Mechanical Tube Mods...

[Adenrele1982]

New to vaping... Looking to over-stand how Mechanical Tube Mods are used... Are you only able to use by building the coils? Hope that makes sense. I'd like to be able to use a Mechanical Tube Mod without building anything... Is this possible? I'd like to purchase a solid tube mod, for under $60. That is, if I am able to use without having to build anything... at least at first use without building, until I am more informed. Maybe, you all can help me over-stand this better. IJust 2 is a Tube Mod, but not mechanical(but regulated), correct? With the IJust2, I could purchase a sub ohm tank(or use the one it comes with) with pre-built coils? My focus is the mechanical tube mod. Please, shed insight on how the two differ? Is it possible for me to purchase a mechanical tube mod, with pre-built coils? Does that sound crazy? To me, it seems like it would be the most simplistic and safest way to use, in the beginning... please share insight, direction, suggestions. Maybe, there are articles, videos, etc., that break down how they are used... & what's a hybrid tank and how do they factor into the whole mechanical mod setup? Yep,I'm confused. Hence, this post... Educate me, please. Thanks

 

[Rabbit Slayer]

Ask as many questions as needed to get your head around the subject before even thinking about getting one...like you are on this thread, you are off to a better start than the people that ask after they got one and messed something up

and that is all the help I can give....not much ^_^

 

[Mythical_OD]

Mech Tubes are what you read about blowing up most of the time. You can only use them if you can build coils. Dont use a tank on a mech mod. Only use an RDA and be aware of the connection the mod has and the pin the RDA has. Being so new to vaping, I would tell you just get a regulated mod. I mean, mech mods are kind of outdated. You can get the exact same result just setting your regulated mod to fire at 4.2 volts. And, if you happen to not like the vapor at 4.2 volts you can raise it or lower it with the push of a button instead of having to recalculate your coil builds and having to rebuild and set up the coils again.

Plus on a regulated mod, youre not gonna blow yourself up.

 

[Rhett1977]

Mech Tubes are what you read about blowing up most of the time. You can only use them if you can build coils. Dont use a tank on a mech mod. Only use an RDA and be aware of the connection the mod has and the pin the RDA has. Being so new to vaping, I would tell you just get a regulated mod. I mean, mech mods are kind of outdated. You can get the exact same result just setting your regulated mod to fire at 4.2 volts. And, if you happen to not like the vapor at 4.2 volts you can raise it or lower it with the push of a button instead of having to recalculate your coil builds and having to rebuild and set up the coils again.

Plus on a regulated mod, youre not gonna blow yourself up.

Not only use if you build but you can install prebuilt coils like @raymo2u or @CrazyChef make and sell.

 

[JuicyLucy]

Mech Tubes are what you read about blowing up most of the time. You can only use them if you can build coils. Dont use a tank on a mech mod. Only use an RDA and be aware of the connection the mod has and the pin the RDA has. Being so new to vaping, I would tell you just get a regulated mod. I mean, mech mods are kind of outdated. You can get the exact same result just setting your regulated mod to fire at 4.2 volts. And, if you happen to not like the vapor at 4.2 volts you can raise it or lower it with the push of a button instead of having to recalculate your coil builds and having to rebuild and set up the coils again.

Plus on a regulated mod, youre not gonna blow yourself up.

I have a different experience and point of view.

You can easily and safely use mech mods with tanks or drippers that use prebuilt coils: I have done so daily for over three years now.

Vaping on a mechanical above 1 ohm is considered perfectly safe.

I'm just a little old lady who used vaping to quit smoking so take my advise for what you will.

Most people that have mech mods blow up do not understand ohm's law and use them incorrectly, mainly by pushing the limits of the battery by using very low ohm coils with improper battery ventilation or they overheat from being put in a pocket or something where they can be accidentally fire from not securing the firing button or keys/metals get jammed in the casing, setting it off. All these situations are very easily avoidable.

Read up on ohm's law if you plan to vape on a mech with a rebuildable coil or plan to sub ohm - there are excellent articles and threads on this site to help you get familiar with how to safely use the many styles of mech mod available.

I personally love mech mods for the simplicity and the vape experience is better for my taste, simply because the atty draws what it needs from the battery, which makes for a smoother vape. While regulated mods do have a small safety advantage, your atty works at what the regulated mod needs, which makes for a very different vaping experience.

Used correctly, mechanical mods are great choice for many vapers, even new ones.

 

[OBDave]

I'm not a fan of recommending mechanical mods to new users, especially given the advanced technology available today. If you insist, please read my beginners' thread in the Help I Have Questions sub, but even as an advanced user I haven't had any reason to break out my mech collection in more than a year, given the superior options modern regulated devices provide.

 

[JuicyLucy]

I'm not a fan of recommending mechanical mods to new users, especially given the advanced technology available today. If you insist, please read my beginners' thread in the Help I Have Questions sub, but even as an advanced user I haven't had any reason to break out my mech collection in more than a year, given the superior options modern regulated devices provide.

I was chatting with @roxynoodle about new vapers and mechanicals the other day. What is wrong with teaching new people about mechs? That's what these forums are for

 

[Adenrele1982]

Mech Tubes are what you read about blowing up most of the time. You can only use them if you can build coils. Dont use a tank on a mech mod. Only use an RDA and be aware of the connection the mod has and the pin the RDA has. Being so new to vaping, I would tell you just get a regulated mod. I mean, mech mods are kind of outdated. You can get the exact same result just setting your regulated mod to fire at 4.2 volts. And, if you happen to not like the vapor at 4.2 volts you can raise it or lower it with the push of a button instead of having to recalculate your coil builds and having to rebuild and set up the coils again.

Plus on a regulated mod, youre not gonna blow yourself up.

Thanks for the insight & recommendation.

Mech Tubes are what you read about blowing up most of the time. You can only use them if you can build coils. Dont use a tank on a mech mod. Only use an RDA and be aware of the connection the mod has and the pin the RDA has. Being so new to vaping, I would tell you just get a regulated mod. I mean, mech mods are kind of outdated. You can get the exact same result just setting your regulated mod to fire at 4.2 volts. And, if you happen to not like the vapor at 4.2 volts you can raise it or lower it with the push of a button instead of having to recalculate your coil builds and having to rebuild and set up the coils again.

Plus on a regulated mod, youre not gonna blow yourself up.

Mech Tubes are what you read about blowing up most of the time. You can only use them if you can build coils. Dont use a tank on a mech mod. Only use an RDA and be aware of the connection the mod has and the pin the RDA has. Being so new to vaping, I would tell you just get a regulated mod. I mean, mech mods are kind of outdated. You can get the exact same result just setting your regulated mod to fire at 4.2 volts. And, if you happen to not like the vapor at 4.2 volts you can raise it or lower it with the push of a button instead of having to recalculate your coil builds and having to rebuild and set up the coils again.

Plus on a regulated mod, youre not gonna blow yourself up.

I figure I will educate myself, first; this will allow me to make a most informed decision. I will purchase and use a mechanical mod, at some point. I want to have one in my collection, one day. I've read that they will likely outlast alot of the more electrical/digital mods. Is this true? Anyways, thanks for sharing.

 

[Adenrele1982]

Not only use if you build but you can install prebuilt coils like @raymo2u or @CrazyChef make and sell.

Thanks! That is good to know.

Not only use if you build but you can install prebuilt coils like @raymo2u or @CrazyChef make and sell.

 

[Adenrele1982]

I have a different experience and point of view.

You can easily and safely use mech mods with tanks or drippers that use prebuilt coils: I have done so daily for over three years now.

Vaping on a mechanical above 1 ohm is considered perfectly safe.

I'm just a little old lady who used vaping to quit smoking so take my advise for what you will.

Most people that have mech mods blow up do not understand ohm's law and use them incorrectly, mainly by pushing the limits of the battery by using very low ohm coils with improper battery ventilation or they overheat from being put in a pocket or something where they can be accidentally fire from not securing the firing button or keys/metals get jammed in the casing, setting it off. All these situations are very easily avoidable.

Read up on ohm's law if you plan to vape on a mech with a rebuildable coil or plan to sub ohm - there are excellent articles and threads on this site to help you get familiar with how to safely use the many styles of mech mod available.

I personally love mech mods for the simplicity and the vape experience is better for my taste, simply because the atty draws what it needs from the battery, which makes for a smoother vape. While regulated mods do have a small safety advantage, your atty works at what the regulated mod needs, which makes for a very different vaping experience.

Used correctly, mechanical mods are great choice for many vapers, even new ones.

Thanks so much for the insight and direction! It's interesting to see such varied responses... I want to have the experience and be able to choose which I prefer to use. I will certainly move forward with use of the mechanical mod and any other device, only after, being well informed. It's just best practice, in general.

Thanks for sharing your story. There are so many different Mechanical tube Mods on the market. Some are well over $100 and other under $20. I prefer quality but don't wish to be ripped off. Any suggestions for a great quality(tried and true) mechanical tube mod to purchase? I'd spend $50-$100 if it is truly worth & surely, I don't wish to be purchasing junk for $20. Also, any websites and/or points of contact for the pre-built tanks or drippers?

Thanks, again!

 

[Adenrele1982]

Ask as many questions as needed to get your head around the subject before even thinking about getting one...like you are on this thread, you are off to a better start than the people that ask after they got one and messed something up

and that is all the help I can give....not much ^_^

Thanks for the support!

 

[Adenrele1982]

I'm not a fan of recommending mechanical mods to new users, especially given the advanced technology available today. If you insist, please read my beginners' thread in the Help I Have Questions sub, but even as an advanced user I haven't had any reason to break out my mech collection in more than a year, given the superior options modern regulated devices provide.

Thanks, for sharing! I'd just like to have the experience and ability to use a mechanical tube mod. It's good to have options, ey?

 

[Adenrele1982]

I was chatting with @roxynoodle about new vapers and mechanicals the other day. What is wrong with teaching new people about mechs? That's what these forums are for

That's what I was thinking, anyways! Thanks.

 

[roxynoodle]

Hi, mechs can be used with RTAs as well as RDAs, and with subtanks with factory coils, but you may be at greater risk with the factory coils. I would advise you to check your resistance with an ohmmeter even with prebuilt coils. Some can be duds out of the box. A mech isn't going to tell you a build has a short; it's going to fire anything you ask it to, which can lead to catatrosphic battery failure. I would also check factory coils on an ohmmeter at least daily before using them on a mech.

Your own coil builds are more likely to remain stable if you did them correctly in the first place. It's still a good idea to make sure screws are tightened when you rewick, and to recheck them as well with an ohmmeter. I also check them if my mech falls over, or onto the floor just in case that jarred something.

Never, ever use factory coil clearos on a "hybrid top" mech!! Most of the explosions you've seen on the news resulted from people doing that. Best way to stay safe is not to use that style of mech at all (Noisy Cricket, SMPL, many others). If you insist on having one, you must use an atty with a stable, protruding 510 pin (protrudes at least 1mm).

Safety:
1. Learn Ohm's Law
2. Use appropriate batteries for the amp draw you need for your build, and understand many companies overinflate battery specs. There are no batteries with more than 30A CDR. And those with a 30A CDR are few: some 1500mah LG batteries and Sony vtc3.
3. Give yourself a safety cushion with batteries because they degrade with age and use. Your 20A battery will not remain 20A over time.
4. Keep batteries in good condition. Replace wraps if torn anywhere. Do not over discharge them. For the most part your vape will seriously diminish by 3.5v on the battery, and you will notice. But, until you have the experience to know when it's time to change the battery, check it periodically with a DMM.
5. Always always lock your mech when not in your hand being used. Make it a habit.
6. Buy batteries from quality vendors like illumn, rtdvapor, liion, orbtronics, imrbatteries. Do not buy from ebay or amazon.
7. Never carry extra batteries loose in your pocket/purse. Keep them in a plastic storage case. Many news stories lately about loose batteries shorting on keys and coins, and severely injuring people who didn't use a case.
8. Keep your mech clean and in good condition.

 

[JuicyLucy]

Thanks so much for the insight and direction! It's interesting to see such varied responses... I want to have the experience and be able to choose which I prefer to use. I will certainly move forward with use of the mechanical mod and any other device, only after, being well informed. It's just best practice, in general.

Thanks for sharing your story. There are so many different Mechanical tube Mods on the market. Some are well over $100 and other under $20. I prefer quality but don't wish to be ripped off. Any suggestions for a great quality(tried and true) mechanical tube mod to purchase? I'd spend $50-$100 if it is truly worth & surely, I don't wish to be purchasing junk for $20. Also, any websites and/or points of contact for the pre-built tanks or drippers?

Thanks, again!

Roxy's advise above this post is excellent and you won't find a better teacher (hint she is a teacher and tank designer).

It's hard to give good advise without knowing your vape style.

What kind of vape gear do you currently own?

 

[Adenrele1982]

Hi, mechs can be used with RTAs as well as RDAs, and with subtanks with factory coils, but you may be at greater risk with the factory coils. I would advise you to check your resistance with an ohmmeter even with prebuilt coils. Some can be duds out of the box. A mech isn't going to tell you a build has a short; it's going to fire anything you ask it to, which can lead to catatrosphic battery failure. I would also check factory coils on an ohmmeter at least daily before using them on a mech.

Your own coil builds are more likely to remain stable if you did them correctly in the first place. It's still a good idea to make sure screws are tightened when you rewick, and to recheck them as well with an ohmmeter. I also check them if my mech falls over, or onto the floor just in case that jarred something.

Never, ever use factory coil clearos on a "hybrid top" mech!! Most of the explosions you've seen on the news resulted from people doing that. Best way to stay safe is not to use that style of mech at all (Noisy Cricket, SMPL, many others). If you insist on having one, you must use an atty with a stable, protruding 510 pin (protrudes at least 1mm).

Safety:
1. Learn Ohm's Law
2. Use appropriate batteries for the amp draw you need for your build, and understand many companies overinflate battery specs. There are no batteries with more than 30A CDR. And those with a 30A CDR are few: some 1500mah LG batteries and Sony vtc3.
3. Give yourself a safety cushion with batteries because they degrade with age and use. Your 20A battery will not remain 20A over time.
4. Keep batteries in good condition. Replace wraps if torn anywhere. Do not over discharge them. For the most part your vape will seriously diminish by 3.5v on the battery, and you will notice. But, until you have the experience to know when it's time to change the battery, check it periodically with a DMM.
5. Always always lock your mech when not in your hand being used. Make it a habit.
6. Buy batteries from quality vendors like illumn, rtdvapor, liion, orbtronics, imrbatteries. Do not buy from ebay or amazon.
7. Never carry extra batteries loose in your pocket/purse. Keep them in a plastic storage case. Many news stories lately about loose batteries shorting on keys and coins, and severely injuring people who didn't use a case.
8. Keep your mech clean and in good condition.

I have some much more to learn. I won't be using a mech anytime soon. I will keeping educating myself and ask questions, accordingly. Thanks for the abundance of information, insight, and direction. Much appreciated, RoxyNoodle!

 

[JuicyLucy]

All right dude, you are killing me here. What is that third cyclops type circle on the forehead of your avatar?

 

[Adenrele1982]

Roxy's advise above this post is excellent and you won't find a better teacher (hint she is a teacher and tank designer).

It's hard to give good advise without knowing your vape style.

What kind of vape gear do you currently own?

I am VERY new to vaping. I am currently using an IJust2 Kit foe vaping and awaiting the RX200, with Uwell Crown and Vaporesso Gemini Sub Ohm Coils .5, .25 and .9 (SS and Kanthol). I have yet to even try any building.

Thanks for helping, JuicyLucy!

 

[JuicyLucy]

I am VERY new to vaping. I am currently using an IJust2 Kit foe vaping and awaiting the RX200, with Uwell Crown and Vaporesso Gemini Sub Ohm Coils .5, .25 and .9 (SS and Kanthol). I have yet to even try any building.

Thanks for helping, JuicyLucy!

The Ijust2 will be a good friend to you while learning how to use that more advanced vape gear, that is for sure.

 

[OBDave]

I was chatting with @roxynoodle about new vapers and mechanicals the other day. What is wrong with teaching new people about mechs? That's what these forums are for

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that new users shouldn't have access to mech education at all - my apologies if I was unclear on that. A more appropriate response might be that I find many new users want a device that will simply work for them without needing to understand the science behind mechanical vaping - since they're dealing with enough just trying to quit smoking, and because plug-and-play devices are so much better than they were a few years ago, I believe this is the direction to drive the casual user. If you've got someone who obviously intends to become a hobbyist and is willing to learn Ohm's law, coil building, wicking properties, and everything else that used to be mandatory for advanced vapers just a year or two ago, by all means bring them into the mechanical fold!

Thanks, for sharing! I'd just like to have the experience and ability to use a mechanical tube mod. It's good to have options, ey?

Absolutely! And if the vape Armageddon that's been predicted roughly every six months for the five years or so I've been around ever happens, mechanical knowledge will keep you vaping when the cheap electronics in the regulated boxes have all died and been banned by the big evil gub'mint.

 

[Adenrele1982]

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that new users shouldn't have access to mech education at all - my apologies if I was unclear on that. A more appropriate response might be that I find many new users want a device that will simply work for them without needing to understand the science behind mechanical vaping - since they're dealing with enough just trying to quit smoking, and because plug-and-play devices are so much better than they were a few years ago, I believe this is the direction to drive the casual user. If you've got someone who obviously intends to become a hobbyist and is willing to learn Ohm's law, coil building, wicking properties, and everything else that used to be mandatory for advanced vapers just a year or two ago, by all means bring them into the mechanical fold!

Absolutely! And if the vape Armageddon that's been predicted roughly every six months for the five years or so I've been around ever happens, mechanical knowledge will keep you vaping when the cheap electronics in the regulated boxes have all died and been banned by the big evil gub'mint.

 

[Arizona]

The iJust 2 is not regulated, but protected, and perfectly fine for all tanks and attys. It's a solid, affordable mod that is perfect for beginners. I urge you to stay clear of hybrid mechs until you understand ohms law and battery safety, and what attys are good/safe for use on hybrid top mechs. Welcome to the vaping world! Join CASAA and stand tall, my friend.

 

[Adenrele1982]

The iJust 2 is not regulated, but protected, and perfectly fine for all tanks and attys. It's a solid, affordable mod that is perfect for beginners. I urge you to stay clear of hybrid mechs until you understand ohms law and battery safety, and what attys are good/safe for use on hybrid top mechs. Welcome to the vaping world! Join CASAA and stand tall, my friend.

Thanks, Arizona! I will join CASAA and stand tall!! Is there another device you would recommend, similar to IJust 2, but able to do a bit more? The IJust 2 is a mega version of my Spinner II and at this point, I think its just too simple of a device...

 

[Arizona]

Fully mechanical or something unregulated and safe? Mechanicals are as simple as they come: a tube or box, and a switch. It sounds like youre interested in more gadgets, no? If so, the Asmodus Snow Wolf 200 is a great regulated mod. It's pricey, but worth it. Eleaf makes powerful boxes for cheap, if money is tight. I like unregulated, simple devices myself. My Tesla 2 boxes, SMPL, Noisy Cricket, Vmesh X1, etc, are unregulated and simple as can be. I build my coils, check my ohms, juice up the Atty and vape.

 

[PaulS]

Let's stop saying that regulated mods are safe. I've seen batteries vent on regulated devices too. They might be safer but if you learn your ohm's law mechs are just fine. They are dead simple and the battery life on an unregulated mod is always better than a regulated with the same coil. I started with mechs and gennys. There were no decent regulated mods at the time unless you liked MTL vaping. I did my homework and I don't have 'accidents' because I learned how to go about it correctly.

Regulated devices are a pita to fix if they break down. Most mechs are relatively simple to fix. Mechs only require knowledge of ohm's law and basic electrical theory. It is not rocket science. I'm an advocate for safe vaping. However, I'm not going to discourage the use of mechs. Learn the differences between hybrid and 510 connections. Go on a site that tells you the battery drain and safety limits of your build ...

http://www.steam-engine.org/

Listen to advice from experienced mech users. If someone puts a .2 ohm build on a series mod you have to wonder if Darwin is coming into play.

 

[Arizona]

Regulated mods are safer for newbies, as the OP is, hence the recommendation. If you build too low, they won't fire. The failsafe incorporated into most regulated mods is recommended for newbies. Just a few posts above a shop sold a .15 build on a Noisy Cricket for a customer. I mean, safety is paramount, and I would never recommend a mech to a beginner. Would you recommend a Viper for a beginner driver? Start em out safe first, then let them build their knowledge up and go from there.

 

[Adenrele1982]

Fully mechanical or something unregulated and safe? Mechanicals are as simple as they come: a tube or box, and a switch. It sounds like youre interested in more gadgets, no? If so, the Asmodus Snow Wolf 200 is a great regulated mod. It's pricey, but worth it. Eleaf makes powerful boxes for cheap, if money is tight. I like unregulated, simple devices myself. My Tesla 2 boxes, SMPL, Noisy Cricket, Vmesh X1, etc, are unregulated and simple as can be. I build my coils, check my ohms, juice up the Atty and vape.

Thanks for taking time to respond with insight, Arizona! I am not so much interested in gadgets. But, specifically interested in knowing more about "mechs", due to their reliability and just to have the option. I've seen many mechs(with wide ranging prices) and am interested in securing one soon. I am not so inclined to use a mech, at this time; not until I am better versed on Ohms Law, etc., I recently received my RX200, so I figure as far as gadgets goes, I am covered.

Maybe, you and/or others can share why there is such a disparity in prices(being as simple as they are) and if there are three-five mechs that have proven to be reliable/quality devices.? Thanks again!

 

[anen]

All right dude, you are killing me here. What is that third cyclops type circle on the forehead of your avatar?

"Shade" for the third eye (pineal gland) probably.