My first mech what what?

[Zazoie]

My first mech went boom (NOT) (that's not funny actually)...sorry...BUT...ok now that I've got your attention

I have done my reading (whats up baditude), been slowly inching my way here, and wanted some ECF friendly advice. (oh and eliminate "its really all up to you and what you like" ... i know that silly )

What is a really neat looking mech that takes 18650. I am probably just going to run my Delta II tank on it but I also have a mutation X v2 atty that may get some use on it.

I like the Stingray X the silver and copper one but wanted to hear or better yet post pic of what ya'll would recommend to a first timer. I like other opinions. Ya'll can add more to my decision with your understanding of a particular mechs sexiness and safety features (what to look for, air holes, locking firing pin etc etc). Oh and I am probably interested in a clone to start. I have been looking at 101vapes mostly should I be aware of other sites?

Sooooo you know my vaping history: Camel Menthol Crush -> Blu -> Ego-t -> istick 30w with Sub Nano -> IVP 70W Delta II and Mutx -> (Whats next?)

Thank you thank you
ya'll are so awesome!

 

[Nu2Dis]

I think you are on the right track - I really enjoy the stingray X; I got the black one. The center pin self adjusts and the magnetic switch (although you need to lube the pin; a couple vids on you tube show you where) is smooth and easy to press. any 22mm atty looks pretty slick. Haven't tried the Delta II yet, I have to stay out of the classifieds, the Subtank Mini is great. I have a few RBA's that have flush 510 connectors and flat top batteries don't work to well but if your atty has an adjustable 510 or is not flush the flattops work fine.

 

[Zazoie]

Nu2Dis "flat top batteries don't work to well" thanks that is very helpful. The only batteries I have right now are the Samsung 18650 25000mAH and they are flat

 

[Fattlestar]

I'll say (again?) that the Stingray X is an excellent performer and a really sharp looking mod.
It covers all of the important bases:
Both Hybrid adapter (advanced) AND a Top Cap (beginner)
Magnetic switch (can be crunchy but, as was said before, add some lube and it's magical) and locking ring.
Copper without the hassle of copper! The steel exterior keeps your hands from the old penny smell, and reduces the amount of patina you have to deal with.
Silver plated copper contacts, and floating 510 to flush fit any atty.
Modular, so whether you want stealth vape (18350+hybrid) or full battery life (18650) or something in between (18500 whut?) it delivers.
And the awesome look to go with all of that, deep cutaways revealing the copper, fine engravings on the button, even the top cap has an excellent look (although you'll never see it since it will always have an atty on it). Most come with a nice matching drip tip as well that is wide bore and quite good.

It's as safe as any other fully mechanical device if used properly, but if you're new to mechanicals stick to the top cap instead of the hybrid.

The Stingray X packs a ton of features. It does tend to be in the middle-range of expensive when it comes to clones (between $30 and $40 for an SXK, a little more for the infinite label) but with all said it delivers for the price.

 

[Fattlestar]

Nu2Dis "flat top batteries don't work to well" thanks that is very helpful. The only batteries I have right now are the Samsung 18650 25000mAH and they are flat

I use EXCLUSIVELY flat top batteries with my Stingray X. I have used Efest, Keeppower, Sony and Samsung 25r's, all flat top, and had zero issues with my particular clone. Your results may vary. I would only suggest a button top battery if you plan to use it in hybrid mode with a shorter 510 connection atty.

 

[Zazoie]

I noticed a few different companies make the Stingray X but is Infinite the better one in your opinion?

 

[Fattlestar]

I noticed a few different companies make the Stingray X but is Infinite the better one in your opinion?

The Infinite/SXK is (one of) the best, and the one that I chose. The Fasttech 1:1 clone is also highly regarded, and the Cigreen clone is well reviewed.

Infinite is a distributor, SXK is the manufacturer. SXK label will generally cost less than the Infinite version by $5-$10. I bought SXK. Keep in mind that if you want a particular breed of clone (one of the oddball colors like blue or white, or the single tube version, or the 18350 only version, etc) your choices will be more limited.

 

[gelgoog]

i was about to order a stingray x and kayfun 4 from Vape Royalty Offers Vapes, eCigs, Custom Bling Vape Pens, 3D Bling Vapes, Bling Mods, Mechanical Mods, Rebuildable Atomizers. i have had good like with hcigar clone. i have got two hcigar clones from them already. careful about clones that dont list a manufacturer. use flat top batteries. they fit better. make sure you clean your mod regularly. if the switch gets crunchy, take it apart and clean it, just besure not to lose the tiny pin. dirt will collect at the switch air holes.

 

[Nu2Dis]

Nu2Dis "flat top batteries don't work to well" thanks that is very helpful. The only batteries I have right now are the Samsung 18650 25000mAH and they are flat

The Samsung 25R's (the baby blue one's) work fine using my CLT which is about as flush as any 510 would be.

 

[Zazoie]

i was about to order a stingray x and kayfun 4 from Vape Royalty Offers Vapes, eCigs, Custom Bling Vape Pens, 3D Bling Vapes, Bling Mods, Mechanical Mods, Rebuildable Atomizers. i have had good like with hcigar clone. i have got two hcigar clones from them already. careful about clones that dont list a manufacturer. use flat top batteries. they fit better. make sure you clean your mod regularly. if the switch gets crunchy, take it apart and clean it, just besure not to lose the tiny pin. dirt will collect at the switch air holes.

Oh thanks for that website...they offer so much info on each mech...I haven't found a site that puts that much detail into their product

 

[Nu2Dis]

Forgot to mention I have the Infinite Clone - still love it.

 

[Fattlestar]

As other options haven't been presented yet, I have a few other suggestions.

SuperT has their Workhorse mod on deep discount for only $60. This is an Authentic and highly regarded for quality mechanical mod and mod manufacturer.
https://www.supertmanufacturing.com/shop/precise-workhorse-telescopic/

Also the Cigreen Dragon is another Authentic mechanical mod. Made by a company that normally does clones (but damned fine ones), it has great features and worth a look at under $50
Original Design Dragon Mod by Cigreen

There are also the old favorites like the fasttech Launcher V2, which is a sturdy and dependable device (probably one of the best from Fasttech, but, have to wait for the slowboat if you're in the states)
$17.64 Launcher V2 Telescopic Mechanical Mod - with logo at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

I would avoid anything that only comes with a hybrid connection for a first mech, though.

 

[Nu2Dis]

I use EXCLUSIVELY flat top batteries with my Stingray X. I have used Efest, Keeppower, Sony and Samsung 25r's, all flat top, and had zero issues with my particular clone. Your results may vary. I would only suggest a button top battery if you plan to use it in hybrid mode with a shorter 510 connection atty.

I've had trouble with MXJO- LG - MNKE - and sometimes I have to fiddle with the VTC-5 to get it to fire with certain atty's.

 

[Sir Pouncival]

Stay away from the angelcig version of the stingray unless you are up to spending extra cash in parts to get it in top performance. I agree with the stingray being a decent mod to start with.

 

[Fattlestar]

I've had trouble with MXJO- LG - MNKE - and sometimes I have to fiddle with the VTC-5 to get it to fire with certain atty's.

Between the two of us we've tried basically ALL THE BATTERIES!

 

[roxynoodle]

Get the SXK one from Focalecig's US Warehouse. It is an amazing clone. I have both the silver and black one. The silver is truly beautiful with seamless machining between the tubes. Its my favorite mech, though that may change when my authentic Poldiac gets here this week

ETA: I've used it with all flat top batteries. Sony, Efest and Samsung.

 

[NC Dripper]

I've only used my stingray x with flat top batteries with the hybrid top. Works perfect.