Advice on new BOX mod

[Rajahz]

Hello people, new in here, new vaping guy also

I'm now vaping with friend's mod Tesla 60w nano and my own Griffin 25rta and it's cool - but I have to buy my own mod and this tesla is just weak it seems.

The choices I'm considering are; ipv v5, iStick 100w tc, Wismec RX200s/ RX 2/3, and maybe SMOK R200 - although it's bit.. I don't know, too elegant? lol.

What is important for me is Size/Weight, I want to carry it in my pocket when needed and not have my jeans fall down (just joking but u get the point). My friend has the RX200 and it fits the hand very nicely, but in the pocket it isn't too comfortable u know...

Besides, I don't have batteries and I don't have a battery charger, and I understand charging the RX directly from USB isn't recommended?

what should I do?
~ I'm buying from FastTech.com
~ Another friend said: "dude, invest some money and get a DNA200 chip, vt133 or sth.." - why is it good? it costs about 110$ oO, worth it? I only vape on the regular wattage mode anyways...

Open for suggestions also..

Thanks !

 

[SirRichardRear]

If you aren't doing temp control, no reason to shell out the extra for a DNA mod. I have a VT133, just got it and love it. Loved it so much i brought a spare just in case because the FDA is looming. But it's really no different in watt mode then any other device. It only shines in temp mode. The VT133 is super small and takes 2 18650s so battery life is great and you can always have a spare set ready, but I wouldn't recommend spending 100+ dollars on it if you aren't going to use the features that make it expensive.

As far as small box mods go, I'm not really sure. I have an xcube 2. It's big and bulky. I had a sigelei 150 i recently gave away. it felt much smaller and lighter then the xcube. the 3 battery ones are gonna be heavier and bigger as well.

No matter what mod you get, you are pretty much going to have to buy external batteries unless you are ok with internal non replaceable batteries.

It's hard to give a good recommendation as everyone is different but what is your price range and how small are you looking to go? do you want 2 batteries or a single battery? Do you want internal battery. Is size most important? We need to know stuff like that

 

[Rajahz]

I'll go with at least 2 batteries mod, size is important to fit in the pocket - the RX200s seems bit big but if it's worth it I'll get used to it.
I think all the mods I mentioned are in the 'normal' range of size/weight for me ( i checked the sizes/weight of the products )

What about pros&cons of the devices?

~ about batteries, I can get external batteries, but is any of the devices capable of charging through the USB rather than external charger?
Price range; I guess anything up to 55$

Thanks for the input about the DNA200, guess I don't need it.

 

[Rabbit Slayer]

I'd only order from fasttech if I didn't care when my stuff would show up...accessories, extra prebuilt coils or your 4th backup mod....

I would think about getting a nice mod for home use only and one for knocking around town with

 

[SirRichardRear]

I'll go with at least 2 batteries mod, size is important to fit in the pocket - the RX200s seems bit big but if it's worth it I'll get used to it.
I think all the mods I mentioned are in the 'normal' range of size/weight for me ( i checked the sizes/weight of the products )

What about pros&cons of the devices?

~ about batteries, I can get external batteries, but is any of the devices capable of charging through the USB rather than external charger?
Price range; I guess anything up to 55$

Thanks for the input about the DNA200, guess I don't need it.

yeah the DNA while awesome, is overkill if you aren't using temp control. Don't waste your money. If you are going to get into TC then the DNA 200 is the way to go

Outside of that, your best bet is having external batteries. buy 2 sets of 18650 size batteries. www.illumn.com Buy the LG HG2 or Samsung 30Q (both batteries are pretty much the same) and the best batteries on the market for 18650 regulated box mods 4 batteries will run you about 25 bucks with tax and shipping. Then you will need a charger. recommend nitecore. you can buy them on amazon for 15-20 bucks. No device is good for charging your batteries through a USB cable except maybe a DNA200 device. It's not recommended to charge your batteries through any mod. So right now you are at 55 bucks

As far as the device goes, they all have pros and cons. Some have minor issues. I know the RX200s has 510pin issues, but to be honest any device you buy for 50-60 bucks will have some learning curve. There are plenty of good deals in the sales threads here on devices if you look as well. especially for starter kits and many sites are having good sales.

Ecig.com is a good site to buy from. the ipv5 is 38 bucks http://www.ecig.com/pioneer-ipv5-box-mod.html
RX200s is 40 http://www.ecig.com/reuleaux-rx200s-box-mod.html
the smok r200 is 39 http://www.ecig.com/smok-r200-mod-stainless.html

Not sure how that compares to fasteck but you can use it as a baseline. You can probably find a coupon code as well floating around

Any of the devices should be fine overall, but they all have quirks and learning curves. everyone is a fan of different brands so you'll get many recommendations. From what I've read around here, the IPV5 probably has the least complaints with what you listed

 

[fartbubble]

Personally I'd stick around the IPV400 or the 6. Small & light with batteries and it's got enough meat to it to let you grow into the chips. Other than the buttons, both feel great in the hand.

As for charging through the USB, it puts quite a bit of stress on the mods hence why you really don't want to do it unless it's in a pinch.

 

[fartbubble]

As for an RX, I use one as a beater mod and I honestly can't recommend it. You will know when you don't have it but you really are dedicating a whole pocket to it. Can't say the extra battery life is worth the girth & weight

 

[nitsuj]

Forget buying online. Nothing wrong with it, but if you're new, buy from a local shop. You'll pay a few bucks more, but it's worth it. I can tell you what mods I like, but maybe you have smaller hands, or different needs. Maybe I'm a deranged lunatic who likes talking people into buying junk mods. When you buy at a shop, you can talk to the employees, other customers, actually pick up and hold various products. It's well worth the few extra bucks you'll pay. Chances are, there may be a few mods there, powered up you can throw your tank on and try first hand.

The key is, and this is a must, find a GOOD shop. The recent flood of brick and mortar shops mean there are some bad ones. Find a good friendly shop, go in often enough that they know your name, and you'll be surprised how quickly you get little discounts and freebies.

 

[Rajahz]

Yeah that is definitely a disadvantage, it's a fat mod

DJLSB (Youtuber) really recommends the SMOK R200, despite being bit boring, it's actually a solid mod right?
If choosing between SMOK R200 and iStick 100w TC for example, what needs to be taken into consideration?

The SMOK R200 seems to be better in terms of sizes, the iStick can run with 1 battery up to 70w which makes it lighter to carry right?
The fire bar on the iStick makes me hesitant a bit, don't know if I'll like it..
Looks like the Smok R200 would be better choice hmm..

 

[Rajahz]

Forget buying online. Nothing wrong with it, but if you're new, buy from a local shop. You'll pay a few bucks more, but it's worth it. I can tell you what mods I like, but maybe you have smaller hands, or different needs. Maybe I'm a deranged lunatic who likes talking people into buying junk mods. When you buy at a shop, you can talk to the employees, other customers, actually pick up and hold various products. It's well worth the few extra bucks you'll pay. Chances are, there may be a few mods there, powered up you can throw your tank on and try first hand.

The key is, and this is a must, find a GOOD shop. The recent flood of brick and mortar shops mean there are some bad ones. Find a good friendly shop, go in often enough that they know your name, and you'll be surprised how quickly you get little discounts and freebies.

Thing is in my local town there is only one shop, and the seller himself referred me to Fasttech saying I should buy online rather than waste money at the shop as they don't have much to offer, and the price... the RX200s for example costs about 80$ and only comes in 1 color .. meh..

 

[SirRichardRear]

Thing is in my local town there is only one shop, and the seller himself referred me to Fasttech saying I should buy online rather than waste money at the shop as they don't have much to offer, and the price... the RX200s for example costs about 80$ and only comes in 1 color .. meh..

i wouldn't order form fastech though personally, not a mod at least. There are cheaper local options like ecig.com
http://www.ecig.com/smok-r200-mod-stainless.html?___SID=U
the R200 you mentioned is 39 bucks available in black or white

 

[nitsuj]

Thing is in my local town there is only one shop, and the seller himself referred me to Fasttech saying I should buy online rather than waste money at the shop as they don't have much to offer, and the price... the RX200s for example costs about 80$ and only comes in 1 color .. meh..

That's a bummer. There's a lot of bad shops. It's really worth trying to seek a good one out, maybe within an hour of where you live. (Got a larger city nearby?) You can't beat actually holding and trying a mod before you buy. In my experience, there's a million of them, and they're all so similar. Take two that offer similar wattage and compare them side by side, and they're probably have similar features and capabilities. Ergonomics is a huge factor and you can't get that online. The one on the table next to me is a Fuchai 213. Works fine, size is good, etc... I'd buy another one. I could also happily live with an RX200. I've also been kicking around a Kanger Dripbox, and I kind of like the looks of the Vaporesso tarot.

I haven't messed with anything with the DNA 200 yet, but I'm a pretty plain jane wattage type of vaper, so I haven't felt the need to move to temp control. If you had 4 mods and just wanted a 5th to play with, I'd say online. But if you don't have one, and you're looking for the one you're going to use on the regular, I'd still really recommend finding a good shop, even if it means a short road trip.

 

[Rajahz]

The only attractive devices with somewhat reasonable price in Israel are the Wismec RX200 and the Cuboid 150w ~ and the stores sellin' the cuboid are WAY too far from me so I can only get online impressions.

@SirRichardRear - there is no shipping to my country in ecig.com

 

[vapingunknown]

The Istick TC 100w isn't a bad mod. I have it and never go into temp control. Fits in pocket nice but is a little heavy if you plan on keeping it there while working construction lol I get anywhere from 2 -2 1/2 days out of the batteries. I very seldom vape over 40w though

 

[Paratech]

SMOK H-Priv is my highest recommendation from what you posted.
I have all three color options and love them all.
The Istick TC100 is also a good choice.
I also have all three of these, they're solid and work well.
About the same size.
You could try the Vaporesso Tarot but I'll warn you that you'll need to turn the wattage up a bit higher than you would on most other mods because they're #s are off just a bit. Otherwise it works ok and it a little smaller.

If you buy from over seas, don't be in a hurry to get anything.
Otherwise you could buy from any of the following places that ship from here in the states.
(not finished this list yet)

https://101vape.com
https://www.ecig.com Oklahoma
https://vapenw.com Federal Way, WA 98003
https://www.eciggity.com Aiea, Hawaii 96701
https://sweet-vapes.com Sheboygan, WI 53081
https://thevapemall.com
https://www.vapesocietysupply.com
http://www.myvaporstore.com
https://www.elementvape.com
https://www.vaperoyalty.com CORONA, CA 92879
http://www.evcigarettes.com
https://www.vaportekusa.com
http://www.premiumvapesupply.com Anaheim, CA 92816
http://www.directvapor.com Miami Lakes, Fl 33016
http://www.vaporbeast.com Carlsbad California

As for buying from local shops;
Supporting your local community can definitely be a good thing however how many of these shops are going to stay open much longer with the regulations coming?
I use all the above sites except I have not tried http://www.evcigarettes.com yet so I cannot vouch for them.
The rest have ALL treated me exceptionally great.
3 of them have even called me to verify certain items on my order or to let me know an item ran out.

 

[Synphul]

As far as I can tell, just about every mod has its cons. No I'm not trying to be a wet blanket but it seems as though depending on the reviewer, one has a 510 pin that doesn't have enough travel so if you screw a tank down with too long of a 510 it'll break/jam it. I've been watching way too many reviews so I may have them confused, I think the ipv400 has a hinged door on the bottom that daniel (djlsb vapes) said was a bit funky or cheap feeling.

Is it the rx 200/200s that has a shorter travel on the 510 pin?

The ipv5 seems pretty decent though during grimmgreen's review of it (just watched it, I'm also looking for a mod), the battery door is magnetic and can be slid off. He said he finds himself messing with it, basically the whole one side panel slides off. What it also shows is aside from the magnets there's no capture to hold the door there and if you pull it out of your pocket and it's snug coming out it may slip the battery cover right off, not sure. I haven't held one in hand. The battery covers on the istick are magnetic also but they have a metal top/bottom cover that prevents them from sliding off.

I saved the best for last lol. The istick tc 100w. I had it for 2mo before it went tits up on me. Up until then, great mod, felt good in the hand, fairly small for a 2 battery mod, single battery option without multiple covers like the rx 2/3. I used it in tc and it worked great, djlsb vapes gave it a thumbs up for balanced charging in the mod (I always charged them in the mod), tc was functional and fairly accurate. Maybe not quite a dna mod but better than most.

So I'm vaping and thought crap, tc must be giving out. It was acting funky. Started paying attention to it and realized that it was firing intermittently. I tapped on it, I pressed the fire button (bar) directly, indirectly, sometimes it'd fire and sometimes it wouldn't. Took it apart and started looking at it and found the fire button is attached to a small circuit board. That board is laid flat against the main board and connected via 4 solder connections, nothing else. A bit of sideways pressure on the button inside the mod causes the switch pcb board to lift a little and 'hinge' on those solder connections, I'm assuming because of the little bit of play from the battery cover that activates it.

The battery cover on the back sits flush against plastic stops surrounding the oblong magnets, no wobble. The cover on the switch side however only has that at the bottom and at the top it rides on a small round magnetic pin that activates the switch. This means when held in the hand and squeezed the cover can rock every so slightly to one side or the other. That's what I figure over time was gradually wearing, cocking the switch inside just a tiny bit and lifting it back and forth until the solder connections cracked.

The other con is the paint, it basically started peeling within a week and it never got set down outdoors, always sat on a table top. Not dropped, not tossed around. No other way to put it, the paint blows and will peel off. The istick logos printed on it are basically a lighter/white color paint or primer over the metal, the black over that with a little etching so the under layer shows through. Whatever the paint is, it doesn't stay for beans.

I'm in the same boat, looking for a mod that's dual battery, doesn't cost $100 and doesn't completely suck. I liked the menu system of the istick, the shape, size, the fire bar to activate.. it depresses me a bit that it broke. Otherwise the quality was pretty good, even the menu buttons and lock switch are metal. Unless something magical pops out at me I'll probably get another and see if I can't take it apart and glue down that switch board ahead of time. Not sure which chinese engineering genius thought of using solder joints for structural integrity. Just burns my ass a bit to think that if the mod only lasts a couple months, at $30 a pop it's now become a $15/mo mod 'rental'.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

I can highly recommend the Hcigar VT133 (DNA200). I have 5 of them, they are my most used mods. Since he's in Israel, USA shops aren't what he's looking for. I just looked and it's on a Flash Sale for the next 16 hours at Gearbest for $89 and change shipped. That's a really good price for a dual 18650 DNA200 (133 watts because all DNA200 are 133 watts when using 2 batteries).
http://www.gearbest.com/temperature-control-mods/pp_335135.html?wid=21

We have a pretty big thread on the VT133 here. Lots of helpful and knowledgeable people there.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Rajahz]

@Wingsfan0310 I've been advised to get a regular device if I'm not into TC & stuff and only vaping regular mode.
I think I'll pass on the Wismec RX ..

Now I have to decide between SMOK device and iStick 100w; they seem to share the same dimensions, so comes down to performance and quality build and price?
iStick is 33$, SMOK are between 42-47$

@Paratech I don't know why I didn't like the H-Priv before, I think the fire bar makes me hesitant a bit, is it easy to fire ?

Also the iStick 100w has the option to run 1 battery cell, making it a lighter.

Okay I have to decide by myself, I know

Thank you guys

 

[StrangestClouds]

I went with the Kbox 200, good price, no magnets to be near your phone, good size and reliable.

 

[Rajahz]

Wow, I just noticed this Gearbest is cheaper than Fasttech and I think ships to Israel, nice.

Damn I really dig this SMOK H-Priv now..
Question: is the Fire button very noisy?

 

[Paratech]

@Wingsfan0310 I've been advised to get a regular device if I'm not into TC & stuff and only vaping regular mode.
I think I'll pass on the Wismec RX ..

Now I have to decide between SMOK device and iStick 100w; they seem to share the same dimensions, so comes down to performance and quality build and price?
iStick is 33$, SMOK are between 42-47$

@Paratech I don't know why I didn't like the H-Priv before, I think the fire bar makes me hesitant a bit, is it easy to fire ?

Also the iStick 100w has the option to run 1 battery cell, making it a lighter.

Okay I have to decide by myself, I know

Thank you guys

The Istick TC100 has the bar too.
The bar on the H-Priv is different than the one on the Smok X Cube.
The X Cube the entire bar pushes in.
The H-Priv pivots just like the TC100, only the top pushes in.

 

[Rajahz]

I ended up ordering the Eleaf iPower 80w 5000mah, it's cheap and I don't have to spend money on batteries & chargers so I'm happy about that, I just hope I won't receive a bad device and have issues like GrimGreen had with the lock issue.

Thank you guys for your input.

 

[vapingunknown]

Let us know how you like it

 

[kevin littell]

Got two of them IPowers in the Mail Thursday....Your gonna like it!