Vapor Shark rDNA 40w vs iPV Mini 2

[Ghostin215]

Hey guys,

So I'm going for a regulated mod and I've got it down to 2 choices, the rDNA 40w and the ipv Mini 2.

Can you guys who own one or the other or both list some pros and cons for me? Also, if you have an alternative you think is better than either please feel free to suggest it.

Thanks in advance guys,

Ghostin215

 

[Katmar]

Hi Ghost, let's bump you up for an answer....

 

[Rucerius]

The VS is an excellent box mod, however it does have a few issues related to the DNA40 chip.

The main issues with the DNA40 fall into a couple categories: screen glitches, connectivity, battery meter, and temp control wire limitations. I will say that Evolv is working on solving the screen glitches as well as the battery meter. If you're using the temp control feature you're currently limited to Ni200 wire which is rather soft (although some people are having some success with titanium wire). Connectivity becomes an issue when using temperature control, you have to have a rock solid connection or you'll have a bit of fluctuation.

PBusardo has two recent videos out on the DNA40, I'd highly recommend anyone considering getting a DNA40 device to watch them both and decide for themselves if this is what they want to get into.

With the issues the DNA40 currently has, would I buy another? Absolutely, and I'd recommend it to others as well (so long as they watch those videos so they're aware of what they might run into).

 

[juicynoos]

Hi Ghostin215 ,

Both are very good devices and fine choices depending on what your needs are.

I have the iPV mini 2 and find it excellent in terms of performance at this price (under $70), I love the smaller form factor over other similar devices..
70 watts is enough power(with headroom) to get the most out of some builds I do on certain high end rda's as well as dry burning the coils. At 30 watts it delivers a solid 30 unlike certain other regulated mods.

I would recommend you to read the related threads since you give limited information about how you intend to use the device you choose, ie..toppers, builds, watts. wicking and coils etc.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/variable-voltage-apv-discussion/646410-ipv-mini-v2.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...eviews/631637-vapor-shark-rdna-40-review.html

 

[RandyF]

I have 2 rDNA40's, a DNA30 and an IPV2s, the IPV is collecting dust. Granted, you are looking at the IPV Mini 2, but the VS's are just well built mods that work great. They have been dealing with issues related to the chip (Evolv's fault, not VS), but I believe they have it sorted now. Nickel builds come with a huge learning curve, but you can use it with kanthal the same as any other mod.

you may want to look into a "scratch and dent" model, most put a shark skin on it anyway, and you will save $50.

 

[juicynoos]

"Nickel builds come with a huge learning curve, but you can use it with kanthal the same as any other mod"

But only up to 40 watts! If the OP is not looking to get into nickel builds or interested in temp control then why get that mod? I bought the iPV mini 2 as an interim device
until I make up my mind regarding use of nickel coils and the sorting out of Evolve's chipset. The quality of the Vapor Shark is indisputable but the price point between the 2 choices the OP posted don't really compare, infact, it is rather an unusual comparison since both are really completely different mods- hence my suggestion of doing some research before buying one or the other.

Personally, I do want the VS and don't worry about the difficulty of nickel builds because the 'temp control' feature offers greater safety from a health perspective, so thanks for posting the link- I may be using it myself

 

[Vapenstein]

But only up to 40 watts! If the OP is not looking to get into nickel builds or interested in temp control then why get that mod?

You don't need a lot of watts to hit 450 or even 500 degrees. More watts with nickel builds is just going to throw you into temp protection. 40w is more than adequate. I'm guessing a majority of vapers will end up messing with nickel briefly and going back to Kanthal because it's much easier getting your build right and your vape dialed in to your preference.

Given that, $70 for an iPV Mini v2 sounds like a good deal, IF you don't mind that it doesn't buck, so you won't be running any builds that draw less than battery voltage. It'll certainly lose its finish just as fast as the VS, and for less money.

 

[juicynoos]

You don't need a lot of watts to hit 450 or even 500 degrees. More watts with nickel builds is just going to throw you into temp protection. 40w is more than adequate. I'm guessing a majority of vapers will end up messing with nickel briefly and going back to Kanthal because it's much easier getting your build right and your vape dialed in to your preference.

Given that, $70 for an iPV Mini v2 sounds like a good deal, IF you don't mind that it doesn't buck, so you won't be running any builds that draw less than battery voltage. It'll certainly lose its finish just as fast as the VS, and for less money.

Fully agree, and then there are JWraps or Vapeskinz! choices, choices

 

[Ghostin215]

Thanks for the info man! I have a mech mod (caravela clone) with plume veil RDA, but I want to give regulated box mods a try. So I'm familiar with chill builds and such. I prefer a .7-1.5Ω setup so the 70w for the iPV Mini 2 is just so I have overheard if I want to go power. 40w would be good for me but the temp. control wouldn't really be something I'd used and the issues with the Evolv chip is also a bit concerning considering you're paying ~$140 for the rDNA. The Mini 2 is basically half the price and I've only heard good things about the Yihi chip.

 

[Ghostin215]

Thanks for the info! The iPV Mini 2 is actually on VS' website, and they don't endorse products that aren't of high quality, and from every review I've read /seen the M2 is built solid.

 

[2legsshrt]

In a few words the SXmini is far better don't know how the new one will be the M class it's supposed to be out soon but the S class like I have has a lot of features the VS doesn't plus 60w. Check out Busardos review on the SX or anyones. They aren't cheap same as the VS rDna40. I love mine and will be very anxious to see how the new one is it will also have temperature control.

 

[Rucerius]

Thanks for the info man! I have a mech mod (caravela clone) with plume veil RDA, but I want to give regulated box mods a try. So I'm familiar with chill builds and such. I prefer a .7-1.5Ω setup so the 70w for the iPV Mini 2 is just so I have overheard if I want to go power. 40w would be good for me but the temp. control wouldn't really be something I'd used and the issues with the Evolv chip is also a bit concerning considering you're paying ~$140 for the rDNA. The Mini 2 is basically half the price and I've only heard good things about the Yihi chip.

The issues with the Evolv chip are in regards to using Ni200 (nickel) coils, with Kanthal coils it's rock solid. If the temp control is something you won't be using then it's a moot point and the iPV Mini 2 would be a better choice for that reason (not to mention the lower price).

 

[2legsshrt]

One more thing the SXmini also has a mechanical mode if you want to use it plus 5 memory settings uses and 18650 can be charged with USB or change the battery very well built plus the screen automatically positions itself so it is right side up no matter which side you have it on. Great boost buck technology goes from 5w to 60w in .1w increments. Also has 3 modes powerful, standard, and soft. Powerful gives you 2 seconds at 10% above setting standard is standard and soft gives you 10% below setting for 2 seconds. It is a pretty amazing little regulated mod.

 

[2legsshrt]

Thanks for the info man! I have a mech mod (caravela clone) with plume veil RDA, but I want to give regulated box mods a try. So I'm familiar with chill builds and such. I prefer a .7-1.5Ω setup so the 70w for the iPV Mini 2 is just so I have overheard if I want to go power. 40w would be good for me but the temp. control wouldn't really be something I'd used and the issues with the Evolv chip is also a bit concerning considering you're paying ~$140 for the rDNA. The Mini 2 is basically half the price and I've only heard good things about the Yihi chip.

The one that is $140 has to be sent in to have the battery changed for $25 the one with the removable battery is the rDNA40 is $190

 

[2legsshrt]

Don't get me wrong the rDNA40 is an awesome regulated mod with temperature control possibilities and it is made in America but the SXmini S class has more features and the M class has Temperature control but it is being kept really hush hush. Also I might say the SX is available at Varitube and Vapinart but when they are gone there will only be the M class when it finally comes out. And as far as workmanship they both seem to equal the Provari and that is kind of hard to say because I have been exclusively Provari since they first came out with it and I was on the waiting list.

 

[Ghostin215]

Thanks man, you've def. given me tons of information, but you focused a lot on the rDNA 40. Do you have anything to say about the iPV Mini 2? I'd like to hear your thoughts on that since you seem like you know your stuff.

 

[jstrong]

This is coming from some who has a Vaporshark rDna 40 or should I say had. I sent my third unit in today. That is right, 3 units. All 3 bad and I am fed up at this point. I dropped $300 on a Vaporflask instead for the dual batteries and less problems based off what Evolv told me. As far as the IPV Mini 2 I myself would not get it. A single 18650 battery in a 70 watt mod is really putting a strain on a battery and pushing the battery to it's limits depending on the battery. If you want a single 18650 mod that isn't a DNA device then I would go a different route and try to be between 50 and 60 watts. Sigelei has a nice 50 watt box. For $50 depending on where you shop a iStick 50 is hard to beat for the money and power, especially battery life. There is a lot of people who love the Vaporshark and I get it. The finish is cool but probably won't hold up in time, wireless and zip charging, 4 month warranty etc. At this point the glitches aren't out yet and you may get a good unit and you may not. It is a crap shoot. If you get a bad unit and have to send it back I hope you have a back up mod. If you decide you wanna get a Flask you get a dual battery, 1 year warranty, made in the US and if it does mess up Vaporflask sends you a loaner til you get a new one. Vaporshark is in the USA but the box is assembled over seas.

 

[jstrong]

Or you could always wait for the IPV4 and it will have dual batteries, under $100 with the chance of temp control in April. I think 100 watts is useless for temp control. Perhaps China gets the chip right and perhaps they don't.

 

[Oberon75]

I have the HANA MODZ DNA 40 V4D and the iPV 2S which is the exact same mod as the iPV mini2. Only larger and waterproof. Now I do like my iPV but will take my DNA 40 over it any day of the week. I love that temperature controlled vape and find no issues working with nickel. While you will want to use 28 to 30g wire, it's a lot easier to work with then 28g Kanthal.

One big thing to keep in mind with the iPV is, if you plan on using it at 60 to 70 watts, the battery life is pretty bad. Expect to carry one to two extra batteries if you are out all day.

And there are many DNA 40 options out there. Vapor Shark is only one. Hcigar has one with an authentic DNA chip and it's only like $120. You can buy HANA's with slight imperfections for not much more. They are starting at $129 and you can get my dual battery version for $179. I can generally go a couple days between charges before I need to put it on the charger. Something to think about.

https://www.hanamodz.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68

Sent from my HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon edition

 

[Oberon75]

One other option would be the 100w iPV4 if you are willing to take a chance on China's version of Temperature Control.

Sent from my HTC One M8 Harman/Kardon edition