New here looking for direction on what to use

[Taterz]

Hello, I have a few questions. Former smoker and hopefully former chewer looking to finally kick both habits with the help of a vape or e-cig. A month ago, I bought a kanger evod and I quickly realized that this won't do. I returned to the vape shop and was directed to a smok stick prince. I absolutely love this thing as it does exactly what I was looking for. Push the button and inhale. The taste seems fine for me. Problem is, I started reading about vapes that look quite a bit like the prince catching fire while plugged in or maybe/possibly blowing up while vaping. Now, it may have been slightly ridiculous of me, but after reading this stuff, I put away my smok prince and borrowed my friend's juul because she says it's completely safe to use. Juul works well, don't get me wrong' but it's no where near as satisfying to me as the prince.

1. How likely is it to have a vape like the smok prince to catch fire or explode? Tips from anyone on charging this particular vape would be great as I'm not sure how to tell that the battery is low (instructions don't seem to make sense in this respect). Also, how often do you need to change coils? I ran a 1.5 weeks and it still seemed ok.

2. If the smok prince isn't necessarily the safest vape, please recommend one that will be somewhat new user friendly. The Juul is great but not so much for me.

Thanks so much in advance. I may be overthinking this and hopefully my questions aren't too stupid.

 

[QcVaper]

Correct me if i'm wrong but most if not all mods you see exploding that look like yours are called "mechanical mods" as they do not possess the safety feature of a normal regulated mod, which yours should be. In theory the chance of your mod exploding when taken care of properly are small to non existent at best.

For your second question unfortunately i've got no suggestion for you as i use rebuildables. Someone will most likely suggest the Istick pico i supose ?

 

[untar]

Unfortunately there seems to have been an incident a little over a week ago with such a device from that manufacturer. We don't know all the facts and it is unclear if the exact cause will be investigated, so it's hard to tell for now if
-device/battery faulty or
-some kind of user error or
-some kind of staged stunt (the whole thing was filmed blowing up which leads to the question: why was it filmed?)

The best advice I can give you is to get a device with exchangeable batteries as well as an external charger (it's usually safer than to trust the devices charging circuit). For the prince tank, which you would still be able to use, you would need a device that can put out at least 50-100W, this means a dual battery mod.
There are several good ones on the market, you can try to get your hands on an asmodus "minikin v2", a tesla "wye" or even something older (and maybe cheaper) like a joyetech "cuboid". Those should be somewhere between 50$ and 100$ and are pretty good quality, a charger + 2 batteries is about 30$-40$ (all prices are guesses since I live in germany and only know € prices).
Other users might also have recommendations for devices.

The chances of such a setup "exploding" are very very low. Not nonexistant but I'd bet getting run over by a car beats it hands down.

Correct me if i'm wrong but most if not all mods you see exploding that look like yours are called "mechanical mods" as they do not possess the safety feature of a normal regulated mod

Well, you asked for it
E-Cigarette Explosions: Comprehensive List - eCig One
about 1/3 of recorded accidents there involve devices venting (a.k.a. "exploding") while charging, i.e. those are devices with electronics. That's also why I recommend external batteries and a separate charger.

 

[r77r7r]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Taterz]

Thanks for the information thus far to both of you. You both seem to be advanced in this subject as I am am not. I just wish I knew a little more on how to safely care for this style of mod because i was very surprised to find that this may be better than what I'm used to with cigarettes or chewing tobacco. I did see the video of the smok stick lighting up like a rocket on that guys kitchen counter while they slept. Crazy stuff

 

[Taterz]

Welcome to the forum.

Hi, r77r7r! Thanks for having me!

 

[untar]

The problem is we don't know anything too useful about that incident yet. It may very well be that this was just a very unlikely event and you're perfectly fine with that stick of yours. But when you're asking for advice you'll understand that I don't want to be that guy who told you "nah no problem you're fiiiine" and then something happens, like half of those sticks they sold all blow up.
I gotta be able to look at myself in the mirror at the end of the day

We're handling those little cylinders packed with energy and as with all those systems they bring along risks, what we can do is try and minimize those to an acceptable level. To me that means using a charger I can trust (in addition to basic battery safety practices) and that's why I tend to recommend that.
Other people may have different risk acceptance and that's fine as well.

 

[MJCSD]

Hello and welcome to ecf

 

[Eskie]

As to blowing up, it's exceedingly unlikely but like anything with a Li ion battery is possible. One case caught on a surveillance camera did not mean they will all fail. On the coil issue you change when you feel the performance falls off. Getting a week or more is certainly possible. I've gotten several weeks out of a Smok coil. What is most likely to gunk up coils faster is very sweet juice. Good luck!

 

[dom qp]

The problem is we don't know anything too useful about that incident yet. It may very well be that this was just a very unlikely event and you're perfectly fine with that stick of yours. But when you're asking for advice you'll understand that I don't want to be that guy who told you "nah no problem you're fiiiine" and then something happens, like half of those sticks they sold all blow up.
I gotta be able to look at myself in the mirror at the end of the day

We're handling those little cylinders packed with energy and as with all those systems they bring along risks, what we can do is try and minimize those to an acceptable level. To me that means using a charger I can trust (in addition to basic battery safety practices) and that's why I tend to recommend that.
Other people may have different risk acceptance and that's fine as well.

About month ago we had a lady who's Smok stick blew up while charging. Everyone called her a troll until she posted images of her seared carpet and exploded mod.

It's not the first time we've seen this but outside of mechanicals, I've only seen this happen with Smok sticks. User error? Possible. But there's something definitely wrong on the manufacturing side with this occurring regularly.

 

[stols001]

I would exercise caution when charging any mod (including a Smok mod). If a USB charge try to do it when you can be in the area to handle any problems, but not close enough to get hurt. I charge via USB and externally using a charger for over 7 months since I started vaping. No problems whatsoever, but I exercise caution, use reliable, brand batteries and etc.

I would say if you like your device, continue using it and charge as recommended. Some makers will say you can charge a removable battery device with a USB, and it's fine in a pinch but can have issues long term, but mostly things like unbalanced charging, and/or wear and tear on the USB port.

A magnetic charger will both be easier on your USB port, and easier to "remove" from the source of power as it just "snaps" off if needing to cut power in a hurry. I do find them useful. You can get them pretty inexpensively and if willing to wait, very cheaply from FT. I'm glad I have one as I have several USB mods, including a couple that you CAN remove the battery but it's really not designed for frequent battery "switches" like my radius mod.

Any e-cigarette is subject to the occasional failure, I would exercise due caution but also not freak myself out, if that makes any sense. Also, we have heard of two failures with the smok sticks, but I guarantee there have been more than two sold, possibly hundreds, IDK for certain, but many. Some manufacturers have a reputation of more reliability. I don't consider smok for my mod needs, but it's more because I don't vape that style of vaping. If I did, I'm not entirely certain I'd rule out a smok product if it really called to me. I would be prepared to take the risk of shorter mod-life and possible issues and would proceed accordingly (with caution and etc.)

Best of luck and welcome to ECF.

Anna

 

[JerL]

I’ve got a Prince Stick and so far it’s been great. Even though the device has a built in charging circuit, I never charge mine with a phone charger or a tablet charging device. You don’t want to leave a device charging and unattended. And it’s important to stick with the cable that came with it.

 

[OlderNDirt]

About month ago we had a lady who's Smok stick blew up while charging. Everyone called her a troll until she posted images of her seared carpet and exploded mod.

It's not the first time we've seen this but outside of mechanicals, I've only seen this happen with Smok sticks. User error? Possible. But there's something definitely wrong on the manufacturing side with this occurring regularly.

And you know for a fact that the mod fell to the carpet after "exploding" rather then exploding from the fall? "Occurring regularly"?

Your attempt to scare OP away from his Smok stick may just make him uncomfortable with all vaping!

 

[dom qp]

And you know for a fact that the mod fell to the carpet after "exploding" rather then exploding from the fall? "Occurring regularly"?

Your attempt to scare OP away from his Smok stick may just make him uncomfortable with all vaping!

Let's break down what I know for a fact:

• I've seen exploded Smok mods
• I've not seen other modern regulated mods experience rapid deconstruction

Regardless of whether or not it was due to user error, why would I buy a Smok mod instead of Asmodus/Smoant/Vaporesso when they cost the same and perform the same; and we don't have videos and images all over the internet of exploded tubes and burnt carpets?

In what world would it be honest to recommend a mod where proven alternatives exist with the same cost and the same performance?

Hail Smok!

Videos and pictures of mods exploding?

 

[Baditude]

Okay, here's my standard lecture about vaping and battery safety.

When it comes to advanced mass-marketed electrical systems like cell phones, laptops, battery-powered power tools, and hybrid electric cars, the system designers of those products have taken appropriate steps to make them "safe" for uninformed end-user use.

Regulated (with an electronic chip) e-cig mods have rudimentary protection circuitry which should protect against short circuits, over discharge protection, et al, but any electronic circuit can fail and then we are on our own and vulnerable to harm. My point being, always practice safe battery practices and not blindly rely on electronic safeguards which might fail to protect us.

Most consumer battery operated devices are no where near the limit of the battery's operating limits. The high-end flashlights, remote control toys, and e-cigs come to mind as applications that really push the limits. With the RC toys the device is physically far removed from the person so a mishap is inconsequential. With ecigs a mishap is literally in the persons face or hand.

Lithium batteries pack a LOT of energy within a small space. When used properly, these batteries can and are used in thousands of devices without serious issues. Knowledge and education are keys to be able to use these batteries relatively safely.

There are different classes of lithium batteries. The Smok Stick uses a LiPo chemistry battery. LiPo batteries are used in mods that use a non-replaceable internal battery which needs to be charged with an internal USB charger. LiPo's tend to be more likely to flame or explode than IMR or IMR/hybrid batteries.

Mods that use replaceable external batteries are using IMR or IMR/hybrid batteries. They are widely known to be a "safer chemistry", because they are less likely to flame or explode. These batteries generally are charged in a Li-ion box charger. Personally, I recommend using the external (IMR) battery devices over the internal (LiPo) battery devices as being "safer", if only because of battery chemistry type.

ALL BATTERIES, regardless of chemistry, have the potential to flame or explode. However, some are more likely to than others. I strongly suggest all vapers educate themselves to know the basics of batteries, because without batteries there would be no vaping.

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.

Are You Using a Rewrap (Rebranded or Aftermarket) Battery?

• Learn what a rewrap cell is. If you are using a rebranded or after market cell, does that mean it is inferior, poor quality, or even dangerous? Which batteries are suspected to be rebranded batteries.

There, I wrote all of that without bashing SMOK even once. Everyone happy?

 

[Letitia]

I'm not a fan of internal batteries or any device you cannot control wattage. For myself I would look into regulated external battery mods. I feel safe using these devices. They do still need to be respected and care taken with your battery choices.

Welcome to ECF.

 

[stols001]

I think if you get a high quality USB device and handle it with care, things usually are okay. I have a few internal batteries, and there are some advantages but I don't a) expect that battery to last forever and b) it is true that as far as charging, I believe that removable battery mods are excellent and safer, if charged on a dedicated charger. With that said, any mod or battery can catch fire if not treated correctly, I just try to be careful and don't charge anything when I'm asleep.

I'm not a fan of fixed wattage devices as I tend to like a cool vape, and often obtaining one on a device of too high wattage for me, can find it difficult to deal with.

With that said, with the proper caution and charging while observed, I feel fairly safe. I hope I'm not jinxing myself by saying that, but I genuinely believe the best starter device (if serious about vaping) is a reliable one or two battery box mod, upon which one can mount whatever tank desired, as a way to "move up" in vaping. If a person becomes MTL, well, they can always get a smaller backup setup. If they move up to sub0hm, then it's an easier transition. Also gets people into buying batteries, a charger, but I think battery safety becomes more emphasized at that point. I HOPE. I know all vape shops don't do it but the more powerful the device, the more catastrophic a failure can be if equipment is misused. There is also THAT side of the equation. Sometimes it seems like everything is a tradeoff. And certainly, starter kits have their place in the vaping world.

I don't really "get" fixed wattage setups, unless they are far less expensive to make, or whatnot. I mean, that's probably why they exist....

Anna

 

[OlderNDirt]

Let's break down what I know for a fact:

• I've seen exploded Smok mods
• I've not seen other modern regulated mods experience rapid deconstruction

Regardless of whether or not it was due to user error, why would I buy a Smok mod instead of Asmodus/Smoant/Vaporesso when they cost the same and perform the same; and we don't have videos and images all over the internet of exploded tubes and burnt carpets?

In what world would it be honest to recommend a mod where proven alternatives exist with the same cost and the same performance?

Hail Smok!

Videos and pictures of mods exploding?

I see "what you do know as a fact" did not include what caused the device about which you quoted to vent! And half of your claim could be contested, but this is not the time nor place.

Well, let's break down your contribution, or lack thereof, to OP......All facts!:

OP already has a Smok product and "loves this thing." But expresses concern after seeing one video of "a similar product" venting.

Your response is "Yaeh! And here is another claim!" "It only happens with Smok!" And this is "occurring regularly!"

Nothing whatsoever to ease OP's concern! Just "anything but Smok!" No more. No less! I'm sure that makes OP feel good about his/her gear!

Probably a good idea that you label your posts "Fake News!"

 

[Opinionated]

Hi! I've been vaping nearly four years and haven't had anything blow up on me yet...

but there is some basic battery safety everyone should employ.

1) use a fireproof charging bag while charging. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T...=5CWBY28F671EMMKC0V4C&dpPl=1&dpID=61igFvHfzrL

2) Do not charge unattended and remove from charging port as soon as charge is complete.

3) use manufacturers approved charging cable only

4) if your really worried get a mod that takes external batteries due to their safer battery chemistry

5) learn battery safety and more from @Mooch

 

[untar]

Yep, except don't use the bag, 5) supersedes 1) in my opinion
"Never put any charger in a LiPo battery charging bag!
Those bags are made to only hold the battery pack. Putting the charger and batteries in the bag traps all the heat from the charger inside and the temperatures can rise high enough to cause failure of the charger and/or accelerated aging of your batteries."