Just how advanced are Mechanical mods?

[Asmotron]

So I've been playing with a Volt 78mm battery for about 2 weeks so far and enjoying it quite a bit. I was going to snag me a Stainless Steel V2 Vamo to play with as my next device, and slap a Vivi Nova on it or some flavor of Genesis rba. However, I've recently been sucked in to how gorgeous some of the mechanical mods are out there. Every seller always has a warning that they are for advanced users only...

So just how advanced should one be before getting a mech mod?

In the reading I've been doing in the last couple of weeks the whole genesis style rba thing seems pretty simple to me (especially if I order pre-burned stainless meshes) so I'm not afraid of figure out how to wrap coils to specific Ohms*. The only other thing I would consider is a Kick just to let me tinker with the output slightly, but I probably would hold off initially.

*I am pretty good with electronics/small electric devices so nothing about and RBA or a mech mod to me comes off as scary, intimidating, or even that advanced... But I am looking to be enlightened!

 

[Chikenbok]

So just how advanced should one be before getting a mech mod?

Well... Its just a battery circuit being completed... so not very. Of course there is more theoretically that could "go wrong" but if you're using good batteries and making sure your setup isn't going to short before throwing it on to a mech there's really nothing more simple and elegant. I got a mech before I got into VV devices and loved it. Got a few provaris but still have the mechs on a normal rotation. Just watch your wallet.... it becomes a really nasty habit once you start getting into serious mechs.

+ (+) - = Heaven.

 

[Asmotron]

Well... Its just a battery circuit being completed... so not very.

This is pretty much what I thought. As long as you pay attention I can't see it being too difficult or dangerous.

I am worried about the cost, however! It would be very easy for me to spend a boat load of cash on some of those pretty and high quality mechs.

 

[The Yeti]

Tell me about it - I've spent $250 on mechs just today! (Thanks Chikenbok )

 

[Baditude]

I think you are mistaken about "what" is actually being "warned" against being for an "advanced user" only.

Mech mods are a simple as you can get. Basically a nice battery holder with a fire switch and a connector for a juice delivery device.

What are and should be labeled as "for advanced users only" are the RBA, or rebuildable atomizers. These are juice delivery devices that are more complex than your clearomizer or cartomizers. They do not work right out of the box. Some research time is involved in how to set these up, how to roll your own mesh wick and wrap your own coil from steel wire at the appropriate ohm rating. Knowledge of how to operate and interpret a multimeter is needed. Knowledge of the relationship of resistance and voltage. Knowledge of what type of batteries to use and their safety issues. You need to be willing to "tinker" with the device to remove annoying "hot spots" in the coil. Using these with below 1 ohm coils can be potentially dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.

 

[Fury83]

There are a few mech mods where the design is more complex than it should be but for the most part they are simple. RBA's are a bit more complex, rba's on mechs isn't any more complex but RBA's don't protect you from yourself like a provari does.

Two things you need for mechs

1. Good IMR batteries
2. A good battery charger

These are critical and should be built into your budget.

Lastly, you may feel better adding a Holocron Shortstop or Vapesafe, it's a simple fuse that when combined with a quality IMR that has been charged properly, may prevent a mistake from becoming a situation.

 

[jasl90]

The only thing that makes any of this "advanced" is the fact that the safety's have been removed and the user has to have enough knowledge to know what attys and battery's to use.

The current crop of regulated devices have safety features that won't let you do anything unsafe. As general rule (w/o going into specific models) they keep you from inserting the battery in the wrong way, they limit the atty resistance that they will fire and they limit volts/wattage that they deliver.

Once the electronics are taken out of the picture, however, you're left with only your brain to keep you safe...

 

[Asmotron]

Thanks for the extra info, guys. I ended up snagging a Sigelei #20b (or v2 as he calls it) from RichManVapors. Good deal especially with the 15% off coupon he posted on the forum. I was trying to get a #19b (or, again, v2) but they sold out before I could complete my order. After doing some reading I'm glad I was "forced" to get the #20.

Next step is to save up some cash for good batts, a good charger, a. 2cent or similar fuse, and decide on what to toss on top. I'm thinking of starting with a Vivi Nova to get the basics of coil rebuilds then moving into a RSST.

I think I'll be happier using my brain and mechanical ability with the #20 than I would have been using my love of techno gadgets with a Vamo.

I'm sure this is only the beginning of an expensive hobby.

Thoughts on kicking?

 

[buffaloguy]

Get an agat2 or a cobra clone. The rsst is definitely a great choice tho. Wrapping coils on silica for vivi heads is easy compared to learning on an actual genesis type atty with mesh. Its an entirely different learning curve. I started out recoiling vivis myself. It really didnt translate to better skills for rba's.

However I will say that my skills doing vivi heads got better once I finally got good with rba's and mesh. Now I have several vivi heads with mesh U wicks in them that run awesome. Couldnt have done that without rba knowledge and skills.