Sigelei Zmax V3 and V5 Telescopic: User's Group

[DaxFX]

After the frustration on my first zmax I must say im really happy now. only my pheonix atty does not fit with the beaty ring but seem neither on almost every mod i own doesnt fit so my vamo came in for that atty


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[josho]

I notice in the display menu there is no more the triple scrolling "resistance" reading. This must be a revised version..


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I saw the same. I was expecting what I had seen in all the video reviews... was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't the case

 

[yzer]

Thanks for the heads up on a new version. Any other changes in the menu?

 

[josho]

I haven't noticed any, looks like they just eliminated the scrolling. I guess I'd call it v3.5.

I have noticed after the first couple days of use that it seems to misfire fairly frequently. Not particularly the end of the world, as my old lavatube did the same. Just ends up surprising when you come up with nothing.

 

[FLExJuice]

Cool! I just noticed that too about no scroll with my replacement Zmax.

 

[yzer]

I haven't noticed any, looks like they just eliminated the scrolling. I guess I'd call it v3.5.

I have noticed after the first couple days of use that it seems to misfire fairly frequently. Not particularly the end of the world, as my old lavatube did the same. Just ends up surprising when you come up with nothing.

I'm getting close to three months of use with my V3 flat top now and I still get an occasional misfire. I've found this to be 100% due to B- voltage path continuity along the threaded telescopic battery tube and not the switch button or electronics. The fix is quick and any of these can work: slightly loosen or tighten the tube, wiggle the tube a little to change thread contact, clean the threads, apply Noalox to the threads. Battery cap threads and spring need to be kept clean. Battery cap should always be screwed down tight. With batteries larger than 18350 I adjust the telescopic tube so that about 1/8" of battery sticks out from the tube before I screw down the cap. Poor post contact with an atomizing device can cause intermittent misfires too. I tend to notice this after I've been using the same carto for several days.

 

[SoonerChris]

Sorry, off topic a little. Figured this would be the best place to ask.

If I was going to order from Varitube, should I go with the kit that includes the batt and charger or buy those items separately to get the best batts?

 

[yzer]

Depends on what you already have for a charger. The single cell charger that comes with Sigelei kits isn't bad at all. It's a 1 amp charger and charges in big hurry. The generic 18650 batteries that come with Sigelei kits are a blue button top generic IMR. I haven't had any problem with them. So far, the only other batts I have are E-fest IMRs.

 

[yzer]

As far as chargers go, there are a lot to choose from. Right now I'm using the faster Sigelei single cell charger for the 18650s and a Trustfire TR-001 for the 18500s and 18350s. You will hear mixed reviews of the TR-001 as some people got stuck with defective units. It's a two cell, 500mA charger. Mine works great.

I used to use a home-brew 7-cell charger for my 14650s made up from some 350mA YL-103A single cell chargers. I don't use it any more because the charge time is so long for 18500 and 18650 and the darned YL-103As put out way too much RF interference. I'm looking to get a XTAR WP6 II six cell charger sometime soon. They cost $30-35.

 

[SoonerChris]

Depends on what you already have for a charger. The single cell charger that comes with Sigelei kits isn't bad at all. It's a 1 amp charger and charges in big hurry. The generic 18650 batteries that come with Sigelei kits are a blue button top generic IMR. I haven't had any problem with them. So far, the only other batts I have are E-fest IMRs.

As far as chargers go, there are a lot to choose from. Right now I'm using the faster Sigelei single cell charger for the 18650s and a Trustfire TR-001 for the 18500s and 18350s. You will hear mixed reviews of the TR-001 as some people got stuck with defective units. It's a two cell, 500mA charger. Mine works great.

I used to use a home-brew 7-cell charger for my 14650s made up from some 350mA YL-103A single cell chargers. I don't use it any more because the charge time is so long for 18500 and 18650 and the darned YL-103As put out way too much RF interference. I'm looking to get a XTAR WP6 II six cell charger sometime soon. They cost $30-35.

Thanks. Ordered the kit. Will ask forgiveness from the wife later.

Back to regular scheduled programming.

 

[j0sh_m]

Got mine last Friday from Vaportekusa. So far, no issues. (knock on wood!)



Sigelei Zmax V3 Telescope and Smoktech SS Telescope by j☺s h_m [busy], on Flickr

Next to a Smoktech SS Telescope (new version)

 

[FLExJuice]

Got mine last Friday from Vaportekusa. So far, no issues. (knock on wood!)



Sigelei Zmax V3 Telescope and Smoktech SS Telescope by j☺s h_m [busy], on Flickr

Next to a Smoktech SS Telescope (new version)

How you like the Smoktech? It's smokin hot mod. You don't mind me asking what you paid and where.

 

[FLExJuice]

If anyone wants a Zmax, Electronicstix has them back in stock. I was going to buy from them but really wanted it sooner and got it at Varitube.

ElectronicStix.Com · Sigelei Telescoping ZMax V3

 

[yzer]

I bought my Sigelei Zmax Telescopic flat top from ElectronicStix. It costs $10 more at Varitube. Both offer free shipping.

Both include the charger, a clearo and two batteries. Varitube includes one 18350 and one 18650. ElectronicStix includes two 18650s.

Varitube throws in a zipper case.

Varitube offers a 90-day warranty. ElectronicStixs offers a 14-day warranty. A longer warranty can be worth the additional cost.

 

[josho]

I bought my Sigelei Zmax Telescopic flat top from ElectronicStix. It costs $10 more at Varitube. Both offer free shipping.

Both include the charger, a clearo and two batteries. Varitube includes one 18350 and one 18650. ElectronicStix includes two 18650s.

Varitube throws in a zipper case.

Varitube offers a 90-day warranty. ElectronicStixs offers a 14-day warranty. A longer warranty can be worth the additional cost.

For 10 bucks it's worth the extra warranty time. I picked mine up for 50 bucks when Vapor Tek USA was selling them, even without a warranty I'm not so worried about it.

 

[j0sh_m]

How you like the Smoktech? It's smokin hot mod. You don't mind me asking what you paid and where.

Hi FLExJuice.

I like it a lot. Zero missfires! It's my first mech mod. Got it last month from gotvapes. These are on sale right now.

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[plop1]

A longer warranty can be worth the additional cost.

Yeah especially with this mod. 4 units passed in my hands in a month, from 2 different vendors (France and UK):
- 1st had a screen crooked beyond belief, and after 3 weeks miss-fires started, it went into the menus while vaping, etc. Exchanged.
- 2nd had a finger print INSIDE the screen window. Returned and got a refund.
- 3rd miss-fired and went into the menus by itself too, but this time it was from day-one. Exchanged.
- 4th gave a "low load" error upon arrival with all my clearos. Also something was missing inside under the switch so I could see the PCB behind the button. I'm returning it tomorrow for a refund.

Too bad cause I liked the size and looks, but I'm done with this garbage.

 

[GtrSoloist]

I've had my Zmax v3 (tapered version) for almost a week now and I love it.

I got mine from Varitube in the kit version and like everyone else, they included a note stating it was test-fired and lubricated prior to shipping. I'm very happy with Varitube and the 90 warranty is a no-brainer for me especially after reading this thread.

The kit version included: Body, 2 end caps, clearo, charger, case, and 1 each of generic blue 18650, and 18350 batteries.

I've been using Protanks and Evod's with the Zmax, running mostly in 18350 mode. At first I was using VV which was great, but once I switched to VW mode, there was no going back. I have noticed however, that the batteries do not seem to last as long in VW mode. I see 18500's in my future.

The only issue I have had thus far, is that an evod did not want to unscrew from the Zmax. Because of how far down the evod sits, you can't even see the metal ring. When it did finally break lose, the metal ring was still in the Zmax, and could have been messy had it not been empty. For good measure, I always unscrew the evods upside-down just in case. On a related note, I have noticed that the evod sits slightly tilted on the Zmax. It's not very noticeable and the Protank appears to be straight.

All in all, I would highly recommend the Zmax. Assuming it lasts 6+ months, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one. It's better than I expected.

 

[yzer]

I'm a happy camper with the Sigelei Zmax V3 Telescopic flat top. My previous APV was regulated 3.7V but it couldn't do much more than six watts and voltage regulation was not that good. Voltage regulation with the Sigelei is rock solid right up until it shuts down from low battery power at 3.3V. The Sigelei Zmax has spoiled me. I love vaping at 7.5W now.

I'm going to buy another Sigelei soon for a back-up rig. I know that I won't be very happy if I need to go back to the E-Power 14650 as a back-up. It still works great after a year and a half of daily use but it isn't close to the Sigelei in performance.

I've used Chinese-made APVs for nearly two years now. I only needed to buy three because none of them has failed so far and I always wanted a spare as a back-up. Still, given that a certain percentage of Chinese APVs will arrive DOA or fail soon after delivery I'd advise shopping from vendors who offer the best warranty. If a rig doesn't fail in 90 days chances are it's going to be a solid and long-lived performer. If you can find a 90-day warranty, go for it.

Now a little rambling.

One of the things the Chinese have mastered over the centuries is the art of grading all of their products. This goes back to the days when they produced a lot of things for the world market and shipped by sailing vessels: products like fine China or even bristle brushes (which they still produce today). Even then the Chinese would grade and price their products very carefully. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chinese APV manufacturers in Shenzhen batch grade all of their finished products. It's very possible that vendors who want lower grade product to sell cheaper can buy it wholesale at a lower price and vendors who want higher grade product to sell at a premium price (with a better warranty) can pay more for better grade units.

Even if there isn't A grade and B grade Sigelei product out there I can understand why a vendor would charge more for test firing and prepping the units. That extra step costs time and money and is sure to improve the likelihood that the customer receives a solid rig.

 

[josho]

I have to say that I am very pleased with this when it works, which is 90% of the time. The misfires are an inconvenience and I havent taken the time to lube the threads, so it may end up being fixed in the long run. My fiancé loved mine so much that I ordered her a sigelei zmax mini as she didn't need the telescopic function. Hers works fantastic as well. In its price range, it is by far the best bang for your buck.

The rattlesnake is still there, but it isnt nearly as bad or noticeable as I expected it to be. Really not an issue.

Also, the ibtanked 22mm tank fits like a dream. There's still the gap, but I dont mind it really. Here it is filled with pluid.