Smok Bec Pro or Clouper T5??

[rusirius]

I am still trying to decide between the two. Each have their own respective negatives, but that just makes it harder to choose. The heat regulation for the BEC Pro is a bit concerning to me, but I probably won't go above ~30 watts more than once or twice(depending on what I decide put with it). However, hearing that the T5 has problems with people frying the chip is also worrisome. I do like the GUI on the T5 a lot more than the BEC for the simple fact that it shows more information and is easier to access, but once I find my happy spot I probably won't even bother adjusting the settings much until I decide to change something again. As far as battery life goes, I have stocked up on my VTC4-5's and it's easy enough for me to carry a couple of spare batteries with me, which I probably won't even take this one out of the house, and just run one of my Mechs while I'm out and about.The size of the two is really interesting, but not really a deciding factor for me. The Boost feature of the T5 does seem like a really cool idea, and definitely something to make me consider it more. I've watched reviews for both of these devices and while I am a fan of PBusardo and value his knowledge input, it isn't the say all and be all.

Honestly, after typing all of this out and looking over all the information I have accumulated over the past few days, I think I am leaning towards the T5. While it is bigger, it does have better safety with heat regulation, since I have a habit of mindlessly chain vaping. And I do like some of the extra features it has going for it.

Bear in mind that the issue with the firmware is only that it doesn't limit the output through software to 10 amps, which is the maximum the internal wiring can handle. I've been running the new firmware with no problem at all and have run it at 75 watts. Though it usually stays in the 50 to 60 range. You just can't run below a .8 build at 75 watts. If used properly it works great.

 

[rusirius]

Seeing as you're ok with the looks of it (It's a love it or hate it thing), some thoughts on my T5:

The battery life stinks. On a fully charged VTC5, running a 1.2Ω build at 20 Watts, it's good for about 200 puffs. Not a problem for me, because I only intended to use mine at home, but some would find it a big drawback. Changing the battery on-the-fly will not be convenient. The compartment lid on the bottom is held on by 3 tiny phillips screws.

It intermittantly turns itself off when pressing the fire button. It's pretty rare, but it does it. The firmware update (which is a whole different subject) was suppose to address this problem, which Cloupor admits is a firmware flaw. Now it appears they will not be releasing an update for the T5 at all, according to their website.

These two issues aside, mine has worked without any other problems. It has a nice hefty feel to it, and personally, I like the look of it. I'll be looking to get an EHPro "Big Buddha" to compliment it's size.

If you aren't comfortable running the 1.5 version of firmware (75 watts) then you should get the 1.2 version. The battery life is much better. At 20 watts I was getting about 550 puffs out of vtc5. The firmware (1.5) does fix the intermittent turn off issue. It's a button bounce issue that they filter with the new software. The 1.5 version works great, you just have to manually respect the 10amp limit since it won't do it in software.