Researching Mod features

[kazz63758]

Like several other posts that I've read in this forum, I am currently an Ego user who is debating the switch to 5v.

I've looked through the site and have some questions about mods. Not so much about specific models, but more about features. Doe anyone know of web sites that discuss the features available on mods?

Some examples I have questions about:

Other than pure looks, what are the relative pros/cons of a tube versus a box mod?

A feeding system is appealing to me, but are they a pain to maintain regarding leaks, clogs etc? Is there an advantage to a bottom feed instead of top feed? Can you use the feed systems with cartomizers? I've never seen one in person so I'm clueless about this.

Thanks in advance for any help you might offer.

 

[ancient puffer]

In general, the difference between tube and box mods is a matter of preference, with the exception that box mods can also be "feeders".

Individual feeding systems vary, from awful (leaks, poor feeds) to excellent (trouble and leak free). In the case of bottom feeders, generally you can use cartomizers, although there are probably exceptions to this. I'm not familiar with many of the top feeders, but I'd imagine they would work as well, as long as a proprietary atty isn't used.

I know you aren't asking for specifics, but I personally use a REO and find it excellent in all areas. So much so that I haven't bought any other mods since acquiring one. It's currently limited to 3.7 volts, unless you are willing swap around batteries, but there is a variable voltage version coming out soon. There is a whole subforum dedicated to them here, or PM me if you have any specific questions about them.

HTH, and welcome to ECF!

 

[mostlyclassics]

The first mod I bought was a used Reo Grande, a bottom-feeder. That was several months ago. After experimenting, I decided that Boge 3 ohm cartos worked best for me. I really hadn't felt the need to buy another mod, because the Reo Grande is such a perfect and utterly reliable vaping instrument.

But a couple of weeks ago, just for grins I bought one of those cheapie $18.95 specials that MadVapes makes and sells. It's also 3.7 volt, and I've also used 3 ohm Boge cartos with it. It has a silly LED which changes colors (green-red-blue), and I wouldn't have an Ice Road Trucker to run over it with a semi, but it works fine. It even generates about the same intensity of flavor and throat hit as the Reo Grande. But you do have to keep the carto topped up, unlike the Reo Grande, where you just squonk the bottle occasionally.

 

[Eddie.Willers]

Take a look at this site - it's pretty comprehensive
Best e-Cig Mod List | e-Cig Mods Database

 

[kazz63758]

Thanks for the replies. The link to the mods database is awesome (even though it makes my decision Much harder!)

The reason I'm asking about features instead of specific models is that I'm like a kid in a candy store right now. I originally saw one of the Provari ad banners and looked at their site. Ooh! Sexy! If it had bluetooth I could run it from my smartphone! Then I found the GLV-3. Ooh! Versatile! I can take it apart and use it in two different ways! LOL, my head started spinning.

I decided just to slow down and see what features appear to be useful and which ones I would actually use. From a pure aesthetics standpoint, I like the tube mods. But the Provari and SB seem a bit big to put in my pocket and carry with me. I really like the idea of a feeder system. But I wonder if they would leak and cause a bigger mess than it would be worth.

I looked at the REO line after you mentioned it above. It seems compact and a definite contender. Of course every single one on their web site is out of stock. But, I'm still researching, so maybe they will have some by the time I make a decision.

Again, thanks for the replies. I'm off to browse the mods database....

 

[4mehealth]

Just an fyi on Reo's. There's a thread in the reo subforum that states when reo's will be put up for sale. Keep am eye on that one as they usually sell out quickly.

 

[ancient puffer]

Just an fyi on Reo's. There's a thread in the reo subforum that states when reo's will be put up for sale. Keep am eye on that one as they usually sell out quickly.

The "for sale" thread is here. They usually go on sale every few weeks, and generally, they last a few hours or days (used to be only minutes).

The REOs do not leak. I've been using them since May and have never had any leakage at all. Plus, with the all metal ones, if you do happen to spill some juice when you're changing out the bottle, you can simply remove the battery and atty and juice bottle, and run them under a warm water faucet. Let dry and you're good to go again.

 

[Eddie.Willers]

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say this.

The primary advantages of mods are: use of commercial batteries (cheaper to replace); wider range of non-proprietary hardware that will work 'out of the box'; variable voltage capability to find your preferred voltage/resistance 'sweet spot'.

Taking these three things in mind, something like the Madvapes VV box at $35 is a good place to start. It helps you find whether 5v or higher is for you and allows you to fine tune the usage with your preferred carto/atty/tank whatever. Once you have a little experience, your decision making for a more expensive mod (be it box or tube type) will be guided less my "Ohhh! That looks suh-weeeet!" and more by what features give you the most satifactory vaping experience.

Mods can be expensive - but an introduction to them doesn't have to be.

 

[kazz63758]

Thanks again all. I looked at the sale thread and have found some videos about the REOon youtube. It seems to be a well regarded device. But, all of the reviews talk about either 3.7 or 6 volt. From what I can determine in just an hour or so, there isn't a way to get the mod to a true 5v. 4.8 seems to be closest with just changing batteries.

So, to move back my reply back to research mode instead of a particular device--is there a difference between 4.8 and 5? All of the reviews, etc. I've watched talk about 5 being a "sweet spot." All I have personally used is the Ego system, but do have a 5v passthrough on the way to give it a try before pulling the trigger on a high price mod..

The reason I'm concerned about leaking is more about travel and carrying it versus while actually vaping. Whatever I wind up getting will be my primary device. I'll be in the car and at work as well as at home.

Thanks again all for taking the time to help me with this.

 

[kazz63758]

Very sound advice and I appreciate it. Finding about the higher voltage is one reason i have a $10 passthrough on the way. I have looked at the madvapes VV box, but wondered about whether I would be fiddling with the thing all the time to find that perfect spot and not really enjoy where it was at. Same reason I didn't buy one of those sleep number beds-I'd never get a good night's sleep because I would always try to be MORE comfortable! I guess I figured I needed some more experience BEFORE going to VV.

Thanks again for the input.

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say this.

The primary advantages of mods are: use of commercial batteries (cheaper to replace); wider range of non-proprietary hardware that will work 'out of the box'; variable voltage capability to find your preferred voltage/resistance 'sweet spot'.

Taking these three things in mind, something like the Madvapes VV box at $35 is a good place to start. It helps you find whether 5v or higher is for you and allows you to fine tune the usage with your preferred carto/atty/tank whatever. Once you have a little experience, your decision making for a more expensive mod (be it box or tube type) will be guided less my "Ohhh! That looks suh-weeeet!" and more by what features give you the most satifactory vaping experience.

Mods can be expensive - but an introduction to them doesn't have to be.

 

[ancient puffer]

Just want to add a +1 to what Eddie.Willers said, the VV madvapes box would be a good "test run" without spending a fortune. Once the novelty of "adjusting" wears off, you'll pretty much know what you like.

I doubt you can tell the difference between 4.8 and 5v You're correct about the @4.8v REO setup, and the battery life is poor.

I recently took my REO grand with me to PA. It was an 8 hour drive (counting stops), it lasted the whole day and through the night, no leaks, no fiddling, just there when I wanted it.

And lastly, it's been announced that Rob (the REO creator) is partnering with the Buzzkill guy (Mike?) to produce a VV REO. Hopefully that will be available by the first part of the year (2012).

 

[bsb111]

kazz,

Eddie.Willers has provided you with some excellent advice (IMHO). I was recently on the "mod hunt" as you seem to be; did some research bought a device and have been satisfied so far. What I found to be a great help was to focus not necessarily on voltage but on watts. For me 5 watts on a CE2 like device is plenty; 6ish watts on Boge cartos is my sweet spot; some attys 7 watts range. Of course all of this is very subjective and is just my opnion. BTW I can not tell the difference between vaping @ 4.8v or 5v with the same resistance device.

I still use my eGo type device when out and about.

Good luck and good vaping.

 

[kazz63758]

OK guys -- thanks for the help. I believe I will look at one of the cheaper variable volt box mods first to see what its all about. I really like the idea of a feed system so I don't have to worry about carrying cartos and the like. But that can wait until I'm ready for a higher end mod.

One last question--is the variable box at madvapes the one to get? I know others are out there. Just want to get something sturdy that won't crack apart in my pocket.

Again, thanks!

 

[bully mom]

Kazz thanks for the post, I am in exactly the same position as you and there is SO much information out there and it's all so confusing. Good luck with your upgrade!!

 

[kazz63758]

Well, after reading these replies and doing a bit more research I did decide to go with a variable volt box mod. I found a guy here on the supplier's forum named James who makes boxes under the name Krimson Kustoms. VERY patient with questions and will do his best to build it exactly the way you want. He posts videos of his mods so you can see exactly what the different options are and how they work. I went with a bottom feed, but decided against a digital readout. He just finished the mod last evening and put it in the mail today. I should have it by the end of the week and can't wait to give it a try. I'd be happy to post my thoughts afterward if you would like.

Good Luck with your search! An again a big thank you to everyone who answered my original posts.

Kazz thanks for the post, I am in exactly the same position as you and there is SO much information out there and it's all so confusing. Good luck with your upgrade!!

 

[Nomoreash]

Good choice, James is a great guy a straight shooter and the regulator he uses will give you excellent battery life. Enjoy!

 

[bully mom]

I'm so excited for you!!! Please come back and let us know how it works out for you. Thanks for passing along James's name. I have seen his mods recommended in other post's and looks like you made a great choice!!

Enjoy your new mod!!

 

[Jackiej5407]

So Kazz ... what do you think of it?

 

[kazz63758]

So Kazz ... what do you think of it?

I am VERY pleased with the mod. There was a fairly steep learning curve the first day learning when to feed the atty. Had more than one dry hit and it seemed after squeezing the bottle I would have one or two good puffs, then it would taper off and become less flavorful. In fact, I've decided that I like using a carto instead of an atty for a more consistent vape. Now I couldn't be happier with it.

I can't say enough good things about the mod itself. It is small enough to easily fit into a shirt pocket. Not a big hassle to change out bottles, and I have had NO leaks. And I have found that some juices taste better at higher voltages than others. I really like the option to dial in where a particular flavor tastes best to me. While it is still a new toy and the urge to fiddle with it may fade after a while, I really don't see myself going back to a fixed voltage mod.

If you are in the market for a box mod, you really ought to check out the Krimson Kustoms thread. James has the patience of a saint answering questions and doesn't mind special feature requests at all.

 

[Shilo]

I am VERY pleased with the mod. There was a fairly steep learning curve the first day learning when to feed the atty. Had more than one dry hit and it seemed after squeezing the bottle I would have one or two good puffs, then it would taper off and become less flavorful. In fact, I've decided that I like using a carto instead of an atty for a more consistent vape. Now I couldn't be happier with it.

I can't say enough good things about the mod itself. It is small enough to easily fit into a shirt pocket. Not a big hassle to change out bottles, and I have had NO leaks. And I have found that some juices taste better at higher voltages than others. I really like the option to dial in where a particular flavor tastes best to me. While it is still a new toy and the urge to fiddle with it may fade after a while, I really don't see myself going back to a fixed voltage mod.

If you are in the market for a box mod, you really ought to check out the Krimson Kustoms thread. James has the patience of a saint answering questions and doesn't mind special feature requests at all.

Which cartos are you using? My husband can't get his to work consistently with cartos. Of course ours is the basic 3.7 box.