Sigelei Zmax V3 and V5 Telescopic: User's Group

[Katya]

I haven't used the Protank or clearomizers much. There is a different issue with using cartos, which I use in a carto tank. After removing and replacing a carto tank a dozen times or more for filling the center post of the carto may compress and fail to make contact with the 510 connector center post. This problem would happen with all carto makes. The solution is easy. I just use a push pin to pry out the center post a mm or so to its correct position. I don't tighten the carto tank down into the 510 connector as far as possible: just far enough to make electrical contact without any wobble on the carto tank.

Yup!

There is a similar problem with Kanger BCC clearomizers, especially when you screw it too tightly onto the battery (in hope to prevent leaking). It actully causes leaks in some instances. The clearos should be just making electrical contact--no more. The base of the clearos needs to be screwed on tightly onto the body, however.

 

[DaveP]

The Sigelei Zmax V3 flat top is really hard to beat. I would give the best buy award for a 18350 to another make, due it's smaller size. However, 18350 isn't a serous battery size for an ex-smoker. Most serious smokers use up a puny 18350 in a couple of hours. The 18490/18500 to 18650 devices are much better suited for an ex-smoker who wants to quit. Hands down, the Sigelei Zmax wins this award when you compare price to performance.

Look at the cost, how big they are and well they are made. After five months of solid daily use the Sigelie is the big winner in my book for 18490/18500 and 18650 batteries.

Extended warranties? Well, if you are an informed consumer you know how that works whether it be water heaters, cars or dishwashers.

If I were to buy a new Sigelie Zmax V3 telescopic flat top today, I would buy from the vendor who offers the best warranty and not necessarily the best price point.

Exactly why I decided to buy from Stormy's Vapor Cellar. 30 days replacement over the counter for defects, proven to be true when they swapped mine for a slanted display. They also honor their internet prices in the B&M store. At $74.99 I could have saved a few bucks by shopping around, but probably would have only had 7 days store warranty.

 

[josho]

I'm still a huge fan of the Zmax v3. I have two, actually, simply because I like having one available at work and one at home without having to transport them. They've both worked basically flawlessly for months now. One did have the misfire/random menu entry problem for a short period, but it resolved itself. I use strictly 18350s because I have so many and I get about 8 hours out of them @ 10W on a 1.6ohm coil. I have a spare battery at work in case I'm vaping heavily or whatnot but haven't needed it.

It really is a stellar device.

 

[DaveP]

I'd like to see mods come with a micro USB port (with a rubber dust stopper) for updating firmware. We really don't know what level we are at when we buy or whether it's a different S/W build level from anyone else who has one. Heck, you can update your phone, MP3 player, your vehicle, and just about any firmware driven device that will accept a program load. Why not Ecigs? It's probably because the design requires the board to be plugged into an interface jig on a workbench at the factory.

It's obvious from reading forum posts that there are slight differences between s/w builds and sometimes those are detectable by the formatting of the menu labels. V5 is supposed to be the same as the V3, but people say that their V5 doesn't have the scrolling "resistance" menu choice under LCD display. The battery voltage selection doesn't say "Batte Voltage", it says "Batter Voltage".

Just a pet peeve ... You'd think with a little engineering effort, complete words could be fitted into a selective choice of the display LCD during design. I'd pay $5 more for something a little more exotic.

I love the Segelei Zmax. I just think there's a lot a slipshod engineering involved in the design of the electronics. It works well ... but with a quirk or two here and there. Maybe management and marketing is threatening engineering and things get shoved out the door by a drop dead date regardless of readiness.

 

[Recon Number 54]

I'd like to see mods come with a micro USB port (with a rubber dust stopper) for updating firmware. We really don't know what level we are at when we buy or whether it's a different S/W build level from anyone else who has one. Heck, you can update your phone, MP3 player, your vehicle, and just about any firmware driven device that will accept a program load. Why not Ecigs?

Which is the only reason that I am considering an eVic for my wife's mod. She's not overjoyed with the heft of the Sigeli (but could probably overcome it, especially if we keep it small form factor with the smaller batteries). But the idea of firmware and PC interaction with a PV makes that mod a "maybe" when it comes to getting her off of ego batteries.

I am on the fence about that. But there's no real rush and I am taking my time considering the alternatives.P

Personally, I adore this mod. It's a great value, has the functionality and simplicity/control that I want/need, and I like the flexibility that being a telescope offers. Plus, it's as solid as a tank physically, though we've all seen the comments and issues regarding the durability of electronics/screen.

 

[vapero]

today I left my home without checking the bat on my zmax, once I remembered I looked at the levels and was at 3.4, the vape had diminished significantly no more clouds, just a small string of vapor, I just changed the bat to a fresh one and again it is hitting great.. I didn't think this was possible with this mod just with mechs and some egos, so my question is... why?

 

[Recon Number 54]

today I left my home without checking the bat on my zmax, once I remembered I looked at the levels and was at 3.4, the vape had diminished significantly no more clouds, just a small string of vapor, I just changed the bat to a fresh one and again it is hitting great.. I didn't think this was possible with this mod just with mechs and some egos, so my question is... why?

My personal experience with this mod (which admittedly isn't that much, yet) is that if I have it set to "auto-pilot" (a particular wattage and RMS) that a battery swap doesn't appear to lose my setting(s).

 

[DaveP]

Which is the only reason that I am considering an eVic for my wife's mod. She's not overjoyed with the heft of the Sigeli (but could probably overcome it, especially if we keep it small form factor with the smaller batteries). But the idea of firmware and PC interaction with a PV makes that mod a "maybe" when it comes to getting her off of ego batteries.

I am on the fence about that. But there's no real rush and I am taking my time considering the alternatives.P

Personally, I adore this mod. It's a great value, has the functionality and simplicity/control that I want/need, and I like the flexibility that being a telescope offers. Plus, it's as solid as a tank physically, though we've all seen the comments and issues regarding the durability of electronics/screen.

I held an Evic in my hand when I was shopping for a Provari backup. I liked the Evic, but was concerned about the large adjustment ring under the electronics, so I passed it up. The ring seemed fragile. Later, I saw replacement Evic rings for sale somewhere (can't remember where) and thought that my scrutiny was justified.

Most ladies don't care for large mods. We guys think they are great, but we have bigger hands and bigger pockets to handle them. Today, I fired up the Provari for comparison after vaping the V3 for a few days. The first thing I noticed was feel. It was rounded on the corners and a little shorter than the V3 and it fit perfectly in my jeans pocket without the tip almost sticking out as the V3 did. The other thing I like is the extra spring pressure on the fire button. The V3 is obviously firing in my pocket from time to time. I'll take it out sometimes and the barrel and atomizer are warm. The instructions warn against putting it in your pocket. They recommend a lanyard.

Granted, these are ittle things, but for pocket carry you want a sturdy button that doesn't accidentally press when you sit down. The Provari never did that.

I'm back to the V3 right now and enjoying it. I have no plans to ditch it. Now I have to toys to play with and I can't decide which, so I vape both alternately. It's great!

 

[yzer]

I held an Evic in my hand when I was shopping for a Provari backup. I liked the Evic, but was concerned about the large adjustment ring under the electronics, so I passed it up. The ring seemed fragile. Later, I saw replacement Evic rings for sale somewhere (can't remember where) and thought that my scrutiny was justified.

Most ladies don't care for large mods. We guys think they are great, but we have bigger hands and bigger pockets to handle them. Today, I fired up the Provari for comparison after vaping the V3 for a few days. The first thing I noticed was feel. It was rounded on the corners and a little shorter than the V3 and it fit perfectly in my jeans pocket without the tip almost sticking out as the V3 did. The other thing I like is the extra spring pressure on the fire button. The V3 is obviously firing in my pocket from time to time. I'll take it out sometimes and the barrel and atomizer are warm. The instructions warn against putting it in your pocket. They recommend a lanyard.

Granted, these are ittle things, but for pocket carry you want a sturdy button that doesn't accidentally press when you sit down. The Provari never did that.

I'm back to the V3 right now and enjoying it. I have no plans to ditch it. Now I have to toys to play with and I can't decide which, so I vape both alternately. It's great!

I carry the Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3 with 18350 or 18500 around in my pocket all of the time. The instructions have no warning against pocket carrying this device.

That's because anyone can disable the fire button on Sigelei Zmax V3 for safe pocket carry in about three seconds.

1. Click the fire button rapidly three times. Menu Item #1 shows up (1. OUT ON/OFF).

2. Select OUT OFF.

3. The fire button safety is now activated for pocket carry. The Sigelei will not fire unless you do step 4.

4. To activate the fire switch again:
a. Click the fire button rapidly three times. Menu item #1 appears again (1. OUT ON/OFF).
b. Select OUT ON. The Sigelei is ready to use again.

I've never had the Sigelei fire in my pocket when the switch safety was activated.

 

[Racehorse]

I carry the Sigelei Zmax Telescopic V3 with 18350 or 18500 around in my pocket all of the time. The instructions have no warning against pocket carrying this device.

That's because anyone can disable the fire button on Sigelei Zmax V3 for safe pocket carry in about three seconds.

1. Click the fire button rapidly three times. Menu Item #1 shows up (1. OUT ON/OFF).

2. Select OUT OFF.

3. The fire button safety is now activated for pocket carry. The Sigelei will not fire unless you do step 4.

4. To activate the fire switch again:
a. Click the fire button rapidly three times. Menu item #1 appears again (1. OUT ON/OFF).
b. Select OUT ON. The Sigelei is ready to use again.

I've never had the Sigelei fire in my pocket when the switch safety was activated.

This is correct. Once it is turned OFF, it won't fire.

Just like turning OFF an ego batt, or a Provari....you have to turn them OFF, too.


As a female who prefers tiny devices that take 14500 batts, I have to say in 18350 or 18490 mode, I found the VMAX to be really quite small....I love the recessed connector and using evods and just about every clearomizer /tank I used on it works perfectly.

 

[yzer]

Varitube still offers their Sigelei Zmax models with a 90-day warranty against defects.

Zmax - Sigelei

 

[DaveP]

I know about the cut off and have used it. It's just a little bothersome to use when you walk around and vape once a minute in public. A stiffer switch actuation would be appreciated and would alleviate the need to cut if off and on for each vape.

That said, when I went back to my Provari the switch seemed stiff after vaping the V3 for a while. I was at Stormy's grand opening yesterday and people were walking around with all sorts of mods that I wouldn't want in my pocket, especially box mods like the Innokin Itaste MVP. But, that's just me.

 

[yzer]

I know what you mean about box mods. I just find them clumsy to carry around. A tube mod stuck into jeans pocket works much better for me.

I looked at every mod there is before buying the Sigelei Zmax V3 Telescopic. I was very impressed by the appearance, the heft and the feel of this device. Gut instincts are the best. Everyone who sees this mod is impressed by it, whether they vape or not.

When I vape in public I know the Sigelei is going to look good so I don't mind the extra three seconds to use the switch safety before putting it away.

The only problem I have with the switch safety is that the OLED display (as good as it is) can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. I haven't seen a mod display yet that is easily seen in full California sunlight. You do have to see the display to make sure the switch is disabled. I'll often wait until I'm in the shade of a building or doorway before actuating the safety. I always deactivate the switch before the Sigelei Zmax goes into my pocket. This has become second nature for me.

 

[DaveP]

Anyone ever had the display become non-responsive? Two or three times in a week, I grab it and vape and look down expecting to see the battery voltage (set up in LCD display) while still holding the button and the display is blank. Release and press again and it vapes but nothing on the LCD. I press 5 times and no menu ... repeatedly. To get the menu back, I have to remove and re-insert the battery, then it starts up just fine as if the battery had been replaced because of low voltage cutoff, except the battery reads 3.6v and vapes for another hour or so just fine and then cuts off at 3.3v.

I wonder if my warranty replacement has a different quirk or if they all do that at times.

 

[Recon Number 54]

I am thinking of adding some sort of clip (to a carabiner) to the battery cap of mine so that I can clip it to my waist/belt. That way if anyone asks, I can tell them that I am a Jedi and it's a mini light-saber.

Too geeky?

+

= WIN?

 

[DaveP]

I am thinking of adding some sort of clip (to a carabiner) to the battery cap of mine so that I can clip it to my waist/belt. That way if anyone asks, I can tell them that I am a Jedi and it's a mini light-saber.

Too geeky?

+

= WIN?

You'd at least attract more attention and invite more conversations over, "What is that thing?". Stormy's Vaper Cellar's local store and their web site sell lanyards and carabiner type clips for mods and ecigs.

As ill advised as it is to pocket carry, I've been doing that for years.

 

[fairmana]

As yzer pointed out, Noalox is designed to provide better conductivity through the threads by introducing small particles of zinc in a paste form. Using products like vaseline or silicone grease may lubricate and reduce wear on the threads, but since they are non-conductive, I don't see how they would help with ground conductivity through the body. It's even possible that those products may instead make the problem slightly worse and introduce a small measure of insulation across the threads, although I have no evidence to back that up. I've never personally used them, so I don't have any first hand experience of how they perform. Being that those products are non-conductive makes me hesitate using them over Noalox, which is specifically formulated for the purpose of improving conductivity, whereas those other products are not. I've seen personally how Noalox has resolved strange behavior with my Segelei Vmax, so for me, the proof is in the pudding.

The only downside to using Noalox or any other paste-like substance on the threads is that dust and grime easily adhere to it. You can tell when it's time to wipe the threads clean and re-apply Noalox when you hear and feel a little grinding in your threads. For me, that usually amounts to every 3 or 4 weeks. It's definitely worth doing though.

 

[Katya]

Thanks fairmana! Great info!

 

[roberted5]

My Sigelei Zmax Telescope V3 VV/VW always goes back to 3.0 volts when I go to mean/average,when I choose volts in power/voltage menu and go to power up/down or change battery.I have round top but picture of 510 threads looks like picture #1.
My watts stays the same but voltage always goes back to 3.0,if I remove battery,if I go to volts and voltage up or down,mean/average,
can anyone let me know if I'm doing something wrong or I got V2 by mistake?

 

[Katya]

Roberto, when you change a battery, your Zmax retains your Wattage setting but not the voltage:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...r-reports-one-week-later-56.html#post10735373

I believe it's an intentional safety feature, not a defect, in case someone forgets that the battery is set at 6v and tries to put a 1.5Ω atty on.