Is anyone getting the SXmini ML class? or did the DNA200 kill yihi

[Mroutlaw]

I was seriously considering getting the new ML class since I loved the M class, but now I'm having second thoughts. I love my dna200 and even my Xcube 2 and my third goto device has become my evic vtc mini. Im barely even using my sxmini anymore.

Heres my thoughts. I never vape over 60 watts and normally I'm between 20 and 30, so the fact that it only goes to 75J isn't a deal breaker. But the more I think about it, the only thing they did was change the style (which I actually like) and add the Sxi-Q control system. We still have the same stupid battery door and its only a single 18650. (don't get me started on the battle axe option because IMHO, its not useable)

On the other side, yihi has been good about upgrading its firmware and the mod is solidly built. But is it worth it to spend $200 on a 75watt device in the wake of all the 200watt devices on the market for under $200, Hell, you can get the xcube2 for $60

I also have the Reuleaux dna200 coming in a couple weeks since thats the only other DNA200 that really interests me (unless there was a hotcig dx200 version 2 retailer in the US)

 

[Vlad1]

I vape similarly to you usually a single coil 20J - 30J most the time so personally a single 18650 mod works fine for me for a day maybe a little over. I too have the SXmini M and a DNA 200 device and the one I always grab is the SXmini M. Primarily due to consistency, reliability and ease of use, the SXmini M is an easy win in my eyes, it's not dependent on connecting to a PC if needing to make setting changes as the DNA 200 is, There's no features that cause the device to vape inconsistently like the DNA 200 does (Refinement, Popping out of selected Profile while a TL TCR is loaded if it doesn't like the coil, Preheat, etc...) I think with the Menu system the SX has compared to the Button combinations the DNA has just makes the SX a more refined and easier to use device and it reliably does exactly what it's configured to do, same vape time after time.

Now I've not really seen what all the Sxi-Q is going to add to the equation but if Yihi starts placing important device settings that are only available through a PC I think that will be a step backwards. The style of the ML is a little more sleek, sexy design moving away from the square box look even more and personally I like it. And to the battery cap on the SXmini M, I've not really had any problems with it but I do wish it was coarse threaded to make it easier (I've heard the ML will be coarse threaded)

But as you said if it's mainly only a new enclosure I'm not sure I'll spend the money at least until after my SXmini m dies and I need a replacement. At this point I've had the SXmin M for about 7 months so still have 5 months or so warranty, I'd bet there will be more advancements and better devices released over the course of my warranty period. But right now the SXmini M just does everything I need it to do very easily, very consistently, very reliably and very accurately.

If I had to replace one of my devices tomorrow and decided I needed more power I would probably choose a Renegade X kit for $140 that utilizes the SX350J board so it has the same features, reliability, ease of use, accuracy and consistency as the SXmini m but with dual 18650 and 150W.
http://www.varitube.com/J-Box-Renegade-Kit--J-Chip-Temp-Limiting--Complete-kit_p_212.html

You may notice a few keywords I've used a few times that I think Yihi has topped Evolv on as well as other brands (Ease of use, Consistency, Reliability, Accuracy) so do I think DNA200 killed Yihi? Nope, I actually think Evolv is killing themselves by trying to compete with Yihi. They've made bed with at least 3 China cloners that while it will allow them to move a lot of product it also devalues their product, makes it much harder for US based mod makers / manufactures to maintain a sales level (Profit Margin) high enough to stay in business and be competitive in the global market and will most likely cause them to either go out of business or move their manufacturing out of the states like VS has done. There will always be the consumer that just want's a Hana, Opus or whatever and are willing to pay the price for it, but the majority of consumers that want a DNA200 will shop for the best bang for the buck which of course will generally be from one of the China manufacturers.

 

[Mroutlaw]

Excellent post vlad. You bring up some points I didn't think about. As much as I like my dna200, I agree with you about the computer. I've had several times where I really wanted to change something, mostly the preheat setting, and get annoyed that I have to get up and go to my computer. Especially since I have MACs so it's an extra step for me to startup the virtual machine to get to Windows. I don't understand why some of those features aren't accessible in a menu. I guess they wanted to keep the same type as last time and not really have a menu system. One thing I like about xcube2 is that almost everything I can do on the app (Bluetooth), can be done in the mods menu system.

I completely agree about the China thing. My precious Dna boards were Hana because I liked that they were American made, but honestly, with the dna200 in so many Chinese devices, I had to go with the Chinese mod. They made the devices more economical and in many cases, better. I mean why would I buy a Hana for $200 when the hcigar is $45 cheaper, has a much larger battery, and IMHO is better made. I'm going to get the Reuleaux by Jaybo because I think it's an awesome design, I like the 18650 feature, and my vendor is getting me one early. I also do prefer to support American modders but usually can't afford their price points but at $160, I think it will be great.

I will probably get the sxmini ml class to see what it's all about. I sold one of my M class on eBay last week and got $168 for it. Not bad considering I got it at the Memorial Day sale at VAporshark for $160 and have been using it everyday. Hopefully, like you say, they make some of these key features available in the menu system. It would be even better if it was Bluetooth so we could do it by phone. They've been so hush hush about it, so no one really knows.

 

[Mattp169]

for them to make the dna200 BT they would need to add a BT transciever to it so that means UPGRADE.

heres my only thought about 200 mods vs the chinese dna200s

it depends on teh type of person you are
if you dont want to have to buy buy buy,
and you want a dna200
and you want something that lasts
a VS is the best choice I think

200 for a mod
it breaks out of warranty - you may spend about $40 with shipping getting it repaired

thats around the same or a little cheaper then buying a chinese clone, and having tyo replace it out of warranty.

but then again by the time a chinese mod breaks out of warranty something better and just as affordable may be out on the market.

 

[Robert B]

The beauty of the dna200 is, it can be used in anything from a Hammond box, to a cheap chinese company. For people wanting a high end mod, it forces the modder to actually put some thought into the box itself, which many do. I definitely think Evolv is giving yihi a run for the money. I'm sure it pisses Apple Mac user's off, and maybe someday Evolv will come up with a mac version of Escribe, but for now, the PC is 75% of the market. I personally could care less about Apple, and would like to see an Android/bluetooth version. It would be smart if they did since Android is now 81% of the cell phone market.

 

[Deucesjack]

I don't think I will be taking the plunge on the ML class. I currently own a Sig 75w, X Cube II, and an M class. The M class is the one I always grab. It's a classy, elegant looking mod that performs on an extremely consistent level. My only complaint about the M is the battery life. I normally carry at least 2 spare batteries with me if I am out for the day. If Yihi were to make the same exact mod with a dual 18650 set up I would be all in. Yes, I know other companies are making custom dual 18650 boxes with a yihi chip but none of them have been aesthetically pleasing to me and if they have they are absolutely ridiculously priced. Hopefully this G class thing is not just a rumor.

 

[Mroutlaw]

I don't think I will be taking the plunge on the ML class. I currently own a Sig 75w, X Cube II, and an M class. The M class is the one I always grab. It's a classy, elegant looking mod that performs on an extremely consistent level. My only complaint about the M is the battery life. I normally carry at least 2 spare batteries with me if I am out for the day. If Yihi were to make the same exact mod with a dual 18650 set up I would be all in. Yes, I know other companies are making custom dual 18650 boxes with a yihi chip but none of them have been aesthetically pleasing to me and if they have they are absolutely ridiculously priced. Hopefully this G class thing is not just a rumor.

Battery life isn't an issue for me since I only vape my sxmini at 25joules., but it would be nice to have more so I didn't need to worry about if I left the house with a fully charged battery. There's been numerous times where I forgot to change battery in the morning and it was dead by lunch.

I love the look and feel of the sx, just wish we got more for our money or lower the cost a little, maybe to $150. I agree with you that the ones out there that use the yihi chip that are dual 18650 are basically nothing but ugly or big box mods with no originality