage limit of the device.

The power can be adjusted to increase or decrease the voltage by the user, allowing the user to change their vaping experience.

Has built-in protective circuitry against atomizer short circuits, shorts in the 510 connector, or fire button; accidentally putting the battery in backwards; over discharging
the battery; accidentally pressing the fire button too long (auto cutoff timer); and over-heating of the processor.

Has built-in battery voltage and atomizer resistance meters to check battery voltage status and the ohm rating of the coil.

Regulated Cons:

Generally speaking, may not be as well made or as durable over time compared to a mech. Electrical components may fail over time or from physical abuse.

Unless it is a "high wattage" regulated mod, will not be able to fire a sub-ohm resistance coil (ie. first generation regulated mods). Most modern regulated mods today have enough power or wattage to fire a sub-ohm coil.

Mechanical Pro's:

Generally speaking, are made to be more durable and able to withstand some physical abuse. No electronic components to fail.

Mechs are able to fire super sub-ohm coils because there is no protection circuitry or processor amp limits to prohibit it.

Many mechs are machined to be quite beautiful, nearly art pieces. Many are manufactured in a limited run, in limited quantities, and inscribed with the number on the mod. To see a few examples of these beautiful mechs, go to the very end of this blog.

Why do people choose a mech over regulated?
Mechanical Cons:

No protection circuitry. This is the big one for beginners. The new user must always be aware of the signs of a short circuit, which could cause the battery to vent into thermal runaway. The mod must have ventilation holes in case you experience a venting episode and which should prevent your mod from becoming an exploding pipe bomb.

No voltage regulation of the battery. As the battery drains from use, the vape quality will diminish.

 

[Kazuko]

I've used both regulated and unregulated (mech) mods for several years. I like both. But as time goes on, I find that I like to adjust my vape "on the fly". You can do that with a regulated mod by adjusting the wattage setting; you can't do that with a mech because it has a fixed power output. My mechs have been retired for a couple of years now.

The Pro's & Cons of Regulated vs Mechanical Mods:
Regulated Pro's:

The battery power to the atomizer is controlled (or regulated) to stay the same throughout the battery charge by a microchip, from a fully charged battery until it is discharged to the low voltage limit of the device.

The power can be adjusted to increase or decrease the voltage by the user, allowing the user to change their vaping experience.

Has built-in protective circuitry against atomizer short circuits, shorts in the 510 connector, or fire button; accidentally putting the battery in backwards; over discharging
the battery; accidentally pressing the fire button too long (auto cutoff timer); and over-heating of the processor.

Has built-in battery voltage and atomizer resistance meters to check battery voltage status and the ohm rating of the coil.

Regulated Cons:

Generally speaking, may not be as well made or as durable over time compared to a mech. Electrical components may fail over time or from physical abuse.

Unless it is a "high wattage" regulated mod, will not be able to fire a sub-ohm resistance coil (ie. first generation regulated mods). Most modern regulated mods today have enough power or wattage to fire a sub-ohm coil.

Mechanical Pro's:

Generally speaking, are made to be more durable and able to withstand some physical abuse. No electronic components to fail.

Mechs are able to fire sub-ohm coils because there is no protection circuitry or processor amp limits to prohibit it.

Many mechs are machined to be quite beautiful, nearly art pieces. Many are manufactured in a limited run, in limited quantities, and inscribed with the number on the mod. To see a few examples of these beautiful mechs, go to the very end of this blog.

Why do people choose a mech over regulated?
Mechanical Cons:

No protection circuitry. This is the big one for beginners. The new user must always be aware of the signs of a short circuit, which could cause the battery to vent into thermal runaway. The mod must have ventilation holes in case you experience a venting episode and which should prevent your mod from becoming an exploding pipe bomb.

No voltage regulation of the battery. As the battery drains from use, the vape quality will diminish.

Thank you for taking the time to answer in such depth!

I understand the safety issues that mech mods could cause. The only thing I'm not quite sure how to spot yet would be the battery getting too low (I guess experienced vapers can tell by the vape production when it's time to recharge). Everything else I always double check, I really don't want my hand or face to be harmed by a battery going on a rampage if I abuse it (too low ohms for the amp draw capacity or too low voltage).

I will probably end up getting one (the unregulated Vandy Vape Pulse kit caught my eyes, and it's literally taking all I've got NOT to click that "Place order" button, if I do it's my gf that'd go on a thermal runaway, considering how much I've spent on vaping within the last 3 months, even though this kit is soooo inexpensive), and when I do, I'll make sure to be overly paranoid with my battery's health (not going to build below 0.3 or even 0.4 ohm with a 20A CDR battery, checking voltage with my 521 tab that I'll carry with me at work, etc)

 

[Zaryk]

Thank you for taking the time to answer in such depth!

I understand the safety issues that mech mods could cause. The only thing I'm not quite sure how to spot yet would be the battery getting too low (I guess experienced vapers can tell by the vape production when it's time to recharge). Everything else I always double check, I really don't want my hand or face to be harmed by a battery going on a rampage if I abuse it (too low ohms for the amp draw capacity or too low voltage).

I will probably end up getting one (the unregulated Vandy Vape Pulse kit caught my eyes, and it's literally taking all I've got NOT to click that "Place order" button, if I do it's my gf that'd go on a thermal runaway, considering how much I've spent on vaping within the last 3 months, even though this kit is soooo inexpensive), and when I do, I'll make sure to be overly paranoid with my battery's health (not going to build below 0.3 or even 0.4 ohm with a 20A CDR battery, checking voltage with my 521 tab that I'll carry with me at work, etc)

The best way to tell the battery is low on a mech is the flavor. Flavors will change or fade as the battery runs low. You will notice it well before the battery drains to unhealthy levels for the battery. On my build, a low battery still produces plenty of vapor.

 

[Baditude]

The only thing I'm not quite sure how to spot yet would be the battery getting too low (I guess experienced vapers can tell by the vape production when it's time to recharge).

It's true, with some experience using a mech you'll learn to recognize when the battery is getting too low from the unsatisfactory change in your vape experience.

If you so desire, you could get a voltage tester to measure your battery's voltage.

It's actually pretty unlikely to explode a battery using short intermittant "pulses" as you vape. Once the battery voltage drops below 3.2 volts, the vapor will be noticeably weak and you'll know to change the battery out.

What is dangerous is if the fire button is compressed continuously for an extended period of time. This could happen if you carry your mod in a pocket or purse. What happens here is the rapid over discharge of the battery to the point of a venting episode or even thermal runaway.

Therefore, all mech mods should have a locking mechanism to disable the fire button, or a recessed fire button to prevent accidental firing.

Batteries that are allowed to drain lower than 2.5 volts are likely ruined and should be disposed of properly.

I suggest that you read my A Beginner's Guide to Your First Mechanical Mod.

 

[Kazuko]

What is dangerous is if the fire button is compressed continuously for an extended period of time. This could happen if you carry your mod in a pocket or purse. What happens here is the rapid over discharge of the battery to the point of a venting episode or even thermal runaway.

Therefore, all mech mods should have a locking mechanism to disable the fire button, or a recessed fire button to prevent accidental firing.

I sure won't get a mech with no locking feature, I tend to keep my mod in my pocket, and when I do I always shut it down. That's one thing I overly like in the Pulse mod, the lock is behind a magnetic panel, so there's no probable way this lock would unlock without me doing it on purpose. If I ever get one without any locking feature, then I'll have to carry a battery case with me as well, I'm not leaving one in an unlocked unregulated mod that could trigger without my doing

 

[r055co]

I sure won't get a mech with no locking feature, I tend to keep my mod in my pocket, and when I do I always shut it down. That's one thing I overly like in the Pulse mod, the lock is behind a magnetic panel, so there's no probable way this lock would unlock without me doing it on purpose. If I ever get one without any locking feature, then I'll have to carry a battery case with me as well, I'm not leaving one in an unlocked unregulated mod that could trigger without my doing

Myself for my Mech's that I don't have a locking ring (for that matter even if they do) I have a hard case for them.

 

[Zutankhamun]

@Asbestos4004

Totally off topic but...

Have you become more handsome?
Nice avi


Edit; or is it exactly the same and I’m just losing my marbles?