Someone help me.

[xDarkRelic]

Hello everyone. I have a problem. I'm gonna need some help to get through this, I may not even make it. Who knows?

I'm addicted. Not the good kind. The kind that costs money... The kind that makes my long hours at work perish with the swipe of my debit card... I'm addicted to.. Upgrading.

So I'm in need some some help from the best of the best with you guys. I'm looking to upgrade! I'm currently looking into going from my istick50w and Subtank Mini, to a mech mod and rda. I'm gonna start my way with single coil builds, and go up to dual. I am thinking I have about $100 I want to work with, so can someone make some recommendations?!

I already have some cotton and kanthal from my rba with the subtank. I'm just looking for a good starter mech and battery set up, with a pretty decent rda. Now, since this is my first, I'm not biased at all against clones. I welcome them! As long as they are decent quality and get the job done, so be it!

But here's one catch: I don't really like shiny stuff, oddly enough. I mean brass, or really shiny silver. I don't like scratches that stuff seem to get in my pocket. I love stuff to look perfect all the time!

So any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated! I have no idea about batteries or their chargers, but I'm more than willing to educate myself.

 

[Wolfenstark]

Have you had a look around the mech mod thread
Mechmods | E-Cigarette Forum

For batteries I use Samsung 25R 18650's and a nitecore intelicharger , some like a xtar charger.
I wouldn't recommend the mech i have as a first mech.
Many out there - Nemesis and stingrays get a lot of mention.
RDA's are plentiful and so are peoples favourite ones.

You could look at a Reo for a mech mod - ok thats more than your budget but perhaps in the future.
Reos Mods | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Stratm69]

The Hcigar Nemesis is a very simple, elegant, and widely popular mech mod. It's 95% brushed stainless steel, so fingerprints are hardly noticable on it. Runs on a 18350 or 18650 battery.

As far as RDA's go, they're just like mech mods... as in they all do the same thing. The only differnence with RDA's is the airflow, some are better than others. Other than that, it's a matter of aesthetic preferences.

I tried to get into RDA's, but they have poor design flaws such as quarky airflows systems, and are prone to leaking due to poor layout and shallow juice wells. It's 2015 for gods sake, you think they can figure out something better...

I bought a Plume Veil based on it being one the best by reviews, probably the worst vape purchase i've made to date... Leaks like a son of gun and the airflow system makes zero sense. I bought a Legion the next day and it's far better. YMMV.

 

[roxynoodle]

Take a look around Fasttech. Read the reviews and discussions, and I'm sure you'll ind something you like.

Can't go wrong with Sony vtc4s. I use Samsungs a lot, but I mostly run RTAs, and at 0.4ohm or higher.

I have a Nitecore i4, but there are better chargers I guess. Its been running like a champ since August though.

 

[C3RB3RU5]

I like the mech I got, an AR mod clone. It's durable, works great, was only $25.00, I find no need for a pesky lock ring to remember, being that the button is recessed in the bottom and is octagonal so it won't unscrew/loosen/ or need adjustment, copper pins, and comes in a wide variety of scratch resistant "Cerakote" finishes to accommodate any style.

Has awesome large air holes (20-24 depending on clone) for venting in the event of battery failure. Not saying that's a problem with this mod just saying battery safety is always important to be aware of. Also IMO it just looks cool seeing your battery through the vent holes. One thing I will say is if getting one make sure it is a clone that doesn't have painted threads, some do, and you don't want those because of voltage drop.

I go with AW batteries, they're definitely my go to battery. I like they use microprinting, holograms, and UV light to verify authenticity.

Nitecore's are nice chargers, either the 2 bay or 4 bay, which ever better suits your needs.

 

[sonicbomb]

With a 50W regulated mod you might want to consider just using an RDA on it first. Unless you are planning some super sub-ohm build then you get might actually be better with your current PV.
Mechs are not intrinsically better than regulated devices and come with their own headaches and safety issues.
Its hard to give advice on which mechs or RDAs to get as they are all essentially very similar as already stated, it really comes down to personal preference. Certain design choices get up some peoples noses, others love them. I would suggest you watch a bunch of youtube videos, make a choice based on the aesthetics, then read a bunch of reviews to make sure what you have selected doesn't have any hidden flaws you might want to avoid. If you want a blind choice, go for a Stingray X. You can pick up a nearly 1:1 clone on FT for about $25. They are small, handsome and low voltage drop.
Sony VTC4s, Samsung 25Rs and Nitecore chargers all get my thumbs up.

There is a list of tools and you will need if you plan to use an RDA. Again watch a few videos and you will see what is required, or of course ask here.

 

[alicewonderland]

if you ask me, there really is no upgrade from a good vv/vw mod to a mech mod (vapewise), the benefits as I see them only come from aesthetics and form factor. With a Mech you have to build based on your battery (rather than just adjusting wattage based to your build), you have to be wary of shorts on a mech as they can be hazardous (on most vv/vw devices they have short-protection). There is no customization of vape on a mech other than building the coil itself, once you have a coil in there you are stuck with that coil and same vape unless you rebuild it (on a vv/vw vape you can get a slight vape or up the wattage get a warmer denser vape with the same coil).

Theres also that positive of mechs being bulletproof since there is no electricals in it, but thats about it. Vape-wise you won't get any upgrades over a vv/vw device.

 

[Wruff]

I haven't touched my mechs since going to vv. No reason to. Why put myself back at the mercy of battery drain and having to change the battery 4 times a day in a mech compared to just once a day with a single battery vv device that gives me consistent power to the very last puff.

 

[bones1274]

Check out the REO, it will meet all of your needs, and you won't feel the desire to upgrade down the road. You can find them on the classies for the price range you are looking for.

 

[dionysuskiss]

I agree with the other posts about vv vs mech mods. For one, it's what you are used to. I have an istick 50w also and I mainly use RDAs on it. With vv you can make adjustments AFTER you build to find that sweet spot. There is less strain on the battery, hence making it safer. If you wanna upgrade, look into the 100/150 watt vv mods. I myself am waiting(and waiting and waiting) for my ipv 4 to arrive.

 

[3mg Meniere]

I haven't touched my mechs since going to vv. No reason to. Why put myself back at the mercy of battery drain and having to change the battery 4 times a day in a mech compared to just once a day with a single battery vv device that gives me consistent power to the very last puff.

I use kicks in my mechs. Greatly improved, at least for a tootler.

 

[GinnyTx]

if you could bump that budget a bit..I'm digging the vapor flask clone I have (and a Kayfun 4) ..yeah I know I'm an enabler *lol*

we try to stick to the sony batteries..reliability issues. The crap ones crap out on you..imagine that *lol*


good luck!