Seeking advice on first box mod

[Fiatrix]

I've been vaping for a little over a month now, and I'm looking to upgrade. My triton kit by Halo isn't satisfying like I hoped it would (although I have remained smoke-free), but I'm getting sucked in to the hobby and it's time for a big-girl mod. I've been doing lots of research - but I'm getting overwhelmed by all the choices, so I'd like to ask for some suggestions and advice from those who are more experienced than I am. Here's what I'm thinking:

I want a box mod with variable voltage/wattage because I'm no longer a fan of the pen shape and I want a consistently powered vape. However, I have very small girly hands so comfort is a serious consideration, as well as the ability to fit it in a small pant pocket. I'm hoping to find something small enough to not feel awkward, but large enough to house a respectable amount of power and hang tough for a very long time. I have very little money, so whatever I end up with it going to have to be saved for and then last me a good long while.

I was looking at the iStick 50w, because the oval shape (as opposed to harsh corners) and small-but-not-tiny size seemed perfect -- I love that it's barely bigger than the two 18650s it's built around. But I am worried about how many have been reported to pretty much burst into flames and I'd rather buy a product from a maker who cares about safety and quality.

I'm also starting to lean toward a mod whose batteries can be replaced, further pushing me away from eleaf. However, it seems like most mini mods with replaceable batteries are either too big and boxy, or they only take one 18650 - thus defeating the purpose of pumping out upwards of 50 watts. I'd really rather not have to replace batts every four hours. There must be some mods that I'm missing, and I'd love any recommendations.

So.... are there any box mods that take two replaceable 18650s, put out at least 40-50 watts, are well-made and durable, but are still as small and ergonomic as the iStick 50w? Or am I just living in dreamland over here and should suck it up and compromise? Either way, please give me all your suggestions and recommendations! I feel like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack. Thanks a ton.

Oh, P.S. The tank I feel most inclined to purchase right now is the nautilus mini, if that is relevent.

 

[daviedog]

For small hands & 18650, first choice would be a telescoping mech. Trading off for vv/vw, IPV or a ZNA 40.
Most small pieces are 'built ins'..

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

IPV Mini 2 (70W) with the Nautilus Mini. (only holds one battery) or the Joyetech eVic-VT 50W 5000 mah(internal batteries comparable in size to the iStick) with Nautilus Mini.

 

[Fiatrix]

For small hands & 18650, first choice would be a telescoping mech. Trading off for vv/vw, IPV or a ZNA 40.
Most small pieces are 'built ins'..

There really is an endless well of info to learn about APVs... What in the world is a telescoping mech?

IPV Mini 2 (70W) with the Nautilus Mini. (only holds one battery) or the Joyetech eVic-VT 50W 5000 mah(internal batteries comparable in size to the iStick) with Nautilus Mini.

I have been looking at the IPV mini.. Do you happen to own one? I've only been assuming the battery life would be pretty short if vaping at higher wattages, but I'd love to hear anyone's experiences with them as far as how long they last.

I'm looking into that joyetech now, that is one I haven't heard of. I would sacrifice removeable batteries for the right size and power, if it's a quality mod.

Thank you both for your replies.

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

There really is an endless well of info to learn about APVs... What in the world is a telescoping mech?


I have been looking at the IPV mini.. Do you happen to own one? I've only been assuming the battery life would be pretty short if vaping at higher wattages, but I'd love to hear anyone's experiences with them as far as how long they last.

I'm looking into that joyetech now, that is one I haven't heard of. I would sacrifice removeable batteries for the right size and power, if it's a quality mod.

Thank you both for your replies.

Most of the batteries that go in the replaceable type mods are 2100 mah or thereabouts (much larger than what you are now using). The choice as I see it, is when the battery runs out. At home, no problem, just get another one and pop it in. When out you'll have to have a spare with you (they make battery cases and silicone sleeves for this). When you purchase a replaceable battery mod you'll need extra batteries and a quality battery charger. With units like the Joyetech 50 and the iStick 50 you're looking at some time element for the battery to recharge. At home no problem it has pass thru charging so you can still vape. Runs out when away you'll need a back up ( bought 2 iStick 50's, love them, no problems). The Joyetech is really new on the market so we don't know if it has "bugs" yet. I do think you'll be happy with either. Good luck.

 

[caferacer]

There really is an endless well of info to learn about APVs... What in the world is a telescoping mech?

A telescoping mech is a tube mod that allows you to adjust its length depending on the battery you use. Definitely not a box mod.

In addition to the IPV Mini 2 (I was getting about 24 hours out of mine before I had to recharge), you could also look at the Kanger Subbox (50W). The nice thing about the Kanger is that it comes bundled with a Subtank Mini.

 

[daviedog]

A telescoping mech is defiantly not a box mod. Sorry if i caused any confusion.
My Private V2 is under 3 inches with an 18350.
The 70 watt ipv is a classy well made piece & you can use it at lower power..

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Phil Busardo, a respected reviewer, posts his MOD reviews on YouTube. He is a bit long, but he is thorough. At the end he does a thumbs up and thumbs down.

If you have a list, check him out.

Also, in the upper right corner is the search tool. You will get a lot, though.


Good luck.

 

[ddarlington24]

Well there are so many mods to choose from in this arena small+ long batter life this might be a little tough. But IMO aslong as your not sub ohming you would be fine with most single 18650 type devices unless you're chain vaping at high watts. That IPV mini 2 seems right in the area your looking for same goes the istick 50 yeah it has internal battery most with how many have this unit the bad experiences are actually quite low.

 

[Fiatrix]

Phil Busardo, a respected reviewer, posts his MOD reviews on YouTube. He is a bit long, but he is thorough. At the end he does a thumbs up and thumbs down.

If you have a list, check him out.

Also, in the upper right corner is the search tool. You will get a lot, though.


Good luck.

I am actually becoming quite a fan of pbusardo's videos already, I've learned a lot from him so far. I'm glad you mentioned that though, for anyone else who may be lurking as I tend to do in these forums.

A telescoping mech is defiantly not a box mod. Sorry if i caused any confusion.
My Private V2 is under 3 inches with an 18350.
The 70 watt ipv is a classy well made piece & you can use it at lower power..

Wow, what a nifty device concept! That is definitely something I'll have to consider for the future, for portability and variety, if I stumble upon enough money to afford such luxuries as extra mods, haha.


If a single battery mod such as the IPV mini 2 tends to last at least around a day for a middleweight vaper who isn't sub ohming (though I realize this depends greatly on your setup, vape style, etc), I may actually save up a little longer and go for the SX Mini M Class. That really seems like a great mod and damn near perfect for me, despite being a single battery and being SLIGHTLY bigger than what I was hoping for. It certainly is way more costly than I'd like, but perhaps it's worth it. Especially if it keeps me from wanting to buy a better device later on down the road because I am not satisfied.

 

[Fiatrix]

Most of the batteries that go in the replaceable type mods are 2100 mah or thereabouts (much larger than what you are now using). The choice as I see it, is when the battery runs out. At home, no problem, just get another one and pop it in. When out you'll have to have a spare with you (they make battery cases and silicone sleeves for this). When you purchase a replaceable battery mod you'll need extra batteries and a quality battery charger. With units like the Joyetech 50 and the iStick 50 you're looking at some time element for the battery to recharge. At home no problem it has pass thru charging so you can still vape. Runs out when away you'll need a back up ( bought 2 iStick 50's, love them, no problems). The Joyetech is really new on the market so we don't know if it has "bugs" yet. I do think you'll be happy with either. Good luck.

Very good points when considering the built-in vs replaceable battery debate, thank you. You're right that a replaceable battery will be 2100-2500 mAh as opposed to the 650 mAh that I have now, which is important to take into account and will probably last much longer. My current setup lasts me 2-4 days between charges - however, I have no idea what wattage I am vaping at since it isn't variable... I only assume it is lower than what I would often set a more powerful mod to, which would drain the battery faster. I have no concept of how much faster based on however high the wattage will be though. Think at the rate I'm going I would likely get at least a day's use out of a good battery, even if I ended up setting a mod up to a high wattage?

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

Very good points when considering the built-in vs replaceable battery debate, thank you. You're right that a replaceable battery will be 2100-2500 mAh as opposed to the 650 mAh that I have now, which is important to take into account and will probably last much longer. My current setup lasts me 2-4 days between charges - however, I have no idea what wattage I am vaping at since it isn't variable... I only assume it is lower than what I would often set a more powerful mod to, which would drain the battery faster. I have no concept of how much faster based on however high the wattage will be though. Think at the rate I'm going I would likely get at least a day's use out of a good battery, even if I ended up setting a mod up to a high wattage?

If you're getting a couple of days with the 650 mah the IPV 2 should last you about the same with the Nautilus. I run my Nautilus around 12 W, my subtanks a little more.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

My little SUV has a 110 socket in the far back. I got a power conditioner ($30) that has 2 sockets and I use a two slot battery charger. For road trips and car camping it has worked well for two vaping people using it. There is also a USB slot up front. But, I still have a spare battery in the car. I guess I am prepared.

With all the things that rechargeable, my car is set up.

 

[roxynoodle]

Small and two batteries rules out pretty much everything but the istick. I have to admit, the isticks are very comfortable to hold, and easy to pocket.

I think the ipv mini 2 might be your perfect mod for everything other than battery life.

I love my Sigelei 100Ws, but they are big. I have huge hands for a woman though. Its either embarrassing or a blessing depending on how you look at it

The Vaporflask is ergonomic if you are right handed. Some of the clones have a good reputation and would be in your price range.

 

[Fiatrix]

If you're getting a couple of days with the 650 mah the IPV 2 should last you about the same with the Nautilus. I run my Nautilus around 12 W, my subtanks a little more.

Thanks for the input! I probably will go with either the IPV mini 2 or the SX Mini M. Just a matter of how patient I can be and how much money I can save.

Do you happen to know if I would be able to attach my triton tanks to either of these devices with an adapter? I don't expect to, but it would be a plus since I have four of them and I like to change my flavors faster than I can finish a tank.

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

Thanks for the input! I probably will go with either the IPV mini 2 or the SX Mini M. Just a matter of how patient I can be and how much money I can save.

Do you happen to know if I would be able to attach my triton tanks to either of these devices with an adapter? I don't expect to, but it would be a plus since I have four of them and I like to change my flavors faster than I can finish a tank.

I don't know for certain what type of connection the Triton uses but it looks to be an eGo threaded tank. To use an eGo threaded tank on the two mods you mentioned you would need to purchase a 510 to eGo adapter (around $5). In the pic below the adapter is to the left of the iStick with the Nautilus Tank. As you can see, the 510 threads are small and the eGo threads are on the wide part. Any local vape shop should carry them as well as online.

 

[erikbal]

I have a 50w istick and really like it. I wish there weren't so many known issues with them or I'd have no problems recommending one.

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

 

[Fiatrix]

I don't know for certain what type of connection the Triton uses but it looks to be an eGo threaded tank. To use an eGo threaded tank on the two mods you mentioned you would need to purchase a 510 to eGo adapter (around $5). In the pic below the adapter is to the left of the iStick with the Nautilus Tank. As you can see, the 510 threads are small and the eGo threads are on the wide part. Any local vape shop should carry them as well as online.

Thank you, that's very helpful.

Small and two batteries rules out pretty much everything but the istick. I have to admit, the isticks are very comfortable to hold, and easy to pocket.

I think the ipv mini 2 might be your perfect mod for everything other than battery life.

I love my Sigelei 100Ws, but they are big. I have huge hands for a woman though. Its either embarrassing or a blessing depending on how you look at it

The Vaporflask is ergonomic if you are right handed. Some of the clones have a good reputation and would be in your price range.

Yeah, I think the Sig would just be too big for me to want to carry around with me unfortunately. Looking into reputable clones might not be a bad idea though, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Kent C]

For two batts, it's going to cost you and it isn't small - Vapor Flask. Most regulated dual batt boxes are in series so you don't get the 'extra' mAh anyway. Here's some 'ovals' - istick 50 internal batts, Kanger subox - replaceable 18650 50 watt regulated, Heatvape Defender - now at 36W - internal batt.

Suggest for replaceable batt:
Kanger Subox Mini

 

[Jack Franks]

I've been vaping for a little over a month now, and I'm looking to upgrade. My triton kit by Halo isn't satisfying like I hoped it would (although I have remained smoke-free), but I'm getting sucked in to the hobby and it's time for a big-girl mod. I've been doing lots of research - but I'm getting overwhelmed by all the choices, so I'd like to ask for some suggestions and advice from those who are more experienced than I am. Here's what I'm thinking:

I want a box mod with variable voltage/wattage because I'm no longer a fan of the pen shape and I want a consistently powered vape. However, I have very small girly hands so comfort is a serious consideration, as well as the ability to fit it in a small pant pocket. I'm hoping to find something small enough to not feel awkward, but large enough to house a respectable amount of power and hang tough for a very long time. I have very little money, so whatever I end up with it going to have to be saved for and then last me a good long while.

I was looking at the iStick 50w, because the oval shape (as opposed to harsh corners) and small-but-not-tiny size seemed perfect -- I love that it's barely bigger than the two 18650s it's built around. But I am worried about how many have been reported to pretty much burst into flames and I'd rather buy a product from a maker who cares about safety and quality.

I'm also starting to lean toward a mod whose batteries can be replaced, further pushing me away from eleaf. However, it seems like most mini mods with replaceable batteries are either too big and boxy, or they only take one 18650 - thus defeating the purpose of pumping out upwards of 50 watts. I'd really rather not have to replace batts every four hours. There must be some mods that I'm missing, and I'd love any recommendations.

So.... are there any box mods that take two replaceable 18650s, put out at least 40-50 watts, are well-made and durable, but are still as small and ergonomic as the iStick 50w? Or am I just living in dreamland over here and should suck it up and compromise? Either way, please give me all your suggestions and recommendations! I feel like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack. Thanks a ton.

Oh, P.S. The tank I feel most inclined to purchase right now is the nautilus mini, if that is relevent.

I wouldn't go for anything by innokin because they tend to be expensive and considering you've only been vaping 2 months, you don't want to buy something you regret (like I did when I started 2 years ago)

Plus, you don't get much for your money! Look at the Istick range by Eleaf... As far as I'm concerned, you get the best value for your money, they're compact and look really nice!

I have a istick 50watt in my collection, they're stylish and you can't fault quality

Plus, unlike some box mods, you get a lot for your money!