Tube Mech vs Box Mech

[CParker1987]

So I use to use a tube mech about two years ago or so. Then I moved to VW/VV (currently have sigelei 150W TC) but now I want to get a mech again. Initially I was looking at the Stingray X and the Mephisto V2 in copper, cause lets be honest, they look like they were destined to be together. Now I'm in a toss up between a box or tube mech. I know the box will usually hold 2 batteries which will extend battery life but outside of that, what are the pros and cons of both styles. Because battery life really isn't that serious to me. How's the vape quality difference? so on and so on. Just looking for some point of views from people who have tried a lot of both. Thanks yall.

 

[petrotech]

For me, it's safety. 2 batteries in parallel almost doubles AMP limit, so you can safely build lower resistance coils.

 

[CParker1987]

On a tube mode, you can build down to .15 to .2 right? that's about where I vape now anyhow. With a fresh battery (4.2v) subtract the .1 or .2 of voltage drop... lets say 4.0v for ....s and giggles. At .15 ohms at 4v that's 26 amps. 4 below what my batteries can handle. Unless my understanding of Ohms law is off then safety isn't a concern to me.

 

[petrotech]

I'm more paranoid with my batteries. In perfect world, yes, you are correct. But after some time, cells might get damaged internally (without us knowing) and the the "safe" amp limit might drop dramatically. Just my 2 cents.

I also read something about battery sag improving, but I don't build low enough to really notice.

Plus there's some really sexy looking box mods out there. Lol

 

[Robert Cromwell]

Box mods are safer than tube mods. LOTS less likely to explode. Most tube mods are vented at the wrong end with pathetically undersized venting. A box mod will just blow the door off before a big bang from built up pressure. And it will NOT be directed up towards your mouth/face.

bottom vented tube mods are not too smart of an idea. When a battery starts to go into meltdown they vent from the positive end it is how they are designed. One of the first thing it does is swell up and seal off any airflow towards the base venting. Pressure continues to build and guess which end blows at the weakest point? 510 threaded connector....

This is science guys not alarmism.

If you use a tube mech mod drill some holes around the top for proper venting. Just in case.

 

[CParker1987]

ok so if im to understand this correctly now. dual 18650s in parallel double the amp limit, am I correct? so at 4.0v (given the .1 or .2 voltage drop) I can build as low as .06 ohms? am I correct? that seems like stupidly low.

 

[Kprthevapr]

I would think that .06 would be too close to a dead short to try and vape on any mod.

 

[CParker1987]

that's what I thinking too... I just pulled those numbers from an ohm calculator is all

 

[Kprthevapr]

I run a derringer at .3 on my cherry bomber lol. Most of my builds are between .25-.35.

 

[Kprthevapr]

that's what I thinking too... I just pulled those numbers from an ohm calculator is all

How's the vape scene in Winder? Are there many shops around?

 

[CParker1987]

Inside of Winder, theres one. surrounding towns is a decent amount. If you've been to Winder then you'd understand lol... small po'dunk town

 

[Kprthevapr]

Between lawerencville and Athens?
I repo'd mobile homes all over the state of GA for almost 20 years before we moved to Cali

 

[mhertz]

Firstly, I believe you include voltage-drop(not sag) into the amps calculations and not subtract it before... It's dropped voltage through the switch/body/threads but that just means it's dropped from actual use of the atty/coil, not from being output out of the battery, which is what we calculate for, for safety, to avoid venting...

Anyway, for me, the reasons I prefer a parallel mech box over a tube mech, is 4 fold; It hits harder, lasts longer before cell-changing(s), can build lower and batteries last longer as using lower amps usually(atleast I do, my goto build is 0.18). And the safety aspect brought up by Robert Cromwell is a fifth good reason too...

Additionally, the reasons I prefer a tube mech over a parallel/series mech box, is it's even bigger simplicity Plus it's smaller, sleeker and lighter form-factor.

Yes, in a parallel box the voltage-sag is lower, as it's shared by two cells and not one, so it hits harder and lasts over 2x the tube mech, because of double mahs in parallel config + reduced voltage sag..

 

[Nikea Tiber]

Pretty much what everyone here said...
In addition to doubling amp limit and capacity, having two cells in parallel will halve their internal resistance on the full circuit, so the overall voltage drop will be lower, especially with low ohm coils.

 

[93gc40]

IMO, If you plan to vape at or below .25ohm, you need a 40amp rated battery in your Tube or a parallel battery mod. For the same reason it's not a good idea to drive a car all the time at it's top speed.. Things are more likely break when pushed to their limits. There's a reason Race cars get replaced or rebuilt after a race.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

There is no true 40 amp CDR 18650 battery. 30 amp is a hot as they get.

 

[mhertz]

Personally, I would recommend new people to mechs to not go over the CDR for safety reasons, and if they want longevity out of the cells, then use under the CDR. If they don't care about longevity(cells are cheap), then it's fine to go up to the CDR imho. And I mean the Mooch provided CDR, not the manufacturers.

Personally, for my own usage, then I don't mind going a little over the CDR, e.g. I run 0.18 in both tube mech and parallel mech box with 25R5's, however, I always watch out for what i'm doing and isn't careless with anything. E.g. if going out, then I remove the cells from all mech mods left at home etc. Vaping is pulsing afterall, and I pay attention to e.g. stuck fire-buttons etc, so as to quickly remedy any possible issues like that. Again, I wouldn't recommend that to other new mech users, but just solely personal preference!

I don't go lower than that either, but the reason I don't go higher, is because I don't wanna change cells constantly(atleast on tube mech) and so don't change the cells out before about 3.4-5 and so I want the entire range, also the lower, to be reasonable, instead of absolutely needing to change cells at 3.7-8 or something because of very veak vape.

I start with short pulls because of very hot, and then as voltage climbs down, I take longer and longer pulls and then change cells when needing e.g. 4+ sec pulls around 3.5v...

 

[edyle]

So I use to use a tube mech about two years ago or so. Then I moved to VW/VV (currently have Sigelei 150W TC) but now I want to get a mech again. Initially I was looking at the Stingray X and the Mephisto V2 in copper, cause lets be honest, they look like they were destined to be together. Now I'm in a toss up between a box or tube mech. I know the box will usually hold 2 batteries which will extend battery life but outside of that, what are the pros and cons of both styles. Because battery life really isn't that serious to me. How's the vape quality difference? so on and so on. Just looking for some point of views from people who have tried a lot of both. Thanks yall.

Tube mechs:
Pros:
- can often accommodate a kick module
- can often use parts from another tube mod is threading is the same
Cons:
- most are bottom switched /negative switched and a tear an the battery wrapper can cause a problem
- can't run two batteries parallel.

Have a look at the kato; compactness of a box type mod, but threaded like tube mech;
only takes 1 batt though

 

[petrotech]

Tube mechs:
Pros:
- can often accommodate a kick module
- can often use parts from another tube mod is threading is the same
Cons:
- most are bottom switched /negative switched and a tear an the battery wrapper can cause a problem
- can't run two batteries parallel.

Have a look at the kato; compactness of a box type mod, but threaded like tube mech;
only takes 1 batt though

The real question is...which one looks sexier?

A Caravela or a handcrafted wood box mod?

I have no problem admitting I'm a shallow person

 

[silvertorch]

What about a dual series mech?

You would have to build higher and marry batteries.