New Product Releases

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WA3PNT

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When I got home from a Rodeo tonight, the ZMax Package was sitting on my workbench. Though quite tired, I of course had to play with the new toy. Here are my preliminary findings.

1. This model ZMax is the one with the additional slits in the body for added venting. From the first time I picked it up, I DID NOT like the feel. Closer scrutiny showed that the slits (all 4 of them) are "finished" on one side, and quite square on the other. All in the same direction, such that when you rub your finger around (or rotate the ZMax while holding in your hand) in one direction the slits are rough (the square side) and in the other direction they are smooth. Hope this makes sense, but don't know how else to explain it.

1R. Recommend that if any are purchased in the future, ensure that they do not have the vent slits.

2. From a use standpoint, the output of the ZMax is consistent, whether using the 18650 or two 18350 batteries. I switched back and forth several times, and found no difference in the vape.

3a. The ZMax RETAINS the Power setting that is selected in the VW Mode. To explain further, if you select a power setting (i.e., 4.0 Watts) and remove the battery (even leaving it out for an extended period of time) when you insert a battery the display will show 4.0P. It displays this upon initial battery contact, and when you press the fire switch if you have the display turned ON (Menu #6).

3b. Even if you have selected to display the coil resistance or battery voltage with Menu #5, when you remove a battery and insert another one, the display will change to the Power Output mode and show 4.0P.

3c. If you select a power setting (i.e., 4.0 Watts), and then change to the VV Mode, the output upon entering the VV Mode is 3.0V. Regardless of where you set the voltage, when you return to the VW Mode (using Menu #7) the ZMax will go to the previous Power setting. In this case 4.0P. So the ZMax does retain any VW Power setting, even when the battery is removed or when you go from VW to VV and back to VW.

3d. If you are in the VV Mode, and remove the battery, when you insert another battery the ZMax will go to the 3.0 Volt output setting.

4. Weight is comparable to the VMax, and interestingly enough, the height of the ZMax with a 18650 installed is very close to the VMax with the 18350 batteries. Of course, then when you install 18350 batteries in the ZMax with the extension cap, it is about 1/4" taller than the VMax.

5. I have not experienced any "battery fit" issues that have been stated in reviews on other threads. I have tried the Red AW IMR18560 2000mAh Nipple Top, the Gray Panasonic CGR18650CH 2200mAh Flat Top (unprotected), and the Black CGR18650CH Flat Top from the Shek COOP, and they all fit properly. A Black AW IC Protected 18650 3100mAh battery fits in diameter, however the threads on the cap lack about 1mm from screwing completely down due to the added height of this battery.

6. Using a 4.0 Watt VW setting, I tried several different DV CE5s and T2s with varying coil resistances, and all gave an excellent vape with regards to taste, vapor production, and throat hit. Without performing any statistical analysis, the ZMax does appear to adjust it's voltage for a consistent vape when in the VW mode.

BOTTOM LINE: The only negative that I've found so far is the Vent Slits. I'll update as time goes on.

Now I'm hitting the rack, as I have a Team Roping that starts at 6 AM.

RodeoGeorge
 

LordDavon

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When I got home from a Rodeo tonight, the ZMax Package was sitting on my workbench. Though quite tired, I of course had to play with the new toy. Here are my preliminary findings.

1. This model ZMax is the one with the additional slits in the body for added venting. From the first time I picked it up, I DID NOT like the feel. Closer scrutiny showed that the slits (all 4 of them) are "finished" on one side, and quite square on the other. All in the same direction, such that when you rub your finger around (or rotate the ZMax while holding in your hand) in one direction the slits are rough (the square side) and in the other direction they are smooth. Hope this makes sense, but don't know how else to explain it.

1R. Recommend that if any are purchased in the future, ensure that they do not have the vent slits.

2. From a use standpoint, the output of the ZMax is consistent, whether using the 18650 or two 18350 batteries. I switched back and forth several times, and found no difference in the vape.

3a. The ZMax RETAINS the Power setting that is selected in the VW Mode. To explain further, if you select a power setting (i.e., 4.0 Watts) and remove the battery (even leaving it out for an extended period of time) when you insert a battery the display will show 4.0P. It displays this upon initial battery contact, and when you press the fire switch if you have the display turned ON (Menu #6).

3b. Even if you have selected to display the coil resistance or battery voltage with Menu #5, when you remove a battery and insert another one, the display will change to the Power Output mode and show 4.0P.

3c. If you select a power setting (i.e., 4.0 Watts), and then change to the VV Mode, the output upon entering the VV Mode is 3.0V. Regardless of where you set the voltage, when you return to the VW Mode (using Menu #7) the ZMax will go to the previous Power setting. In this case 4.0P. So the ZMax does retain any VW Power setting, even when the battery is removed or when you go from VW to VV and back to VW.

3d. If you are in the VV Mode, and remove the battery, when you insert another battery the ZMax will go to the 3.0 Volt output setting.

4. Weight is comparable to the VMax, and interestingly enough, the height of the ZMax with a 18650 installed is very close to the VMax with the 18350 batteries. Of course, then when you install 18350 batteries in the ZMax with the extension cap, it is about 1/4" taller than the VMax.

5. I have not experienced any "battery fit" issues that have been stated in reviews on other threads. I have tried the Red AW IMR18560 2000mAh Nipple Top, the Gray Panasonic CGR18650CH 2200mAh Flat Top (unprotected), and the Black CGR18650CH Flat Top from the Shek COOP, and they all fit properly. A Black AW IC Protected 18650 3100mAh battery fits in diameter, however the threads on the cap lack about 1mm from screwing completely down due to the added height of this battery.

6. Using a 4.0 Watt VW setting, I tried several different DV CE5s and T2s with varying coil resistances, and all gave an excellent vape with regards to taste, vapor production, and throat hit. Without performing any statistical analysis, the ZMax does appear to adjust it's voltage for a consistent vape when in the VW mode.

BOTTOM LINE: The only negative that I've found so far is the Vent Slits. I'll update as time goes on.

Now I'm hitting the rack, as I have a Team Roping that starts at 6 AM.

RodeoGeorge

Catch me on Skype. I have some findings that you will be interested in. :)
 
When I got home from a Rodeo tonight, the ZMax Package was sitting on my workbench. Though quite tired, I of course had to play with the new toy. Here are my preliminary findings.

1. This model ZMax is the one with the additional slits in the body for added venting. From the first time I picked it up, I DID NOT like the feel. Closer scrutiny showed that the slits (all 4 of them) are "finished" on one side, and quite square on the other. All in the same direction, such that when you rub your finger around (or rotate the ZMax while holding in your hand) in one direction the slits are rough (the square side) and in the other direction they are smooth. Hope this makes sense, but don't know how else to explain it.
BOTTOM LINE: The only negative that I've found so far is the Vent Slits. I'll update as time goes on.

Now I'm hitting the rack, as I have a Team Roping that starts at 6 AM.

RodeoGeorge

First this is only an opinion after observing for a while.
I believe the vents are either a reaction or in some opinions, an over reaction from Eric'c source. When the Telescope came out, someone somewhere on the forum merely pointed out that there MAY not be enough protection from battery problems with the telescope. You had to rely on the seal breaking at higher temps should there be a problem. One vendor got them back and then got new ones from the manufacturer with vent holes in the bottom of the top piece. A second vendor went so far as to add holes to the top of the piece. Thus all the holes in the telescope. In my opinion since you have the ability to "stack" batteries in the ZMax, THEY felt that it also needed extra protection. I am no engineer so I don't know what if anything should have been done. They take feedback and come out with V2, V3, and so on.

If the edges are rough, take a dremel to it and smooth them over, even though next time they puts vents in them should smooth them out before they sell them.

So reaction or over reaction, you decide.
 

WA3PNT

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If the edges are rough, take a dremel to it and smooth them over, even though next time they puts vents in them should smooth them out before they sell them.

QUOTE]

It's not that I don't have the capability and skills to correct the sharp edge issue, it's that I wanted to point this out as a shortcoming in my opinion. It is something that, should the manufacturer decide to retain the slots, needs to be corrected in the manufacturing process.

RodeoGeorge
 
If the edges are rough, take a dremel to it and smooth them over, even though next time they puts vents in them should smooth them out before they sell them.

QUOTE]

It's not that I don't have the capability and skills to correct the sharp edge issue, it's that I wanted to point this out as a shortcoming in my opinion. It is something that, should the manufacturer decide to retain the slots, needs to be corrected in the manufacturing process.

RodeoGeorge

Rodeo, by no means was that directed at you, it was just an observation about the manufacturer, the supplier and who decided the extra vent holes were neccessary.

My apologies if you felt that was a jab or anything along that line.

1st I was pointing out that even though you bought a brand new item, you had to alter it to be comfortable using it.

2nd, I do not even know you, so there is no way in hell that I would insult you. You are a customer of Eric's so that goes double.

I have only been totally smoke free for a few months but I have been vaping since January. I do my best to learn and that the vent situation seems to pop up wherever I go.

Please accept my apology if I came across as a know-it-all. I am reminded every day by a certain female that I in fact DO NOT know it all. She does so she would know.

Rodeo, you cannot see it but my hand is extended for a shake. (My cat Taught me how)

I personally do not care in the least how many holes they put in these things as long as it vapes like it should.
I have
1 Telescope un-altered.
2 with just the holes on the bottom of the top
2 with all the holes
1 Gun metal with all the holes.
I gave 4 away and 2 gave them back for reasons other than the holes. The other 2 are keeping them.
So I have 4 personally
The holes do not even cross my mind until I sit on the computer and read the forums here and other e-cig forum sites. I guess I should have just kept my mouth shut. Even tho what I said was in no means negative by intent, I should have went with "If you don't have anything GOOD to say, don't say anything. I can't even delete it all now because someone might take that wrong.

If there was anything close to negative in what I said it would be toward the manufacturer for not listening to the vendors that know the product so they put stuff out that the vendors KNOW works. You don't run out and buy a piece of new 'Finished" furniture so you can take it home to sand it down so your kid doesn't get splinters.

While I ws typing Rodeo acknowledged my handshake, so THANK YOU.
from now on I will keep my opinions to myself. THAT is a promise. I even sticky post-it-ed it to the screen.
 
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gormly

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Just from a consumer standpoint (my personal, not professional option) I do not see an issue with the vents.
again, this is not any kind of contradiction to what RodeoGeorge has said, just that I personally do not see an issue with the slots, I haven't even noticed them.

That said, I do not work the Rodeo so my hands are probably somewhat softer :)

Now could they let them tumble in some ball bearings a little longer.. yep :)
 

WA3PNT

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Rodeo, by no means was that directed at you, it was just an observation about the manufacturer, the supplier and who decided the extra vent holes were neccessary.

My apologies if you felt that was a jab or anything along that line.

1st I was pointing out that even though you bought a brand new item, you had to alter it to be comfortable using it.

2nd, I do not even know you, so there is no way in hell that I would insult you. You are a customer of Eric's so that goes double.

I have only been totally smoke free for a few months but I have been vaping since January. I do my best to learn and that the vent situation seems to pop up wherever I go.

Please accept my apology if I came across as a know-it-all. I am reminded every day by a certain female that I in fact DO NOT know it all. She does so she would know.

Rodeo, you cannot see it but my hand is extended for a shake. (My cat Taught me how)

Hey Tully.

It was NOT taken as a jab or anything negative. Sorry if MY post was read that way. Shoot, we're all in this together.

Handshake made.

Now let's get down to some serious vaping.

RodeoGeorge
 

WA3PNT

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Now could they let them tumble in some ball bearings a little longer.. yep :)

Eric,

I do not believe that it is a "finish" issue (as in completing the product, not the plating type finish).

My opinion is that the slot (should it remain) should be slightly narrower so that it fully sits down in the groove. As it is, being as wide as it is, it sits down on one side and up even with the outer edge on the other, hence the sharp 90 degree edge on the one side.

And OBTW, I would think that those delicate pinkies of yours would notice it more than my calloused grabbers. LOL

RodeoGeorge
 

gormly

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Eric,

I do not believe that it is a "finish" issue (as in completing the product, not the plating type finish).

My opinion is that the slot (should it remain) should be slightly narrower so that it fully sits down in the groove. As it is, being as wide as it is, it sits down on one side and up even with the outer edge on the other, hence the sharp 90 degree edge on the one side.

And OBTW, I would think that those delicate pinkies of yours would notice it more than my calloused grabbers. LOL

RodeoGeorge

wait are you saying I misunderstood something.. surely you jest :) :) :)

and are you calling me girliefingers???
 

Zooker

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Its Palmolive your soaking in it now .haha remember them commercials ?

I am sorry but I would never stoop to that kind of thing... I use Dawn.

4301726189_4550c38875.jpg
 
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