~The Billet Box~ page 1559 continued...

[Hobbs]

I only build and use micro coils for MTL and/or restricted DL. 30AWG Kanthal 7-8 wraps on 2mm @ 1.8-1.9ohms. I'm not willing to change my build. It is my sweet spot and I won't compromise. It works great in conventional RTAs such as the SXK/SJMY Doggystyle 2K16.

With the VapeShell, I can accommodate my build but the coil legs are (really) long, increasing resistance. The wick has a good stretch too. I wouldn't say I'm happy nor unhappy with the VapeShell. However, it isn't my go to for the BilletBox.

My "go to" is a drop in coil. Right now, the only setup I have for the BB that I'm 98-99% happy with is a 1.8ohm nautilus coil in a Comfort Bridge. I'm still looking for a rebuildable that will kick that Comfort Bridge to the closet once and for all. The price of the Crossbow is ridiculously high for me but I may give it a spin.

In addition to the VapeShell, I've also tried 3 other build decks ... Insider, Exocet and a Subtank Mini rba. Still haven't found EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Not for the BilletBox anyway

 

[keighles]

I personally like the Doggy RBA.
I can wrap a nice 3mm clapton coil on it. Ohm @ .25 works well for me. I use one in each of my BB's.

I have a Vape Shell. But I have to use smaller wires on that one. So it isn't my goto.

The crossbow seems very similar to the VS. Not impressed

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[oplholik]

I'm still happy with the VS.

 

[kas122461]

From just looking at the build deck, I think I would like it. It is marketed as a MTL atty, and the shell is supposed to serve both. What I am wondering about is the size of the juice holes in the bottom, the shell's holes are huge IMO. At $130.00 though, I think I would just get another shell. In reality I would really need another Rev 4 first.

KAS

 

[Hobbs]

Before I pull the trigger on a Crossbow at about 2a.m. local when the Crossbow comes out at 9a.m. Swiss time ... I decided to give a compromise build on the VapeShell a try, in that I went with 3mm instead of 2mm. Still using 30AWG Kanthal with a target of 1.8-1.9ohms. 5 spaced wraps on 3mm gave me 1.86ohms. The VapeShell sure does like a 3mm build a heck of a lot better than a 2mm build at least as far as wicking and covering the juice flow holes in the VapeShell. Using Rayon for wicking.

Had to up my usual wattage for this build by just over a watt or so, to get a decent vape. I'm usually at 7.2-7.6watts. So far ... it's okay. Vape production is less than my 7-8 closed wrap 30AWG on 2mm but MAY increase as the coil and wick settle in. I'll see how it goes.

 

[kas122461]

Before I pull the trigger on a Crossbow at about 2a.m. local when the Crossbow comes out at 9a.m. Swiss time ... I decided to give a compromise build on the VapeShell a try, in that I went with 3mm instead of 2mm. Still using 30AWG Kanthal with a target of 1.8-1.9ohms. 5 spaced wraps on 3mm gave me 1.86ohms. The VapeShell sure does like a 3mm build a heck of a lot better than a 2mm build at least as far as wicking and covering the juice flow holes in the VapeShell. Using Rayon for wicking.

Had to up my usual wattage for this build by about .6watts to get a decent vape. I'm usually at 7.2-7.6watts. So far ... it's okay. Vape production is less than my 7-8 closed wrap 30AWG on 2mm but MAY increase as the coil and wick settle in. I'll see how it goes.

That is a good idea, I am still using fractional sized drill bits to build on, I always have. I think maybe a larger diameter coil for it might be the way to go for it. I also use 30ga on a 3/32" bit I don't remember the wraps right now, but I shoot for 2 OHM's, and watts are around 8 to 8.5 or so. That was my problem with the shell, was not enough wick in the wells, I had set it aside for a while and went back to my BVC's.

KAS

 

[Hobbs]

On this 3mm build, i'm still trying to find a good wattage as the wick and coil settle. Currently @ 9W. Higher and it may be getting too warm for my liking since I'm used to 7.2-7.6W. And so it goes.

 

[Hobbs]

Screen grabs from youtube
Crossbow ~ VapeShell

 

[GeekyGeezer]

Screen grabs from youtube
Crossbow ~ VapeShell

After finally seeing the deck, I'm still trying to understand what they're referring to in the "The Deck has two distinct positions for the housing of simple wire coils, micro-coils and complex coils." statement.

 

[Hobbs]

After finally seeing the deck, I'm still trying to understand what they're referring to in the "The Deck has two distinct positions for the housing of simple wire coils, micro-coils and complex coils." statement.

I was thinking the same thing. I'm not seeing it.

The juice well holes look smaller and coil termination closer together, so yeah I can see where the Crossbow MIGHT be more to my liking for a micro build. Can't really determine anything about airflow because I use an airflow reducer (smallest standard, have the MTL kit but didn't need it) in the VapeShell anyway and maybe down to the size the Crossbow is.

Just from watching a youtube review of each and owning a VapeShell, it LOOKS like the fit between the top and bottom pieces MAY be more precise on the VapeShell. The machining of the VapeShell is impeccable.

There's always a first time, but thing is, I've never been disappointed with Swiss products ... from firearms to knives and wristwatches, all of which I own and use ... even a Swiss Army Blanket that's down right nifty in cooler weather. But they dang sure are proud of the Crossbow at one thirty-nine and change plus shipping. Shoot. I'd like to try one. Ya only live once I guess LOL.

 

[GeekyGeezer]

We're seeing pretty much the same thing. The Crossbow is going to take much less wick and have much shorter coil legs. And unless there's some really unusual machining inside the top cap, it looks like the chamber is going to be very small.

I have some doubts about what kind of coils are going to fit into the Crossbow. Not only is there a lot less room but the smaller screw heads and room around them makes me think you're going to have to use a higher gauge wire. Though the long legs for the Vapeshell threw me off at first when my reisistance wasn't coming out as calculated, in the real world it doesn't seem to matter much.

Everybody has their comfort zone, and for the way I vape the Exocet (with Kayfun restrictor) is best with the Vapeshell not far behind. For throat hit and saturated vape, I'm usually about .8 to 1.2 and power from 16 to 22 or so. I seem to be in a rut as to wire as 27 gauge Kanthal has been a steady performer.

I've never once had a problem building/wicking the Exo - ever, and after a couple of mistakes early on with the Vapeshell I've had no problems with it either.

It's funny how our internal value systems work. The Exocet was a bit over $100 as I remember, and at that price I'd buy all I could find even though that's a considerable amount of money. But when we get close to the $150 range I start thinking about whether I really need that item.

 

[Hobbs]

I wanted to love the Exocet but on 2mm builds, I couldn't quite get the wicking right for the large size juice openings in the cap. I even tried offsetting the cap with the base to reduce the opening size. I thought for sure it would work out. Didn't quite. Close but not quite. Always got too much juice.

The only conventional RTA that has worked for me without any fuss is the Doggystyle. So I thought an Insider would be the shizzle in a BilletBox since they're configured about the same, but that wasn't to be either. Trying to change Boro's in the BilletBox and the insider always seemed to want to come out the top of the Boro as I removed the Boro screw on top ... and juice flowed from the bottom ... a couple of times. Tight fit between the chimney of the Insider and that screw's oring. That and whatever else.

Trying to remember now about the Subtank Mini RBA and can't for sure LOL ... may have to give it another try ... some day. All I remember is that I tried a whole bunch of different builds over several different times and the Mini RBA wasn't a vape changer either. Didn't hit the spot, just can't remember "what it was". And that's the fun of having different build options I guess ... I may go back and try just the thing that does it ... this time ... ya know.

 

[Hobbs]

Pic that Saul Fiori (SVT) just posted. Beauty ...

 

[GeekyGeezer]

I wanted to love the Exocet but on 2mm builds, I couldn't quite get the wicking right for the large size juice openings in the cap. I even tried offsetting the cap with the base to reduce the opening size. I thought for sure it would work out. Didn't quite. Close but not quite. Always got too much juice.

Here's the method that works for me. Be aware I vape 70/30 unless the maker insists on using a lot of VG.

Before the cap goes on, I wet the cotton inside the coil and test fire. I don't juice all the wick, just enough to know I have 100% saturation at the coil. I then put the cap on, making sure that no cotton gets trapped between it and the deck. Trim the cotton close but not flush - about the only thing I watch for here is that the wick extends a bit past the cap but isn't so long as to touch the sides of the boro when I install it. At this point, I'll usually notice a small wet dot in the center of the wick where the juice is wicking out. I use my tweezers to gently flare the ends of the wick - so that the fibers are no longer pointing straight out but are slightly flared out to "cover" the slot in the cap. No need to stuff or press.

This may not work for your preferred build but it's been totally effective for me, and I rewick every 3 or 4 days.

 

[Hobbs]

Ordered the Crossbow from the Swiss ... and this leather cover found on Etsy from Poland
Vape mail wait begins ~~~

EDIT: 3mm 30AWG 5wraps in the VapeShell mentioned earlier was popping too much and wouldn't settle in. Air and wattage adjustments didn't mitigate. Trying a 2.5mm 30AWG 6wrap 1.83ohms. Better but still working with it too, to dial in air and power.

 

[ShamrockPat]

and this leather cover found on Etsy from Poland

Stunning. What's the name of the seller?

 

[Robfisher]

Stunning. What's the name of the seller?

@Wayneo I think it's KiLeatherworks from Poland by the looks of it.

 

[Hobbs]

Yep ... KiLeatherworks
I've never dealt with KLW before. Mine was the last/only one like that. What we see is what I will get. Maybe contact them with requests/ideas if you don't find/see a ready-made you like?

 

[oplholik]

I am using 30 gage Kanthal, and 2.5 mm dia. 5 wraps @ about 1.6Ω. I have it set at 10 watts, and haven't experienced any popping yet. The only problem I've had after about 3 refills, I got quite a bit of flooding after the last refill and closing it up.

 

[ShamrockPat]

Mine was the last/only one like that. What we see is what I will get. Maybe contact them with requests/ideas if you don't find/see a ready-made you like?

Found mainly Brown, but that's fine. I'll wait to hear what you think of the leather around the fire button.