xvostick clone any owners?

[pokemom]

Here is something very interesting on the fasttech website:

They have 2 versions of the XvoStick clone ...

1. This version costs $42.14 and has both Temp Control and Power modes:
$42.14 XvoStick Styled 40W TC VW Variable Wattage APV Box Mod - 1-40W / 200-600'F / 1*18650 / aluminum at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

2. This version costs a few cents more ($42.53), but from reading the "Details", it does not have Temp Control. Shows it as a VW device only ... However, the actual name of the mod on the website says "XvoStick Styled 40W TC VW Variable Wattage APV Box Mod" .... confused?
$42.53 XvoStick Styled 40W TC VW Variable Wattage APV Box Mod - 1-40W / 1*18650 / aluminum at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

From what you know, is one better than the other?

Again, I am only interested in using the Power mode.

I got the more expensive clone from FT. I have never tried or used the TC feature. I have to say that I had to put this thing in the cabinet because it was one of the most frustrating devices I have ever used. I constantly got a "new coil" message (even after tightening the 510). It was completely random. Sometimes it would work fine for a couple of hours, other times it would cut out within a few seconds. It didn't matter if I was using a sub ohm coil or a regular coil, it just happened whenever the device felt like it.

Also, the clone seems to eat through battery life. I have the authentic now, and the battery lasts a good long time, not so on the clone (even using the same tanks with the same coils and wattage).

I'm still contemplating putting a dna40 board into the clone (although I would have to pay someone to do that, way over my skill set), because I love the form factor.

Sorry to be such a downer.

 

[drugarth]

I have both Sku's and they both have TC, all the clones I own do.
Mine are a few months old though, so not sure if they changed anything...but I did even get different mods even while ordering the same SKU, so you can't be sure what you get when ordering one of these.

If the clones are the same as when I ordered they all do have a few possible bugs:
- even when in power mode it randomly asks for "new coil/same coil?" How often it does varies between my clones (some do it each 60 mintues orso, some do it only 2/3 times a day).
This causes you to have to push the up/down button once in a while to continue vaping. This is the most annoying bug IMO.
- the battery indicator is not that accurate, it says that the bat is empty while it is still at 3.3V or something, not all clones behave in similar fashion, some do it worse than others
- when temp is not set to "off" it does display "ohm to high" with coils >1ohm. This does not affect the vape in anyway, but can be confusing. As you only plan to use it in VW mode, I suggest you set it to "off" and this won't bother you.

Between me and my GF we have 5 different clones in the vapocalypse pile which all behave in above manner, so yes there are bugs in the clones.
They do all function, but there are some issues.

The coating is very durable, none of my clones have paint damage in anyway. I do not use them that much though, as I use my authentic mostly. But my GF uses hers quite often, the paint on hers is also still in perfect shape.

 

[DPLongo22]

I can only speak to your question of the finish, Flt.

I thought it was very similar, and even thought they might have found the same source (for for the anodized bodies). I think that was wrong though, because I've seen multiple people comment that the finish on the authi is considerably better than the clone.

To be honest, I only used the clone for a single day, so I trust the word of others more than my own. I quickly detected a significant difference in vape quality (which is EVERYTHING for me), so I packed it away and sold it.

Anodized or painted, I do not know. Hopefully others will chime in, either confirming the difference, or correcting it.

Good luck with whichever you choose.

 

[Flt Simulation]

Pokemom ...

Thanks for the info. Although I like the looks of the Xvostick, the problems with it's electronics just isn't worth the trouble for me.

You would have thought that by now, FastTech would have had it's manufacturers of this clone aware of the problems and made a change in the chip to fix it ... but it seems nothing at all has been done about it.

Well, I am very happy with my Joyetch eVic-VTC Mini, and will just keep using it ... The cost for the 75w eVic-VTC Mini was less than what FastTech is selling these problematic XvoStick clones for too.

 

[Flt Simulation]

Thanks drugarth and DPLongo for the info you provided.

 

[illitirit]

I am starting to attempt to dna swap my board but can anyone that has taken apart the clone tell me how to pry off the bottom panel? I cant seem to get it off, is there some type of trick?

Usually for plastic things i need to pry out I use thin guitar picks, but they dont fit in the wedges of the xvo clone.

 

[illitirit]

scratch that, I finally managed to get it apart without damaging anything. Gonna attempt the swap now, I hope i dont screw up.

 

[petemoss]

Maybe I just got lucky, but I've had no problems with several Xvo clones from focalecigs. The new/same coil message only comes up if I fiddled around with the 510 connection and altered the resistance. I should add that I haven't tried TC, only VW mode with kanthal, and I'm a tootle puffer (less than 20 watts).

As far as the anodized finish, I'm impressed with my clones, which are still in perfect condition. This was a surprise to me since I have an original Microstick from Chels and didn't expect the clones to be so good.

 

[arth_d]

My chip was giving me major errors then i cracked the screen dropped it a few times and chipped it up a bit. Picked up a evolv DNA 30 board off another forum cheap. I never go above 30W anyway. Still waiting for it to come in the mail. So i decided ill give it a bit of a facelift in the meantime.

 

[DPLongo22]

Looks great! You didn't like the anodized, I take it?

 

[arth_d]

Looks great! You didn't like the anodized, I take it?

I did like it black but I dropped it a few times and scratched the crap out of it. Well not that bad but it was bothering me. Thought it would look nice polished as well. Bit of a fingerprint magnet but.

 

[Katdarling]

I think that's worth the fingerprints, arth! Looks VERY good!

 

[arth_d]

It would be nice if the button part was metal as well. I think its delrin. The black would look cool with a black atty.

 

[arth_d]

Has anyone tried a goblin miniV2 in the xvo. Just wondering how it sits in there?

 

[DPLongo22]

There always JWraps, should the need ever arise.

 

[TruSound]

Has anyone tried a goblin miniV2 in the xvo. Just wondering how it sits in there?

I think the Goblin would be way to short for this mod.

 

[drugarth]

Has anyone tried a goblin miniV2 in the xvo. Just wondering how it sits in there?

In itself the goblin mini is indeed way to short. But I use a heat sink to compensate, and it makes it fit almost perfectly. I have not tried the V2 yet, but here are some pics of the V1 in the Xvo, the heatsink used is this one:
$2.72 510 Heat Dissipation Heat Sink for Atomizers - stainless steel / 22mm diameter at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Added bonus: your mod is also a bit more protected from leakage/condensation

been dying to get my hands on the V2 so I have the topfill option, than it would be a perfect combination, but allas can't find them yet locally or in my favorite china shops

 

[arth_d]

Just bought myself a couple of heatsinks. looks sweet. Thanks.

 

[Katdarling]

In itself the goblin mini is indeed way to short. But I use a heat sink to compensate, and it makes it fit almost perfectly. I have not tried the V2 yet, but here are some pics of the V1 in the Xvo, the heatsink used is this one:
$2.72 510 Heat Dissipation Heat Sink for Atomizers - stainless steel / 22mm diameter at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Added bonus: your mod is also a bit more protected from leakage/condensation

been dying to get my hands on the V2 so I have the topfill option, than it would be a perfect combination, but allas can't find them yet locally or in my favorite china shops

dru, those are sweet. My question and concern tho, is what if it gets stuck on the plate? I don't see an easy removal option.

 

[drugarth]

dru, those are sweet. My question and concern tho, is what if it gets stuck on the plate? I don't see an easy removal option.

Well Kat, that was exactly my concern too, but that has never happend to me, it always comes back out when I unscrew the tank.
But should it happen than I'm confident you can still remove it, as it also sticks out above were the open part of the well starts, so you could spin it from the outside with a tweezer or small pliers. Just don't overtighten it too much
So far it has worked great for me!

And I finally found me some V2 Goblin mini's so they are on their way....top fill....sweeeet!