Become a Patron!

How Long Should a Mod Last?

BrigSnip

Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
About how long should a mod last before it's no longer working properly? Considering the amount of electronics in it... the screen, the battery, ect.

I ask because I've had my eLeaf iStick Power 80w for a little less than a year and I think the battery is losing life.
 

BrigSnip

Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
I should elaborate...

The mod charges just fine. It still shuts the screen off when fully charged. The screen hasn't gotten any dimmer. It seems that the battery wears down faster than it did when it was new. Maybe I'm imagining it. I'll do a test when I get home.
 

Khassy

Diamond Contributor
Member For 3 Years
Member For 2 Years
I should elaborate...

The mod charges just fine. It still shuts the screen off when fully charged. The screen hasn't gotten any dimmer. It seems that the battery wears down faster than it did when it was new. Maybe I'm imagining it. I'll do a test when I get home.

Yes, as the battery ages, it will hold a charge less well than it did before. Which is why mods with replaceable batteries are preferable.
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I should elaborate...

The mod charges just fine. It still shuts the screen off when fully charged. The screen hasn't gotten any dimmer. It seems that the battery wears down faster than it did when it was new. Maybe I'm imagining it. I'll do a test when I get home.
LI batteries lose capacity as they go thru charge recharge cycles. So yes it will charge up but just not last as long.
This is normal for LI batteries, some last longer than others. For a daily used internal battery mod their battery life should be from 1-2 years before their capacity drops too far off to use much at all between charges.

Average good life for decent mainstream replaceable battery mods is about the same it seems.
 

Mattp169

Platinum Contributor
Vape Media
Member For 5 Years
ive had mods last a month to 3
i have 2 ipv mods that are nearing 3 years old
i have a pwm mod that is a year old and 2 newer ones
a mech mod can last forever
a pwm mod can last almost as long with repairs and is repairable
a custom built mod with a yihi or dna chop could last forever with repairs depending on FDA regs and if yo ustock up on extra boards
cheap chinese mods can last who knows some companies are better built then other. I believe IPV makes a good mod base don my experience, while Kooper mods made by SMOK in my experience die quickly

your issue is the battery. all batteries die eventually
my ego batteries would die in 2 to 4 months
my orignal istick 30s? batteries died in about 4-6 months

but built in batteries may get 100-300 recharges '
replacable batteries usually get about 200-400 recharges depending on care and use
but then you spend $12ish on a set of replacement batteries and not buy a new mod
 

georgemeadal

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The battery on that iPower should last for about a little less than a year. Seriously though, use it till you can't make it through the day then recycle it at Home Depot in the bin where you toss your cordless power tool batteries.
Just before you do that, go and buy another mod, preferably one that takes replaceable batteries so you don't go through that again.
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
About how long should a mod last before it's no longer working properly? Considering the amount of electronics in it... the screen, the battery, ect.

I ask because I've had my eLeaf iStick Power 80w for a little less than a year and I think the battery is losing life.
It depends on the mod
A mechmod?
Should theoretically last until the metal loses conductivity (I jest because Baghdad batteries are still conductive since ancient Egypt)
A regulated mod?
Depends on the build quality and board.
Nowadays most become obsolete before they die.
If it's one with a built in battery, the average would be 300 charge cycles or about a year to a year and a half depending non how hard you push them.
Something with removable batteries and a simpler circuit design like an Okl board(hexohm or pwm mod) could last for years. Some of the higher end DNA and yihi mods could last a few years as well.

If you're looking for longevity in the world of regulated mods; and, don't care about tc, than in my opinion you can't get any better than a hexohm. They are pricey but built like a tank and can be found in the classies for a little less than new.
Mine is over 3 years old and still running like brand new. If it broke today, I could send it in on the lifetime warranty and have it back next week repaired.
 
Last edited:

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
In most tube mech mods the 510 threads will wear out first since they are generally threaded into relatively soft brass or copper.
But with proper care that should not happen for a long time.
 

Cloudy Peak Vapes

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Member For 3 Years
Unlisted Vendor
I think amongst all the things mentioned, the user makes a huge difference too. Not saying that's your issue at all. I take really good care of my mods, and I have an iPV3 from December 2014 thats kicking. Hell, my MVP 2 still works, and I do use it occasionally. I have a good amount of mods, both mechanical and regulated, too. A good sample size :)

I don't believe I have ever had a regulated mod die. I have gotten a couple ones which arrived non-functional in one way or another, and needed to be sent back and swapped. Thats only 2, and they were replaced since they arrived broken. That's the closest I've had to a regulated mod failing.

I have had an unregulated series box go on me. The switch had a failure inside of it, causing it to arc and weld itself in, thus auto firing. I ripped my batteries out immediately, and my mod proceeded to fry the mosfets and stink up my room. That was a hand made U.S.A. box, by a reputable mod maker. I have a replacement and love it. I use that example because it was a hand built nice mod, dual mosfets and very clean work. It went on me at the switch. A .50 cent part almost put me in a bad position. I can't fault the mod, the switch is the same Mitec you see on boxes all the time. Mine just had something internal fail and it shorted. Bad luck for me, I'm glad myself and my property are fine. But expensive and USA made don't equal an inability to fail. Nor does China and budget mean a definite failure.

I think it just has too many variables. Kind of luck of the draw. Some people think you should be able to drop a mod and have it work. I see that as I'm lucky if I do that and it doesn't break. And batteries go, usb ports go... on and on. If you take care of a mod, keep it clean from juice, etc... it should last you. It's the little parts that usually go first, and batteries are finite in their lifecycle, so they go.

I will echo @f1r3b1rd regarding the Hex Ohm. I have a second hand V2 that's in great shape. Operationally it's flawless. Being a V2 I know it's been around for a while. The 3.0 is really nice too.
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
A MOD will last depending on how it is used or abused and maintained. Going on almost 3 years with an iStick TC40W here and because of how it has performed for so long thinking if the battery kisses the Ghost it might be a candidate for a replacement. Internal batteries can be replaced as long as it is done properly and it is cost effective.
 

helmet648

Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
Internal batteries can be replaced as long as it is done properly and it is cost effective.

now while i know that is a possibility. most of the time its so complicated the average user has no need tearing into a mod with a built in battery. half the time it needs soldered in and out.
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
now while i know that is a possibility. most of the time its so complicated the average user has no need tearing into a mod with a built in battery. half the time it needs soldered in and out.

Like I said as long as it is done properly which would imply that some skills and knowledge is required to complete the task. I never mentioned average user or who should take on the task I only said it can be done.
 

r055co

VU Donator
Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Daily use with a built in battery Regulated Mod, estimate just under a year
Daily use with external battery Regulated Mode, estimate 2-3 years with a quality regulated Mod that isn't abused
Daily use with a Mech, estimate well beyond your lifetime that isn't abused.
 

ChrisL

VU Donator
Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have had both my Ipower 80's since they came out. I use them in rotation every day, just not ALL day. Battery still lasts about 2-3 days at 35-50w with Tobeco Supertank Mini's (.5 coil). I know they will not last too much longer, but definitely worth the price. Does take awhile to fully charge them.
 

David Wolf

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
ECF Refugee
ive had mods last a month to 3
i have 2 ipv mods that are nearing 3 years old
i have a pwm mod that is a year old and 2 newer ones
a mech mod can last forever
a pwm mod can last almost as long with repairs and is repairable
a custom built mod with a yihi or dna chop could last forever with repairs depending on FDA regs and if yo ustock up on extra boards
cheap chinese mods can last who knows some companies are better built then other. I believe IPV makes a good mod base don my experience, while Kooper mods made by SMOK in my experience die quickly

your issue is the battery. all batteries die eventually
my ego batteries would die in 2 to 4 months
my orignal istick 30s? batteries died in about 4-6 months

but built in batteries may get 100-300 recharges '
replacable batteries usually get about 200-400 recharges depending on care and use
but then you spend $12ish on a set of replacement batteries and not buy a new mod
My istick 30s went two years in rotation along with an istick 40TC I got a year ago. All three are still working fine with a moderate decrease in capacity. I vape MTL low power and went two days on a charge.
 

BrigSnip

Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
So, is it better to charge the mod after every use (just to top it off) or only when it's low?
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
In my opinion that doesn't matter as I charge when I need to sometimes with only 20% depleted and others when the MOD shuts off. Just my opinion although this is not the same technology as the early rechargeable batteries.
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
So, is it better to charge the mod after every use (just to top it off) or only when it's low?
That can be a point of argument depending on who you ask.

My point of view is that it is immaterial. I cycle my 18650s when they get to 3.7v when I'm using mechmods
If I'm using regulated mods, I put the batteries on the charger at night when I go to bed wherever it lands.

BAM crew
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
In my opinion that doesn't matter as I charge when I need to sometimes with only 20% depleted and others when the MOD shuts off. Just my opinion although this is not the same technology as the early rechargeable batteries.
mooch sez does not matter with vaping batteries.
A battery has so many FULL charge cycles.
If you partially charge it it is just part of a cycle.

Also vaping cells do not have a memory like the old rechargeable NiCad batteries did.
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
That can be a point of argument depending on who you ask.

My point of view is that it is immaterial. I cycle my 18650s when they get to 3.7v when I'm using mechmods
If I'm using regulated mods, I put the batteries on the charger at night when I go to bed wherever it lands.

BAM crew
Ohh my. Another one who like to live on the edge like me with night time battery charging!
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
Ohh my. Another one who like to live on the edge like me with night time battery charging!
Hahaha!! Yes, yes I do.
But, I use a standalone charger unless it's one of the few lipo mods I have. I don't like charging inside the mod whenever it's avoidable.
I try to avoid unnecessary stress on the USB port.

BAM crew
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Ohh my. Another one who like to live on the edge like me with night time battery charging!

If another ECF A-Hole told me they never leave their batteries charging unattended I will puke! Yeah I sit around waiting for them to charge at .5A so I can put the next set in...................... ...
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
If another ECF A-Hole told me they never leave their batteries charging unattended I will puke! Yeah I sit around waiting for them to charge at .5A so I can put the next set in...................... ...
paranoid vapers....

the only time I do not charge is when thunderstorms are forecast.
I do have my chargers hooked to a really good surge suppressor.
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
paranoid vapers....

the only time I do not charge is when thunderstorms are forecast.
I do have my chargers hooked to a really good surge suppressor.
Lol... I can care less about any of that.
I have it on a surge protector but that's where my caring stops. I'll load up the charger and head out for the day.

BAM crew
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
And I even use cheapo trust fire chargers. No failures yet and one has been going for over 2 years.
I REALLY like to live on the edge :)

I have enough surge suppression on my PC and entertainment stuff that if I get a really big surge it will trip the breaker and not hurt anything.

Surge supression is like a parallel thing.
Just having them plugged in protects other stuff in your house even if that thing is not plugged into them.
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
And I even use cheapo trust fire chargers. No failures yet and one has been going for over 2 years.
I REALLY like to live on the edge :)
I have a 3 year old Nitecore and a 4 year old efest...
All of that fancy shit is unnecessary, then again I rotate out batteries before they get to a year old.

BAM crew
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
I have some members over there swear up and down about a flaw in a MOD but when I ask them to show it to me on theirs then they say they saw it on a video review but do not own one. Hmmmmmmmm OK so I should believe this because you saw it from some reviewer but the device which I own does not exhibit any of these symptoms or issues???
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have a 3 year old Nitecore and a 4 year old efest...
All of that fancy shit is unnecessary, then again I rotate out batteries before they get to a year old.

BAM crew
I am still using 2+ yr old HG2's. Maybe a bit less capacity but still workin fine.
Only had one battery failure a PVTSO rewrap that I won started self discharging slowly after 6 months.
The other one still worked but had lost noticeable capacity so I recycled both of them.

I only use HG2's and 25R's.
25R's in my mechs and HG2's in my regulated.
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have some members over there swear up and down about a flaw in a MOD but when I ask them to show it to me on theirs then they say they saw it on a video review but do not own one. Hmmmmmmmm OK so I should believe this because you saw it from some reviewer but the device which I own does not exhibit any of these symptoms or issues???
Might believe it on the Skeletor mod.
exoskeleton mod.jpg
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
I am still using 2+ yr old HG2's. Maybe a bit less capacity but still workin fine.
Only had one battery failure a PVTSO rewrap that I won started self discharging slowly after 6 months.
The other one still worked but had lost noticeable capacity so I recycled both of them.

I only use HG2's and 25R's.
25R's in my mechs and HG2's in my regulated.
I buy whatever is on sale so long as it's a 25r, hg2, vtc5, vtc5a, hb6, or 30Q

I just don't let the 30qs in my mechmods but the rest get cycled in them.


BAM crew
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I did at the atty voltage checks and the 25R's hit a bit harder than the HG2's in a mech.

never had a Sony battery. Nuthin against them just never had one.

You want to find the best battery for mechs?
Check out Mooch's pulse test charts and see how low the voltage drops under various loads.
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
the only time I do not charge is when thunderstorms are forecast.
I do have my chargers hooked to a really good surge suppressor.

A surge suppressor is hooked up into a UPS in my network rack so in the event of a power failure just shut it down. That is if the power doesn't come back on before I get to it. Not planned just worked out that way but I do charge om a metal shelf! Woo Hoo!
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Might believe it on the Skeletor mod.

I have seen this picture also with a post mentioning a recall. If you look at the picture to me if appears that the heat was from outside in and not the other way around as supposedly reported. Not any other reports about this and nothing on the company website. Unless Google was being friendly that day!
 

The Cromwell

I am a BOT
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have seen this picture also with a post mentioning a recall. If you look at the picture to me if appears that the heat was from outside in and not the other way around as supposedly reported. Not any other reports about this and nothing on the company website. Unless Google was being friendly that day!
from what I gather there was no recall aside from on retailer doing it on their own.
there was some rework and a software update though.

Has there ever been a manufacturers recall for any Chinese Ecig product?

Must have been Russian ecig hackers?
Anyone selling antivirius software for ecigs yet?
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
from what I gather there was no recall aside from on retailer doing it on their own.
there was some rework and a software update though.
Has there ever been a manufacturers recall for any Chinese Ecig product?
Must have been Russian ecig hackers?
Anyone selling antivirius software for ecigs yet?

I saw it posted and it was supposed to be recalled by Wismec but I found nothing when I immediately searched for more reports so was a One and Done type of post as far I have seen and nothing posted since that I have seen.
 

f1r3b1rd

https://cookingwithlegs.com/
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
Might believe it on the Skeletor mod.
View attachment 86448
Considering the track record of certain manufacturers, I rule out some brands fr consideration.
It may make me a douche in that light, but if I don't trust the company, I won't spend my money there.

BAM crew
 

AndriaD

Yes, I DO wear a mask! I'm vaccinated, too!
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
I've had mods that lasted only a few months, either due to some weirdness sustained in a gentle fall, or just weirdness, period -- I had an iStick30 that stopped holding a charge when it was just 6 months old -- even when turned off after full charging, it would be completely depleted within an hour. Then again, I've got 2 iTaste vv3s (internal integrated 800mAh batteries), and a Sigelei Zmax flat-top that are 3 yrs old, and seem to work about as well as they ever did. And 3 Innokin Coolfire IVs (originals, with integrated 2000mAh batteries) that are 2 yrs old, and also still work as well as they ever did. Another original CF4 that I bought used from someone here, it's a little iffy, sometimes misfires, not sure why, nor do I have any idea what sort of conditions it faced with its original owner.

Andria
 

Brad Mitchell

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Member For 3 Years
I have a 3 year old Nitecore and a 4 year old efest...
All of that fancy shit is unnecessary, then again I rotate out batteries before they get to a year old.

BAM crew
I to have a old nitecore and it works just fine but once I purchased the gyrfalcon 8 bay charger I haven't looked back. This thing can charge at .25 .5 and 1 amp at each slot.
 

Mattp169

Platinum Contributor
Vape Media
Member For 5 Years
what kind of ipv? You sold me on it just by saying that
they are both discontinued
one is a 3li
the other a d2
i also have the ipv 5 thats going on a year
but i have to disassemble it and clean the fire button every 4-8 weeks which is a PITA

I cant speak on any of the newer stuff like the vesta or 8
 

cloudblast

Bronze Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
I just cant get over the battery door, it seems like its not something that would last with constantly taking the batteries in and out. If your saying these mods last that long i can possibly cave to buy one. Which is better the 3li or d2? I max out at about 60 watts but usually sit at 45. I prefer .4-.5 ohm coils
 

Mattp169

Platinum Contributor
Vape Media
Member For 5 Years
the 3li IF you can find one is a tank I drop it like 10 times a day- well not that bad, but its been dropped a mega crap ton. But they are damn near impossible to find
the d2 has one slight issue. it has a clip over the spring for the battery. it will eventually break. Mine lasted about 18 months before it snapped. but you just keep the spring in place and it works.

The d2 is definitely easier in the pocket and so forth. I think the d3 is an improved version dont know about the d4
 

VU Sponsors

Top