So I have a question about Mech Mods. I have been thinking about getting one lately, but I only know 2 things about them. There's no protection, and most of them look cool as hell.
When I am picking one out is there anything else I need to keep in mind? Or does any one have suggestions of a brand to go with? I really like the idea of having one that telescopes, one of the big reasons I like Mech mods is because you can get them really small and typically at good prices.
I seem to favor the styles that have grooves in them like the k100 and the Sigelei #29.
I have just been itching to get another Mod lately and with my Birthday coming up I feel I have a good excuse, but I need to stick to a budget (or I would just get a provari mini and call it a day).
The other Mod I was looking at was a Sigelei Zmax mini (yeah I know its not mech) I found one for around $50 - $60 price range if I remember correctly.
Thanks in advance for any advice yall can offer.
Recommending a mech is greatly dependent on your desired application and your current PV experience level. There are several things to consider when purchasing a mech, all of which are important. I will list what
I consider "important" when buying a mech.
1)
Quality - This is paramount. Build quality ensures that the mod is electrically sound and optimally conductive. Is the firing switch built well? Are the battery contacts made from a known conductive material (brass or silver plated), or not (stainless steel or chromed metal)? Is the body made from quality material? Are the threads machined properly? If there is a spring used as part of the connection, is it made from conductive material (copper, brass, or silver plated)? Is the spring a "hot" spring which will add battery failure protection? Is the 510 connector made from the same quality materials? Some electrical knowledge should be acquired. Know about battery quality, battery amp limits (C rating), ohms vs wattage vs voltage, proper care and maintenance of electrical contacts, voltage drop; the list can go on. The
only thing that can counter these considerations is one's ability and willingness to modify a given mech to fit these standards. The Sigelei #19 was inexpensive for sure, but it was crap out of the box. The modifications I made to it were
necessary in order to make it a safer and more efficient mod. In the mech mod world,
you get what you pay for. A mod bought for under $100 will require some kind of modification 90% of the time. The Sigelei line of mechs are generally found for under $40. Most of them need complete overhauls. A $200 mod is going to have all these considerations thought through, usually because they are hand built by "modders" and not factory made in China.
2)
Reputation - I won't spend more than $30 on a mod unless I know what I'm getting into. I watch review videos and read the pertaining forum threads before any purchase. I knew all the modifications which needed to be done to the Sigelei before it hit my doorstep. Conversely, I spent $400 on a Nemesis and a Poldiac yesterday based on reputation alone. I know those mods are some of the best made and will require no modification. This brings me to the next consideration.
3)
Cost - Mech mods range in price from $30 (your Sigeleis and your Smoktechs) to the mid $100s (The EA Mod, The Dingo, The Paps, The Roller, and many Philippine made devices to name a few) to the $200 range (the GG, Nemesis, Chi You, Poldiac, Bear Brass, etc.) and the collectible items which usually have year-long wait lists and resell in the $$400-$500 range (Caravella). As I stated before, you get what you pay for. If you're only using mechs for dripping or carto-tanks, then there is no reason to break the bank, but if you're getting heavy into rebuildables and high-end attys, it's a good idea to spend some cash on your battery device first. Which leads me to the next.
4)
Application - What am I using this for? Do I need an all day "beater" which can take bumps and scratches without a worry? Am I looking to get into sub-ohm genesis building? Do I want something I will only keep at home and give me the best vape possible? Do I want a conversation piece? Am I using cartos and clearos? Am I dripping or rebuilding? Do I need something to act as "training wheels" before I invest in a $200 mod? Only you can decide these things, but they will help in your decision. Don't spend $150 on a mech if you don't know if you're going to enjoy the experience. Don't spend big bucks on a mod if all you're going to use is clearos and carto tanks on it. On the other hand, don't get a cheap mod if you're going to get heavily into rebuildables or high-end attys.
5)
Aesthetics - It's the least important thing to consider, but obviously if you don't like how it looks, you're not going to use it. Make sure you really appreciate the aesthetics. It usually comes down to details. Button placement, logos, finish, flat top vs. chamfered top, raised or recessed 510 connector, air slits on the cap vs adjustable air flow holes on the side vs no air flow to the connector, drip well or none, telescoping vs modular, grooves, engravings, colors, on and on and on.
Mechs are simple devices, but my experience has shown me that they require the most thought before purchase. I hope you find what you're looking for. PM me if you want to ask about a specific mod or have a question. The best place to browse for information is the
APV Discussion Forum here at ECF. You will surely find good information there.