looking for some advice on getting my first mech mod

[The Vaping Trucker]

Im looking to be placing an order for my first mech mod in the next couple days but was looking for some advice

Im mainly into stainless steel not so into brass myself and looking for a mod that wont be a major pain as far as fit and finish.

I like a taller mod so will be going with the 18650 batteries for that and the longer charge life.
Im just not too sure which to go with I keep hearing a lot about the Nemesis the Cerevela the Stingray and just saw a Elements Tree of Life.

Just not real sure on what to go for on my first mod

Im planning on topping it with a dripper just not positive on which one yet

So many choices so many options
Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pensilac]

You didn't mention a budget or whether you wanted an authentic or a clone but I got a brass Hcigar Nemesis clone for my first mech 3 weeks ago and I'm loving it so far. It's got very straight forward adjustments and has been working great. The SS version comes in stock at 101vape every couple weeks and for only $32 plus shipping you can't really go wrong I don't think.

One of the new Stingray clones would probably be nice as well though I've never tried them, I'm definitely looking to buy one myself in the near future. It's apparently very similar to the Nemesis but with a few improvements. I've not sure if there's an SS version available though.

 

[The Vaping Trucker]

Most likely a clone due to being my first and the prices of authentic mods.

Trying to stay under 150.00 for the mod, topper, batteries and charger. Hoping that budget can get some decent equipment that wont have to be replaced or upgraded too quickly.

 

[Ryedan]

Vaping Trucker, what resistance are you looking to vape at? I'm thinking about battery selection.

 

[Ryedan]

I have a Nemesis and Trident dripper from FT. They look like this together with a 18650 in it:

For about $35, this setup does really well. I like the adjustable positive 510 pin in the Nemesis. I did replace the switch spring with magnets for about $4 shipped. That was a package of 10. You also get tubes for 18500 and 18350s. The Trident is nice to work with because it has adjustable air flow. You have three options for single air holes and one for dual. I use dual coils in mine, but it does well with one too.

IMO it's versatile gear for someone to experiment with and you might just find like I did that you'll end up liking it a lot.

 

[edyle]

Most likely a clone due to being my first and the prices of authentic mods.

Trying to stay under 150.00 for the mod, topper, batteries and charger. Hoping that budget can get some decent equipment that wont have to be replaced or upgraded too quickly.

First I got slapped by the $150; then I noticed you had topper and charger listed in there too.

I have a feeling it's not really a mech mod that you are looking for but an apv starter kit.

 

[Bosco]

I have a Nemesis and Trident dripper from FT. They look like this together with a 18650 in it:

For about $35, this setup does really well. I like the adjustable positive 510 pin in the Nemesis. I did replace the switch spring with magnets for about $4 shipped. That was a package of 10. You also get tubes for 18500 and 18350s. The Trident is nice to work with because it has adjustable air flow. You have three options for single air holes and one for dual. I use dual coils in mine, but it does well with one too.

IMO it's versatile gear for someone to experiment with and you might just find like I did that you'll end up liking it a lot.

I'm using this exact set up right now and I have to agree - it's pretty outstanding for the price. I've got a handful of mostly cheap mechs and I think the nemesis clones are amazing. Obviously, the design is killer . .it's really small, very versatile, fits everything. I got mine from Fasttech for $25 and it's really well made. The threads are super smooth, everthing fits together perfectly and the fire button is perfect - no wobbles or crunches. I've been using it constantly since i got it . in all battery modes, with and without a kick and it just performs flawlessly.

My Trident clone I got for around $15 and it's to clone atomizers what the nemesis is to clone mechs. Easy to build, really nice quality, vapes like a champ. One of the o-rings was a little snug when I first got it but it's broken in fine now. All the rebuildable drippers I have are inexpensive/clones but this is far and away the best one I own.

 

[ARCHMAN]

I just looked at a tree of life today. It is a really nice mod! ...but I think $200+ is a little overboard. I have a Chi You and I really dig it. It's completely worth the "pre loved" $150 I paid for it. I have two Super-T Precise Simplicities and they are seriously well made and thought out. I do really prefer the telescoping + battery post on the Chi You (& the Tree of Life) but the firing button and lock ring are fantastic on the Super-Ts. The build quality and machining are second to none. I think the price is "right" on them but as long as several well made and expensive mods cost what the can/do they might be considered a steal!


Sent from a tiny keyboard using Tapatypo.

 

[Funk Dracula]

Just to throw something a bit more practical for "truckin' & vaping" (thinking of you vaping behind the wheel lol):

You might want to take a look at a side fire mech like the 69. The reason being is bottom firing mechs may "auto-fire" if you set them down at times without locking. And since your using a dripper, it's gonna have to be kept upright basically. The Nemesis really doesn't auto-fire, but hey, it just may if you throw it in a cup holder or wherever you set it while driving if it's nudged the right way.

Also, bottom firing mechs are kind of hard to lock using one hand. Just thinking about you having at least one hand on the wheel of the big rig, buddy.

The 69's side fire button can be assembled to be towards the top of the mech, or the bottom. (hence the name "69") Also, it locks a lot easier.

If your going to go the fasttech route, there's no reason you couldn't pick up both a Nemesis and a 69 and still be well within your budget. I would imagine owning both, you'd probably naturally gravitate towards using the 69 when driving.


And really just to throw this in the mix, because the product is blatantly the best solution for "dripping and driving":

Investigate a little into a Reo Grand. It's going to be a good $50-$75 over your $150 budget when it's all said and done though. (Mod+RM2+Batteries+Charger)

The Reo is a mech bottom feeding system that let's you use RDA drippers without having to drip, perfect for a trucker. In fact, there are a few truckers who post regularly in the Reo vendor sub-forum. Have a visit over to the Reo forum and give that option a once over: Reos Mods

Just throwing out some alternate suggestions based on your screen-name. LOL Pretty much everything you were looking at in your OP is fine; the quality of the Nemesis, Stingray, and Caravela clones (especially the Hcigar) are pretty spot on these days.

One last suggestion is avoid getting your batteries from fasttech or ebay. Here is a link to some no-brainer 18650 IMR batteries from a very reputable and trustworthy vendor:
Sony US18650VTC5 2600mAh 30 amp

AW IMR 18650 3.7v 1600mAh - Batteries

Cheers

 

[The Vaping Trucker]

Mainly I will be using this mod at home. While I'm out and about driving and such I have a Innokin MVP2 with 4 smok tech pyrex aro tanks I use.
I have found an Element Tree of Life clone for 70.00 in stock ready to ship but still seems a bit steep for a clone even though I do like the looks of it.
Was leaning towards the Nemesis because have heard a lot of good things about it and can't beat the price. Then alot of people were talking about the Stingray being an upgraded version of the neme.
That's why I'm asking here cause of the vast amounts of information my brain is kind of going into overload lol
on my aro tanks I'm currently using 1.8 ohm coils at between 8 to 9 watts on the MVP2 depending on which juice I'm using that combo vapes pretty well for me nice flavor and vapor not looking for huge crazy clouds mainly great flavor.

Thanks a lot for all the advice thus far I really appreciate it.

 

[f1vefour]

The stainless Stingray isn't too bad, the Nemesis is good but some have a wonky switch, the Magneto v2 is good, the Turtleship v2 is cool...there are so many options.

Personally I use a Magneto v2 with an authentic Atomic RDA topper, Sony VTC5 batteries and an Efest BIO V2 charger....this is a bullet proof combination for me.

Prices (shipped):
VTC5 (2): $28
Magneto (won it): $40
Efest BIO V2 Charger: $27
Atomic RDA: $81

I previously had a Nemesis with wonky switch but PIF'd it. I have a brass Stingray coming that will likely become my main mod if build quality is up to snuff.

 

[The Vaping Trucker]

Think I will go with the Hcigar Nemesis in stainless steel.

Now just need to decide on the topper to go with it before placing order

 

[f1vefour]

Think I will go with the Hcigar Nemesis in stainless steel.

Now just need to decide on the topper to go with it before placing order

And batteries and charger

I would order these stateside. 101vape has the Sony VTC4 for $8.99 each and good deals on chargers as well.

Can't go wrong with these

http://101vape.com/batteries-chargers/168-sony-2000mah-18650-us18650vtc4-battery-.html

and

http://101vape.com/batteries-chargers/141-nitecore-intelecharger-i2.html

Or for $5 more bucks

http://101vape.com/batteries-chargers/213-efest-bio-v2-charger-w-usb.html

 

[Vaslovik]

Im planning on topping it with a dripper just not positive on which one yet

If you are planning on using this while driving a dripper might not be ideal. Dripping more juice into your atty whilst tooling down the slab might be a bit dangerous. If it were me I'd be looking at an RBA, specifically the RSST. Cheap and very effective. As for the mod, if you are looking for inexpensive I've been very happy with my Sigelei 24 (under $40) for the last 8 months, topped with, you guessed it, an RSST. I use SS mesh wicks and 26 kanthal for my coils, 5/4 wrap, about .7 ohm.

You might want to think about making your own juice too, finding decent juice on the road might be a bit dicey. I started making my own a while back and I'm pretty happy with what I came up with. I'm a chain vaper too, so good cheap juice is pretty important to me.

 

[f1vefour]

The OP said it was for home use.

 

[The Vaping Trucker]

And batteries and charger

I would order these stateside. 101vape has the Sony VTC4 for $8.99 each and good deals on chargers as well.

Can't go wrong with these

SONY 2000mah 18650 US18650VTC4 battery - 101 Vape

and

http://101vape.com/batteries-chargers/141-nitecore-intelecharger-i2.html

Or for $5 more bucks

Efest BIO V2 Charger w/ USB - 101 Vape

Those are the batteries I was looking at getting along with this charger
http://101vape.com/batteries-chargers/142-nitecore-intellicharger-i4.html

 

[Vaslovik]

The OP said it was for home use.

Yeah, didn't see that at first, I just replied to his original post.

 

[The Vaping Trucker]

Yeah, didn't see that at first, I just replied to his original post.

Yeah sorry I should have did an edit on original post to avoid confusion..

 

[f1vefour]

Those are the batteries I was looking at getting along with this charger
http://101vape.com/batteries-chargers/142-nitecore-intellicharger-i4.html

Both are well tested and known good, can't go wrong with 101vape either...My order was shipped from California to my door in Florida in two days.

Too bad their out of stock on the Hcigar Nemesis, great price on it as well.

 

[der_beazy]

Sony US18650VTC4 2100mah 30A - Triangle Vape LLC sony batteries for 7$. ive only had one mech so far and its the stingray. ive used friends mechs i honestly dont feel much of a difference in any of them. but since i got my stingray i havent even touched my provari