Little itty bitty mods under $100.

[AndriaD]

They really, really are not (more than sufficient), Andria.

When it's time to buy new batteries, take our advice and a get a couple of those:



They are generally considered the best and safest for vaping. You want to be safe.

I have Samsung and LG HG2 and I'm very happy with them. I've also used the AW IMR (orange) batteries in my Provari for years because ProVape recommends them, but the Sammy and the LG are much better.

I get my batteries from RTD Vapor--I trust them and I've been using them forever.

I get AWs from sweet-vapes.

Andria

 

[Katya]

Oh I know, they're not 30A, they're 20A... both of which are FAAAAAAAAAR beyond my needs. 5A batteries may be "old hat" but they're still fine batteries for us tootlers that don't need massive power for massive clouds. It's like, now that there are all these super-duper batteries, people have the idea that the old batteries aren't any good, and that's just wrong.

There's more to it than simple wattage calculations. I also vape at 8-12 watts, most of the time. But if you're using any of the second or third generations mods, you really need batteries with some headroom. We were just discussing it the other day in another thread. Here's a very nice explanation that our friend Turtle provided:

I'd agree that 10 Amp batts should not be used in VW and TC mods. Remember, you can't use simple Ohm's Law calculations on advanced mods. The circuits are swapping off voltage and current to boost one or the other. And there are also inherent inefficiencies to be considered. A good deal of headroom means your skull stays intact.

 

[AndriaD]

There's more to it than simple wattage calculations. I also vape at 8-12 watts, most of the time. But if you're using any of the second or third generations mods, you really need batteries with some headroom. We were just discussing it the other day in another thread. Here's a very nice explanation that our friend Turtle provided:

Well, I still think that vaping something requiring only 2.3A, using batteries capable of 5A, is not a problem -- I was vaping at higher wattage with my Sigelei Zmax (usually 10-10.5 watts), and no one in that thread offered any objections to the use of those batteries; in fact, quite a few of them using the same device were using the same or similar batteries. Just because I have a mod capable of high wattage does not mean I'll ever use it at that high wattage, or anything even remotely close to it -- anything over 9w or under 1.7Ω is simply too hot for me, and produces far too much vapor.

The only reason I might get some more batteries pretty soon is because these *are* over a year old, which I know decreases their viability, though they haven't been used a great deal. The main reason I will stick with AW batteries is because I'm familiar with them, I know they're reliable, and I know a place where I can get authentic ones (sweet-vapes) for an excellent price, a much better price than any I've seen *anywhere* else. The other brands would require yet more research on both the batteries and the vendors offering reliably authentic versions, and using some other vendor would mean a higher price, and require extending trust -- trust which sweet-vapes has *earned*.

But I simply don't need 20-30 amp batteries.

Andria

 

[Katya]

Oh, what a vapemail day Wednesday was. Not only did I receive my VapeNW order of the Istick 100W and a couple of LG HG2's to power it, and my second [back-up] Evic VT, but I finally received my prizes from Wismec's FB contest from November: the Presa 75W TC and Amor Plus tank.

It was like Christmas Day!

I received them late in the day and haven't had a chance to try them out yet. The Presa is so tiny, but has a heft to it, especially with a battery in it. Wismec sent out a silver one (I was hoping for black, but, hey, it was free). I wasn't certain I was even going to get it by Xmas since I never did receive a shipping notice from them. It shipped from a US authorized Joyetech vendor (ClearmistVape), so no long wait from China. I'll pass along my first impressions later today or tomorrow.

As far as batteries, I've had the best luck with Samsungs and LG's so far.

Congrats, Jef!

 

[Oregon Linda]

Samsung 25rs at illumn are about half the price of the Sammys and the AWs at Sweet Vapes.

 

[Woofer]

I have zero faith (based on some knowledge) that any of the Chinese mods have proper battery safety algorithms.
Zero, none, zip, zilch and nada!

I do trust Evolv and Provape on safety.

 

[Katya]

I don't know much about battery safety algorithms, but I have been using Chinese mods for years and never had an issue. Ever. FWIW...

Ad now back on the subject of itty bitty mods. I got my Evic VTC mini kit (with eGo One Mega tank) yesterday. The mod is lovely. Small(ish), nice matte finish (no slippage ), battery door works like a dream--no gaps, no sliding, the weight is manageable--164g with battery installed, and the display is just wonderful--no readers needed. I put my 3000mAh LG HG2 battery in and I'm enjoying it as we speak.

It's a bit more angular than my other box mods--I like the rounded edges better, but if it works well, I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time.

 

[VapingTurtle]

The other brands would require yet more research on both the batteries and the vendors offering reliably authentic versions,

What a stubborn person you are being.

You have been given which batteries to get. You have been given which vendors to get them from. Information from reliable sources.

Do you research the cow when you buy a quart of milk?

I'll give you a big "whatever". You'll get there in the end, and say "hmmm... maybe they were all right."



ETA: I'd say you've got a lot to learn, but no, you don't. Just enjoy the vape. That is all that matters.

 

[VapingTurtle]

It's a bit more angular than my other box mods--I like the rounded edges better, but if works well, I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time.

It does work well, but yeah, the hand feel thang... rut row.

I've got a Wismec Presa 75TC coming. Same board. Same parent company. No doubt same hands putting it together. But better hand feel.

OOooo, the hand feel.

 

[Katya]

Oh, Turtle...

You do crack me up.

Keep us posted about that Wismec Presa, please.

 

[Woofer]

I don't know much about battery safety algorithms, but I have been using Chinese mods for years and never had an issue. Ever. FWIW...

Yes indeed I have never heard of a Chinese mod auto firing or spontaneously combusting and venting.

And somehow the Chinese engineers have figured out how to draw more than 40 watts from a single 18650 while the best engineers in other places can only manage 40 watts.

 

[Katya]

Yes indeed I have never heard of a Chinese mod auto firing or spontaneously combusting and venting.

I said "I never had a problem," not that I've never heard of a problem. Not the same thing.

Also, the Evolv board had all kinds of problems, mind you... Lots of them.

 

[Woofer]

I said "I never had a problem," not that I've never heard of a problem. Not the same thing.

Oh I got that Katya, no worries. I just sayin;

 

[aldenf]

I don't know much about battery safety algorithms, but I have been using Chinese mods for years and never had an issue. Ever. FWIW...

Ad now back on the subject of itty bitty mods. I got my Evic VTC mini kit (with eGo One Mega tank) yesterday. The mod is lovely. Small(ish), nice matte finish (no slippage ), battery door works like a dream--no gaps, no sliding, the weight is manageable--164g with battery installed, and the display is just wonderful--no readers needed. I put my 3000mAh LG HG2 battery in and I'm enjoying it as we speak.

It's a bit more angular than my other box mods--I like the rounded edges better, but if it works well, I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time.

Perhaps it's my big hands but I like the fit/feel of my VTC Mini in my hand better than my iSticks and certainly better than my Chana mods.

 

[jefsview]

I've been using the Wismec Presa for a few hours now, and have been enjoying it. The display is large and bright, although laid out a bit differently than the Joyetech Evic VT board. It's nice to see the amperage listed. It's a nice matte finish top to bottom. Smooth, soft and glidey. I could imagine it becoming slippery with sweaty or juicy hands, but it's metal The battery door has a bit of play on it, with or without a battery installed. I flipped it around with the vent hole and "W" on the bottom and the play disappears, but you can feel the edges of the door with my thumb. A little tactile sensation is better, IMO, than a clacking door.

The button is a dream to use. Very ergonomic, comfortable, just a dream to use.

I haven't installed the digital update up, since I run Linux and didn't want to accidentally brick my device on the first day of use When I make a few more TC coils on a regular basis, or make up my mind to do so, then I'll grab the update. I doubt it'll improve regular POWER function. Speaking of which: it's another strong, smooth Joyetech signal, like the Evic VT, and unlike the iStick series (which is a little choppy).

So far, it's a great little device.

 

[AndriaD]

What a stubborn person you are being.

You have been given which batteries to get. You have been given which vendors to get them from. Information from reliable sources.

Do you research the cow when you buy a quart of milk?

I'll give you a big "whatever". You'll get there in the end, and say "hmmm... maybe they were all right."



ETA: I'd say you've got a lot to learn, but no, you don't. Just enjoy the vape. That is all that matters.

The main problem is that I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY RIGHT NOW TO BUY BATTERIES TOO!!! I'M NOT RICH AND MY CREDIT CARDS ARE ALL ALREADY AT THEIR LIMITS!

Sure, I'll be getting some more, payday's coming up, xmas is coming up, but there is only so much to go around at any one time -- I jumped on that sale BECAUSE THE PRICE WAS CHEAP AND I COULD AFFORD IT!

So I will use what I have in the interim. They haven't caused any problems vaping at 10 or 10.5 watts, so I don't anticipate any problems vaping at 9w. If I wait until I have new batteries before trying out the mod, the "DOA" warranty may have expired, and if it *is* DOA, I'll be SOL!

Andria

 

[Katya]

Perhaps it's my big hands but I like the fit/feel of my VTC Mini in my hand better than my iSticks and certainly better than my Chana mods.

It's growing on me. Hey, I used to think that my MVP 2 was comfy...

 

[Katya]

I haven't installed the digital update up

I'm too chicken to mess with an upgrade...

and unlike the iStick series (which is a little choppy).

iStick choppy? Well, the 20, maybe, but my 30 is nice and smooth.

And congratulations! Enjoy your new toy!

 

[pufZeppelin]

It's growing on me. Hey, I used to think that my MVP 2 was comfy...

I'm too chicken to mess with an upgrade...
iStick choppy? Well, the 20, maybe, but my 30 is nice and smooth.

so your VTC is of the 60w persuasion ?

looks like (from videos) the update is pretty painless

the eGo ONE tank works MUCH better with the CLR coils
I didn’t care for the stock, vertical CL coils (tho, not terrible)
big diff in air draw between the .5Ω hole (3.5mm)
and the 1.0Ω hole (1.8mm)

of course the CLR coils are horizontal (and I love that)



my TC40 is a champ !

 

[Katya]

so your VTC is of the 60w persuasion ?

Very much so--it's a mini. Is it bad?

looks like (from videos) the update is pretty painless

Yeah right. You don't know me... Nothing is painless when it comes to technology. I usually experience shortness of breath followed by a full blown anxiety attack whenever I'm faced with a new and unfamiliar procedure involving computers.

the eGo ONE tank works MUCH better with the CLR coils

That's what I've heard, too.

I didn’t care for the stock, vertical CL coils (tho, not terrible)
big diff in air draw between the .5Ω hole (3.5mm)
and the 1.0Ω hole (1.8mm)

Just my luck. I like 2-2.5mm... You know, the Goldilocks syndrome.

of course the CLR coils are horizontal (and I love that)

I also prefer horizontal coils. I feel they produce better flavor. No, I can't prove it and I have no idea why feel that way. I just like them better.