Vaptio S150 ATC Kit Contest: looking for TC device testers—Part 2 Officially started

Status
Not open for further replies.

Shawn Hoefer

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jan 21, 2015
11,191
49,147
58
Arkansas Ozarks
Do the coils in the 5 Pack you received have a strong rubber odor eminating
from them?. The kit coils I have received, are shall I say, quite fragrant and
affect my e-juice in a rather unpleasant and unbearable way.
My coils appear to be unaffected.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
 

TrollDragon

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Dec 3, 2014
10,556
57,665
NS, Canada
Do the coils in the 5 Pack you received have a strong rubber odor eminating
from them?. The kit coils I have received, are shall I say, quite fragrant and
affect my e-juice in a rather unpleasant and unbearable way.
I'll bust a few out later and have a smell.
 

TrollDragon

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Dec 3, 2014
10,556
57,665
NS, Canada
Update to the rubber smell from the coil heads. Yes mine have it as well. :(
The white rubber insulator needs to be silicone.

I had some friction fit Drip Tips with the same smell and it never came out so they hit the trash.

The new ATC coil besides having the rubber taste also didn't perform to well, a weak vape at 480F. The coil was saturated before installation and let sit for 10 minutes in the full tank.

I took the original coil apart and that little chip on the fine copper wires is soldered in place. They have dipped that part in some sort of epoxy and I would assume that it is lead free solder. I really don't care much for a soldered component in the center of the coil/vape stream.

The tank can get quite hot as well after a few vapes, I am not sure if this is common with smaller sized coil head type tanks as I don't use them.
 

TrollDragon

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Dec 3, 2014
10,556
57,665
NS, Canada
So now the tank has been cleaned out and put back it the box, unusable due to the taste of the replacement ATC coils. The included non ATC coil has a hint of rubber smell as well but I didn't bother trying it.

A Moonshot sits on the S150 now in VW mode @75W :vapor:
 

Kaezziel

Supreme Overlord of Everything
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jul 29, 2014
4,536
47,824
Houston, TX, USA
Alright... after playing with the Ascension S150 ATC over the long weekend, I have to agree with my fellow vapers on many of the points that have already been raised. Overall, it is a nice mod and it is a capable performer that is even simple enough for a relatively new vaper to use with confidence. The tank has a few issues, and it seems to me that there needs to be more quality control consistency in the replacement coils.

On to the review!
Upon arrival, it was well wrapped and protected very nicely.
001 Wrapped.jpg


Everything was neatly wrapped and arrived in perfect condition.
002 Unwrapped.jpg


Here is the mod kit (on the left), Tenna Coiler (top right), 5-pack of extra ATC coil heads (bottom right).
003 In The Box.jpg


Opening the box, you'll find the mod box, the tank, user's guide, and a certificate of inspection. As Shawn noted earlier, underneath the foam (under the tank) is another small box that contains an additional coil (0.4Ω Kanthal ATC head installed in tank, 0.4Ω Kanthal (non-ATC) head is in the box) and a USB-to-microUSB cable for charging.
005 Opened.jpg


This is the ATC coil head. Note that the second image shows "ATC" in the box. (The spare coil that was with the charging cable did not have the "ATC" label etched on it.
006 ATC Coil 1.jpg
007 ATC Coil 2.jpg


This is the bottom of the ATC coil. Note the separate gold colored pin in the center. This is the connection for the 3-pin system that works with the RTD that allows for temperature control with the Kanthal coil.
008 ATC Coil Bottom.jpg


Top side view of the pre-installed ATC coil. There is a full screen covering the coil that I assume is to control spitback. As Troll noted earlier, the replacement coils (the separate box of 5) does not have a full screen, just a thin strip across the center. It is worth noting that this particular coil had awful performance and an extremely tight draw. I still managed to get three tank fulls through it (for science!). Today I switched to one of the spares and am much happier. Airflow is much easier and flavor is 10X better than the original coil head.
009 ATC Coil Top.jpg


This is the view of the inside-bottom of the tank. You can see the center pin that mates with the ATC connection here.
010 Inside Bottom of Tank.jpg
 

Kaezziel

Supreme Overlord of Everything
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jul 29, 2014
4,536
47,824
Houston, TX, USA
This is the bottom of the tank. Here, you can see the "3rd-Pin" that comprises the ATC system.
011 Tank 510 Pin.jpg


Here, we see the top fill port. It can accomodate needle-tip and small tip squeeze bottles as well as fine tip droppers. Care must be taken to ensure that the juice goes where it is intended to go.
012 Top Fill Port.jpg


Filling the tank is simple and convenient with the proper bottle tips and a little care.
013 Filling The Tank.jpg


A full tank, and a better view of the bottle's tip that I used. Larger tips will cause a problem with the top-fill method.
014 Full Tank.jpg


Views of the assembled mod.
015 Vaptio S150 1.jpg
016 Vaptio S150 2.jpg
017 Vaptio S150 3.jpg


All in all, this is a rather nice kit. It is simple to use and looks very nice.
The overall cons of this kit:
- Top-fill requires small tips in order to prevent making a mess.
- There is a bit of inconsistency with the coil heads. Better QC can improve this.
- I agree that the detents on the AFC ring should be eliminated in favor of a friction-fit control.
- The sleep function (fire button must be pressed and released to "wake-up" the device before it will fire) is unnecessary and annoying.
- Eliminate the drip-tip airflow control. It is unnecessary and kills flavor when used. Also collects condensation and becomes messy.
- Paint finish around drip-tip area does not adhere well. Is already showing signs of wear and metal underneath the paint is beginning to show.
- Would be nice if the display had the ability to set for left/right orientation. (Not a deal breaker, but should be a simple fix.)

The overall positives of this kit:
- Very easy to use and has a simple menu system.
- Decent battery life.
- Comfortable in the hand.
- Attractive mod. I've already received several complements on it and have been asked where to get one. Heaven Gifts, of course!! :D

To sum up, the mod itself has a lot going for it. The tank could use a little more work. I intend to use the entire kit for the remainder of the week, and then I plan to forward the entire kit along to another ECF member so that they may experience this mod for themselves. After that, the intent is to forward it along to yet another member who is having a hard time with things right now. This beautiful little gift is certain to bring a smile to one of our fellow vapers in its near future. :)

018 In Hand 1.jpg
019 In Hand 2.jpg
 

TrollDragon

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Dec 3, 2014
10,556
57,665
NS, Canada
Very nice write up @Kaezziel, props for forwarding it along to fellow vapers. :thumbs:

In all good conscience I could not give the kit to someone until the tank and coils were fixed. The 75W reset would be an accident looking to happen if an inexperienced vaper was to receive it. Rubber tasting coils and a split fill seal makes my tank unfit to pass along.

Instead of writing up an unfavorable review, I will not be submitting one. This could be a good unit down the road when the issues are resolved, at that time I will review it again if given the chance.
My box was also crushed and is not in a good enough condition to take pictures of.

I will do a review of the coiler.
 

AlmightyEvan

Supplier Associate
ECF Veteran
Jan 25, 2016
1,531
4,826
Shanghai, China
www.heavengifts.com
This is the bottom of the tank. Here, you can see the "3rd-Pin" that comprises the ATC system.
View attachment 560721

Here, we see the top fill port. It can accomodate needle-tip and small tip squeeze bottles as well as fine tip droppers. Care must be taken to ensure that the juice goes where it is intended to go.
View attachment 560723

Filling the tank is simple and convenient with the proper bottle tips and a little care.
View attachment 560725

A full tank, and a better view of the bottle's tip that I used. Larger tips will cause a problem with the top-fill method.
View attachment 560727

Views of the assembled mod.
View attachment 560729 View attachment 560731 View attachment 560733

All in all, this is a rather nice kit. It is simple to use and looks very nice.
The overall cons of this kit:
- Top-fill requires small tips in order to prevent making a mess.
- There is a bit of inconsistency with the coil heads. Better QC can improve this.
- I agree that the detents on the AFC ring should be eliminated in favor of a friction-fit control.
- The sleep function (fire button must be pressed and released to "wake-up" the device before it will fire) is unnecessary and annoying.
- Eliminate the drip-tip airflow control. It is unnecessary and kills flavor when used. Also collects condensation and becomes messy.
- Paint finish around drip-tip area does not adhere well. Is already showing signs of wear and metal underneath the paint is beginning to show.
- Would be nice if the display had the ability to set for left/right orientation. (Not a deal breaker, but should be a simple fix.)

The overall positives of this kit:
- Very easy to use and has a simple menu system.
- Decent battery life.
- Comfortable in the hand.
- Attractive mod. I've already received several complements on it and have been asked where to get one. Heaven Gifts, of course!! :D

To sum up, the mod itself has a lot going for it. The tank could use a little more work. I intend to use the entire kit for the remainder of the week, and then I plan to forward the entire kit along to another ECF member so that they may experience this mod for themselves. After that, the intent is to forward it along to yet another member who is having a hard time with things right now. This beautiful little gift is certain to bring a smile to one of our fellow vapers in its near future. :)

View attachment 560735 View attachment 560737

Thanks, we really appreciate. Also thumb up to your PIF:thumbs:
 

AlmightyEvan

Supplier Associate
ECF Veteran
Jan 25, 2016
1,531
4,826
Shanghai, China
www.heavengifts.com
Very nice write up @Kaezziel, props for forwarding it along to fellow vapers. :thumbs:

In all good conscience I could not give the kit to someone until the tank and coils were fixed. The 75W reset would be an accident looking to happen if an inexperienced vaper was to receive it. Rubber tasting coils and a split fill seal makes my tank unfit to pass along.

Instead of writing up an unfavorable review, I will not be submitting one. This could be a good unit down the road when the issues are resolved, at that time I will review it again if given the chance.
My box was also crushed and is not in a good enough condition to take pictures of.

I will do a review of the coiler.

Thx Troll! :thumbs:
 

Ramsay Bolton

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Aug 25, 2013
3,027
3,763
Beyond the Grave
Very nice write up @Kaezziel, props for forwarding it along to fellow vapers. :thumbs:

In all good conscience I could not give the kit to someone until the tank and coils were fixed. The 75W reset would be an accident looking to happen if an inexperienced vaper was to receive it. Rubber tasting coils and a split fill seal makes my tank unfit to pass along.

Instead of writing up an unfavorable review, I will not be submitting one. This could be a good unit down the road when the issues are resolved, at that time I will review it again if given the chance.
My box was also crushed and is not in a good enough condition to take pictures of.

I will do a review of the coiler.

I have the same dilemma. The mod and tank have potential once all or at least
most of the negatives have been addressed and rectified. I can't in good conscience
as well, write a positive review of what could be vs what is as this moment.

Regarding the large rubber coil insulator grommets; I was in possession of a beta unit
older than what every winner here has received. The rubber grommet in the kanthal coil
left me with a severe headache and nausea for a little over 1 week. I experienced something
similar with the original Aspire BVC coils, but Aspire smartened up quickly and changed the
grommet material used.
 

AlmightyEvan

Supplier Associate
ECF Veteran
Jan 25, 2016
1,531
4,826
Shanghai, China
www.heavengifts.com
I have the same dilemma. The mod and tank have potential once all or at least
most of the negatives have been addressed and rectified. I can't in good conscience
as well, write a positive review of what could be vs what is as this moment.

Regarding the large rubber coil insulator grommets; I was in possession of a beta unit
older than what every winner here has received. The rubber grommet in the kanthal coil
left me with a severe headache and nausea for a little over 1 week. I experienced something
similar with the original Aspire BVC coils, but Aspire smartened up quickly and changed the
grommet material used.

Oh, I am sorry for this. Really appreciate your effort on testing the kit. Hope all the dilemma will get passed finally. :(
 

Ramsay Bolton

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Aug 25, 2013
3,027
3,763
Beyond the Grave
I thought I'd throw in a positive comment or two.

The kanthal coil really kicked .... despite the nasty grommet in mine!.

Unlike other commentators, I really like how easily the airflow adjustment control works.

The tank is the first I've owned that offers a really decent MTL airflow setting. Relatively tight
air intake to large with minimal effort. (Note: With Kanthal coil)
 
Last edited:

Kaezziel

Supreme Overlord of Everything
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jul 29, 2014
4,536
47,824
Houston, TX, USA
Very nice write up @Kaezziel, props for forwarding it along to fellow vapers. :thumbs:

In all good conscience I could not give the kit to someone until the tank and coils were fixed. The 75W reset would be an accident looking to happen if an inexperienced vaper was to receive it. Rubber tasting coils and a split fill seal makes my tank unfit to pass along.

Instead of writing up an unfavorable review, I will not be submitting one. This could be a good unit down the road when the issues are resolved, at that time I will review it again if given the chance.
My box was also crushed and is not in a good enough condition to take pictures of.

I will do a review of the coiler.

I've not noticed the rubber smell/taste. I've only used the pre-installed coil and one of the coils from the 5-pack. I must admit, the flavor isn't terrible, but it is nowhere near as clean and crisp as I've become accustomed to from using rayon and the Vaporesso cCells. I won a Vaporesso Target kit from HG back at the beginning of the year, and that mod/coil has ruined me. I really can't tolerate cotton wick anymore (but I blame rayon for that; I haven't used cotton in close to 2 years now.).

As for forwarding it along; it'll be going to another experienced vaper from here. The 75W reset doesn't really bother me... the worst that could happen would be burning the cotton wick. I do agree that it is an issue that should be resolved, but a vigilant vaper should catch that before it becomes an issue. ;)

And, not pickin' on ya, Brother... you know I love ya... but I'm surprised to hear that your fill-port O-ring is split. I've only filled through the fill port. I'm on my 10th tank right now, and that O-ring still looks to be in pretty good shape. Was there a burr on the bottom side of your swing door that cut it, maybe?

Either way, I respect your views on not wanting to submit an unfavorable review. I just tried to keep mine honest. That first coil was horrible. Once I switched, things got a lot better. There is still a lot of room for improvement, though.

As for the coiler... I've tried it once, so far... I think I'll need a little practice with it. First impression: using a screwdriver is easier. I'll try it again soon and throw an RDA on the S150 with a titanium coil, and maybe a nickel coil (nickel is such a PITA, but I'll give it a try "for science" :lol: )

Thanks, we really appreciate. Also thumb up to your PIF:thumbs:

Thank you for the opportunity, Evan. And thank you for forwarding all of the concerns along to the manufacturer. :thumbs:
 

Ramsay Bolton

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Aug 25, 2013
3,027
3,763
Beyond the Grave
Would be nice if the mods were firmware upgradeable. All the
programming shortcomings currently affecting the pre-release units
could be fixed with a simple software upgrade.

One more like: The on-screen charge display shows the progression
status in numerical values (ie: 20%, 50%, 100%).
 

Canadian_Vaper

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jul 30, 2015
5,724
11,483
ON. Canada
I'd have to say I really like the size and weight of this mod. I've given up on temp mode since the rampup is so slow with this .2 build in temp mode but it's insanely perfect in wattage mode. If I had control of the tcr values and wattage this wouldbe a great TC mod. Hope they release an update before releasing it on the market.
 

Shawn Hoefer

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jan 21, 2015
11,191
49,147
58
Arkansas Ozarks
Tonight, I'm sitting here with the Hana Modz ONE DNA40, a Joyetech eVic VTC Mini, and the Vaptio Ascension S150. The Hana and the Vaptio both have Ni200 coils. The Hana is fitted with a .10 Ohm Ni200 coil in the RBA deck of a Kanger Subtank Micro (top-filling clone). The Vaptio has a .13 Ohm Ni200 coil tucked into a TF-R1 in a TFV4 Mini. The Joyetech has a SS Notch coil installed in an SXK Nebula Wine.

The Joyetech and Hana are set to 420 F. To get the same kind of vapor, heat, and flavor from the Ascension, I have to set it to 500 F. That's honestly kinda OK. I would rather have the mod tuned to be too low than too high leading to burnt hits.

Maybe my nose and tastebuds are not as sensitive as others, but I get no bad smell or taste off of the included ATC coils. In trying the first one installed in the S150 tank, it was a very hard draw and tended to gurgle... I think I said that before. The new coil from the package solved the draw and gurgle problem. With a little fin tuning, I think the coils would be a hit. The tank, on the other hand... Again with the top air and drip tip. This design just has to go. The top fill would be OK - good, even - if enlarged a bit.

Just to further test power mode, I dropped a Airek RDA with a .23 Ohm dual vertibraid build on the device. Surprisingly, the mod hits better at 70 watts than it did at 25 watts (the setting I was using with SS in power mode during the first impression).

Aesthetically, I like the look and feel. I don't even mind the sharp corners. The trim looks sharp! I do wish the certifications and manufacturing info were on the bottom, out of sight... I don't mind the minimal branding, but a trash bin and a CE logo on the side of the device? That's not right...

The ONLY thing, then, keeping this mod from getting a passing grade is the new coil defaults. 75 watts in power mode is way too high (why not have it recall the last wattage? Many people do not stray from a favorite coil or build), and 200 F is just way too low in TC (again, the last settings used are probably going to be the next settings used by most people).

As it is, I have to give the kit a fail... If it's any consolation, it's an F+ or maybe an E for Effort. The kit wants to be great... It almost makes it... then torches a coil or delivers a cold vape when a new atomizer is attached and not adjusted.

The tank, with this mod, will go into my rotation, and when I run out of ATC coils, it will be retired. IF they had used Aspire Atlantis compatible coils, or Kanger Subtank compatible coils, or included an RBA head, the tank would have seen a longer happier life even with it's shortcomings. Note that I say that because as a consumer, I would not like to get locked into a coil system that is not carried at every store. I would hate to be on the road, torch a coil, and not be able to replace the coil until I got home or had to wait a week for coils to be mailed to me.

The mod, on the other hand, will be staying in the rotation regardless. I bought a black and red TFV4 Mini to be matchy matchy with the tank.
20160602_005411 (Medium).jpg
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread