Looking for a big upgrade

[alex8039]

I'm shopping for an upgrade for my evic VTC mini with uwell crown tank. vaping is getting so advanced though I don't even know where to start.

All I can figure out is, go for a DNA200 chip, this seems to be top of the range so far. I guess it's between lavabox and the vaporshark, since I'm not a power user I don't need 3 batteries of the reuleux (I don't like the shape too).

What I understand is however I can't switch out the batteries, which is annoying as I just have 2 on rotation and it works fine.

1. What is the difference between the 18650 and LiPo? I vape at around 25W if that makes any difference. Also I heard one of these has a zip charging thingie that charges in 90minutes, but it requires special gear. I'm in Australia so probably incompatible right?

2. Should I be looking in to these new notch and ceramic coils? Or making my own?

3. Is there something more advanced than the vaporshark/lavabox dna 200 coming out that I should hold out for?

4. Where is a place I can get a good range of premium e-liquids? I've tried the cheap stuff for way too long, but I can't exactly order from every store directly as shipping costs alone are $40-50 for me.

5. Any recommendations for tanks/drippers? I know this is too subjective but I'm willing to research all the suggestions. Uwell crown is not too bad but not amazing by any stretch of the imagination. I never get those real puffy clouds I see people get and the coil has to 'warm up' every morning which makes for a terrible first drag.

 

[sawlight]

Go big or go home? Sorry.
I do have to ask, if you only vape at 25 watts, why the need for such a big mod/upgrade? I just got the Istick Pico and couldn't be happier with it. Small size, replaceable battery, VW and TC, does everything I need, and more. I'm pretty sure it's much the same as the Evic you have?
As for tanks, that's going to depend on what you want, if you want to blow huge clouds, you will need something different than what you are using, or at least have to set it up differently. Meaning lots of airflow and good juice feeding.
I'm running a Theorem and I'm liking it for the most part, but will most likely get an Avocado as well, just to see which I like best. I can easily set it up and blow clouds, but I've got it pretty well choked off for my style of vaping.
As for notch coils and the like. Yeah, they work and I'm kind of grooving on it, but I can't say I'd buy more when I can get SS wire just as easily and build what I want, when I want. Others don't seem to like them much, but it doesn't sound like many are using them long and fiddling with getting the TC set up right.
For cold coils, I have to say TC is the bomb! Didn't think I'd like it this much, and granted, I can get the same with an ammped up Kanthal build. Right now I have the notch coil set at 370 deg with 35 watts, and it sure wakes me up in the am! I'm also running better than 8 hrs with it set up like that, going on 13hrs with a little less than half battery as I type this.
Probably not much help, probably not what you really wanted to hear, but some things to think about.

 

[Eitje]

I'm shopping for an upgrade for my evic VTC mini with uwell crown tank. Vaping is getting so advanced though I don't even know where to start.

All I can figure out is, go for a DNA200 chip, this seems to be top of the range so far. I guess it's between lavabox and the vaporshark, since I'm not a power user I don't need 3 batteries of the reuleux (I don't like the shape too).

Yes it had some good press but in the end, lots of it is hype in this scene. The chip should regulate the power flowing to your coil, most do that pretty well.

What I understand is however I can't switch out the batteries, which is annoying as I just have 2 on rotation and it works fine.

1. What is the difference between the 18650 and LiPo? I vape at around 25W if that makes any difference. Also I heard one of these has a zip charging thingie that charges in 90minutes, but it requires special gear. I'm in Australia so probably incompatible right?

If you put it like that, 18650 vs lipo the form factor would be the first difference but it's all about battery chemistry. 18650s come in many different component combinations as well. Read up on li-ion & lipo batteries in one of the many blogs and articles posted here to see the characteristics and what makes them (less) suitable for vaping. Zip charging is a nice feature of lipo but shortens the lifespan of your cell(s) as well I think. Just make sure you have enough batteries. Most chargers charge faster than you can vape m dry.
I don't think battery chemistry and the continent you reside on share any relation. You should be fine with either, down under.

2. Should I be looking in to these new notch and ceramic coils? Or making my own?

Ceramic seems to be back again, never really attracted me but why not try both. A simple good clone RBA/RTA will set you back 15$ or less at FT. Should leave some budget for a tank with ceramic coil.

3. Is there something more advanced than the vaporshark/lavabox dna 200 coming out that I should hold out for?

Depends ... You say you vape around 30w or so? No you don't. Actually you'd be fine with your current device either how. You are not going to notice much (if any) chance by moving to a DNA 200 if you keep vaping the same tank at the same wattage. Your nowhere near the limit of your current device. A mod is not a magical thing that if your replace it by the fancy model all else changes. It's just a battery holder and some electronics to regulate the current flowing to your coil.

4. Where is a place I can get a good range of premium e-liquids? I've tried the cheap stuff for way too long, but I can't exactly order from every store directly as shipping costs alone are $40-50 for me.

Sorry not my thing, I diy.

5. Any recommendations for tanks/drippers? I know this is too subjective but I'm willing to research all the suggestions. Uwell crown is not too bad but not amazing by any stretch of the imagination. I never get those real puffy clouds I see people get and the coil has to 'warm up' every morning which makes for a terrible first drag.

Get a good RBA/RTA ... One that can have 2 coils if you want to have better clouds.
I like my Crius (OBS) cause it fills easy, rebuilds easy and don't give me hassle. Otherwise there's a dozen good ones out there like Griffin's etc ... Just type "best RBA 2016" in Google and read up, watch some YouTube's etc.

 

[HauntedMyst]

You want a big upgrade? Here you go.

Or this one. You can drive in the carpool lane with this bad boy

 

[Susan~S]

Uwell crown is not too bad but not amazing by any stretch of the imagination. I never get those real puffy clouds I see people get

If you are vaping the 0.50Ω and/or 0.25Ω coils at 25 watts, that is why you are not getting lots of vapor. I run 60-70 watts on the 0.50Ω and 70-85 watts on the 0.25Ω coil.

4. Where is a place I can get a good range of premium e-liquids? I've tried the cheap stuff for way too long, but I can't exactly order from every store directly as shipping costs alone are $40-50 for me.

Have you considered DIY? That would save you lots.

For premium e-liquid: EJuices, Giant Vapes and Breazy are great places to shop when looking to pick up flavors from multiple popular vendor lines of juice.

 

[alex8039]

Go big or go home? Sorry.
I do have to ask, if you only vape at 25 watts, why the need for such a big mod/upgrade? I just got the Istick Pico and couldn't be happier with it. Small size, replaceable battery, VW and TC, does everything I need, and more. I'm pretty sure it's much the same as the Evic you have?

So basically, before the evic vtc and eleaf istick I used an old vanilla copper mechanical mod. This put the idea in to my head that the mod is nothing but a battery holder. This mentality was wiped away when I tried my uwell crown tank on an old vaporshark dna40. Suddenly, all the issues I attributed to the crown tank were gone. No more inconsistent puffs where one would be weak and cold, the next would be harsh and too hot. It was smooth and I could absolutely feel a difference using the exact same tank/liquid. Now I buy in to the hype of new tech, and I just assume the DNA 200 is the way to go (might as well get with the times).

By the way that theorem atomizer looks amazing, does it use a notch coil? Do I have to put the cotton in every few days?

 

[aceman3330]

Just from what you said, why not go for the DNA40 chip, or if you really want a DNA200 but want to use 2 (two) 18650s, then the VT133 might be a solution for you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[rice721]

I'm shopping for an upgrade for my evic VTC mini with uwell crown tank. Vaping is getting so advanced though I don't even know where to start.

All I can figure out is, go for a DNA200 chip, this seems to be top of the range so far. I guess it's between lavabox and the vaporshark, since I'm not a power user I don't need 3 batteries of the reuleux (I don't like the shape too).

What I understand is however I can't switch out the batteries, which is annoying as I just have 2 on rotation and it works fine.

1. What is the difference between the 18650 and LiPo? I vape at around 25W if that makes any difference. Also I heard one of these has a zip charging thingie that charges in 90minutes, but it requires special gear. I'm in Australia so probably incompatible right?

2. Should I be looking in to these new notch and ceramic coils? Or making my own?

3. Is there something more advanced than the vaporshark/lavabox dna 200 coming out that I should hold out for?

4. Where is a place I can get a good range of premium e-liquids? I've tried the cheap stuff for way too long, but I can't exactly order from every store directly as shipping costs alone are $40-50 for me.

5. Any recommendations for tanks/drippers? I know this is too subjective but I'm willing to research all the suggestions. Uwell crown is not too bad but not amazing by any stretch of the imagination. I never get those real puffy clouds I see people get and the coil has to 'warm up' every morning which makes for a terrible first drag.

Hey I get it, you just need an excuse for a new shiny mod

I have both and heres some of my suggestions.

1. If you're going to fit anything larger than a 22mm atty on your mod then go for the lavabox b/c the VS is going to have overhang (it even has slight overhang with 22mm attys in the front).

2. If you ever find yourself needing a larger capacity battery go with the lavabox b/c it has the 1300mah upgrade kit.

3. If you want something a bit more portable go for the vaporshark (20grams lighter, 7mm shorter, 4mm narrower, and it has sharkskin). The lavabox's front plastic scratches very very easily. You can however purchase custom skins for it (vs has skins as well). Both mod's finish are suspect at best.

4. If you need to charge your mod fast I can tell you now, 2 amp charging makes a big difference.

Now to your questions

1. I'm not a battery expert so I won't comment on the difference b/t lipo and 18650. Vaporshark has 2amp charging. All you need is a 2amp charger block which can be found in alot of places including amazon. (the usb cable that comes with the VS does 2amp charging, some cables don't).

2. no experience with ceramic coils. only downside I see is that if that specific company goes out of business you won't be able to build your own ceramic coils or purchase their prebuilt coils anymore.

3. DNA75? don't think its more advanced but its newer. I still think the DNA200 is a better pick. SX450J by yihi? I find yihi chips to be more power hungry than the dna altho I do like how you're able to setup almost everything on the mod itself and that auto flip screen is just the t-i-t-s

 

[coolerat]

My favorite mod is at best a snapshot in time cause they change like the wind.

But I do tend to prefer a certain size and keep going back to it. And I'm a low power vaper rarely going over 40w so I look at battery life more then power.

Currently, and possibly forever this time, is the Sigelei 213. Tiny thing with 2 18650's. At 30-40w's this thing feels like it lasts twice as long, oh wait..................it does!!! Before the Sig 213 my out and about mods were a Hana DNA40, Provari Radius, SXMini and VT40. The Sig is the same size and weight of them (see how I go for a certain size??) and has twice the life.

For tanks I mostly build my own and haven't changed up my RTA line up a whole lot. I have a Boreas which I love at 40w but don't generally leave the house with it. For blister packing I'm currently in love with the Isub S. I am very impressed with the flavor on this tank. Coils are dirt cheap as well.

Ceramic coils I use in the cold which I work in everyday. They aren't affected by the cold and work well for me in that regard. I don't have any complaints but they won't be my only thing anytime soon.

RDA's I'm pretty happy with last generation stuff as well. Newer ones I like the Sapor well enough but its a moody thing. I have a Goon on the way but in all honesty I bought it more for the 24mm thing then its build deck. I'm glad we are moving away from the old 22mm mech mod size and seeing more 24/25mm stuff.

 

[rice721]

the sig213 is a great mod. theres a thread in the vv/vw subsection with more info. Sig weighs in at 133g without battery, ~233g with batteries.

Some people are having issues with it such as misfire, garbled screen, tcr/tfr not working in SS or ti. I haven't had any of these issues.

The boxer dna133 or boxer sx350j v2 also utilizes 2 18650 batteries. I have them. These things are super light weight and small. Each weighing in at around 57grams without battery. 18650s weigh in at around 45-50g so 157g with batteries. Lighter than the VS200 which is about 170, 180 with sharkskin.

 

[gofishtx]

I can't comment on the DNA as I don't have any DNA devices. I do have YIHI though and love them. Good battery life but not as good as the DNA. I don't feel you can go wrong with a device that uses either chip. A Yihi dual 18650 is the IPV5. I love mine. Also SX Mini for lower wattage mod are great.
As for a Tank, are you looking to always build your own coils or do you want stock coils available. I love my TFV4 minis and they have rba sections, but I am enjoying the TF RDTA. I have a Griffin 25 that should be here today and I am planning on ordering a Boreas but for lower wattage you may want to look for a single coil RTA or a tank with higher ohm stock coils.

 

[GeorgeS]

I'm shopping for an upgrade for my evic VTC mini with uwell crown tank. Vaping is getting so advanced though I don't even know where to start.

So the question becomes: what is wrong with the VTC mini? Outside of battery life many of the mods on the market have similar or less features. Battery life and power limit are two of the three feature differences that stand out between the VTC mini and a DNA200 device. (the escribe software being the third) Do you charge via USB or use an external charger? As while the LiPo powered DNA200 models can be charged via USB, many of the others ether can't or should be charged that way.

As far as tanks go it comes down to capacity, how many coils can be used at a time, are factory coils available and if it is top fill (or not), JFC and AFC available. (is there a history of leaking) The most important feature is more along the lines of how the tank is USED. Is it for so called "mouth to lung" or "direct to lung" hits? This helps define the airflow and chamber size.

Personally, I'm a DTL vaper and find the Supreme, OBS Crius, Griffin and a few others to be awesome top fill DTL for my vaping style.

 

[gofishtx]

So basically, before the evic vtc and eleaf istick I used an old vanilla copper mechanical mod. This put the idea in to my head that the mod is nothing but a battery holder. This mentality was wiped away when I tried my uwell crown tank on an old vaporshark dna40. Suddenly, all the issues I attributed to the crown tank were gone. No more inconsistent puffs where one would be weak and cold, the next would be harsh and too hot. It was smooth and I could absolutely feel a difference using the exact same tank/liquid. Now I buy in to the hype of new tech, and I just assume the DNA 200 is the way to go (might as well get with the times).

By the way that theorem atomizer looks amazing, does it use a notch coil? Do I have to put the cotton in every few days?

I don't want to say anything negative about the Theorum as I don't have one, but I have seen reports of problems with them specifically the glass cracking among others. Look at several tanks and check out the reviews on here and on youtube

 

[sawlight]

So basically, before the evic vtc and eleaf istick I used an old vanilla copper mechanical mod. This put the idea in to my head that the mod is nothing but a battery holder. This mentality was wiped away when I tried my uwell crown tank on an old vaporshark dna40. Suddenly, all the issues I attributed to the crown tank were gone. No more inconsistent puffs where one would be weak and cold, the next would be harsh and too hot. It was smooth and I could absolutely feel a difference using the exact same tank/liquid. Now I buy in to the hype of new tech, and I just assume the DNA 200 is the way to go (might as well get with the times).

By the way that theorem atomizer looks amazing, does it use a notch coil? Do I have to put the cotton in every few days?

I'm using the notch coil right now, been using it a week solid so far, haven't had to re-wick yet, using NET juice as well! In that aspect I love it!

I don't want to say anything negative about the Theorum as I don't have one, but I have seen reports of problems with them specifically the glass cracking among others. Look at several tanks and check out the reviews on here and on youtube

This is getting to be a HUGE problem with them! I've heard you can order a 5 pack of glass from fasttech for around $6, I need to look into that! But yes, we are getting reports daily in the Theorem thread of glass breaking. Which really sucks, it's a pretty nice atty otherwise.

 

[rice721]

Agreed with that glass problem, I haven't shattered mine yet but I do see how its so easy for something like that to happen, just the way its designed. Great looking tank however.

 

[Baditude]

I'll only comment on the below question, for which I feel I am qualified to answer.

1. What is the difference between the 18650 and LiPo?

Personally, if given a choice, I'll always choose an 18650 INR over a LiPo battery.

18650 IMR/INR batteries are "safer chemistry". More than likely, should they fail, they merely vent gas. LiPo batteries are not safer chemistry, should they fail, they vent flames and often explode.

LiPo batteries are often not removeable, so when the battery eventually dies (~250 charge cycles), the entire mod must be replaced. When a IMR/INR battery dies, you just replace the $6 battery with a new one, and get to continue using the same mod.

Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries Part 1

• For those who want to learn the differences between IMR, IMR/hybrid, ICR, and LiPo batteries. What do those numbers and letters on batteries mean? What's an amp rating and why is it more important than the mAh rating when choosing a battery for vaping?

Battery Basics for Mods: The Definative Battery Guide for Vaping

• A popular and essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.