Help needed on going to regulated from mechs

[caspinvape]

Hey guys,

Sorry for the long one and if it’s noob to ask, but...

Since I began vaping nearly 3 years ago I’ve strictly been a mech guy, but I’m finally looking to get my first regulated mod and would like your opinions as I’m just getting into this side of it and have found this side of vaping quite overwhelming...

I went to my local vape shops and checked out their regulated stock and just seemed so strange -- felt like I was looking to buy a computer rather than a mod. There was all this talk about chipsets, LDC screens, firmware updates and USB ports. I’m not looking for some crazy tech device that I can plug into my computer and make custom code for -- sounds cool and all, but I know myself and I’ll never ever put that to use.

What I'm after is a quality device to really start pushing my builds and go after clouds. I don’t buy often, so want to pick one up that I can hold onto.

That said, I definitely prefer the box style and the two mods that caught my eye are the HexOhm V2.1 and the Tugboat Tuglyfe DNA 200 Box Mod.

But I’m torn...

I really loved the way the HexOhm felt in my hands, and the button on it was awesome. However, the HexOhm V2.1 has been out for awhile, so not sure if its worth picking this one up -- did I miss the boat on this, is it soon to be outdated/updated? Is there a V3 on the way?

While, the Tugboat Tuglyfe DNA 200 Box has way more tech in it than I’ll likely use, but it is newer and seems to have a ton of love around it.

Any thoughts on these two or similar mods that I might have missed in my search?

How concerned should I be with chipsets -- DNA’s, Raptors and all that...?

What are the most important things to look for when considering a VW/VV mod?

Massive thanks in advance!

 

[EmbraSewerRat]

The Hex is a lovely bit of kit and worth having, as you've used mechs the only thing to look into is building bigger coils with thicker kanthal.

For a standard box mod without too much flim flam on it an Ye Olde Sigelei 100W woulda been cool say about 12 months ago. But have a wee look at say the Ipv 4 or 5 or even the standard istick 100W. Straight forward kit, just put in your batteries, put on atty and off you go. Not too much useless crap on the Ipv and you can if you ever feel the need try some basic temp limiting. Solid and reliable as well.
and at about £40.... (http://www.dnavapes.com/collections/variable-voltage-mods/products/ipv-4s-120w-box-mod)

 

[itsher]

Hexohms are amazing if regulated is your thing, at one point I had 6... Now everything regulated has been sold as I am a mech addict. The beauty of a hex is, hey are covered by a lifetime guarantee, any fault they'll repair it FOC via the craving Vapor (manufacturer) ticket system. The reason they haven't been updated, is that they work fantastically well. They are a series mod with a potentiometer which allows you to adjust, stick to 0.3ohms+ builds and you'll be fine. Treat yourself to a hex, they're not too expensive for what they are, check out Ebay and FB groups for a bargain.

 

[caspinvape]

The Hex is a lovely bit of kit and worth having, as you've used mechs the only thing to look into is building bigger coils with thicker kanthal.

For a standard box mod without too much flim flam on it an Ye Olde Sigelei 100W woulda been cool say about 12 months ago. But have a wee look at say the Ipv 4 or 5 or even the standard istick 100W. Straight forward kit, just put in your batteries, put on atty and off you go. Not too much useless crap on the Ipv and you can if you ever feel the need try some basic temp limiting. Solid and reliable as well.
and at about £40.... (http://www.dnavapes.com/collections/variable-voltage-mods/products/ipv-4s-120w-box-mod)

Thanks for this @EmbraSewerRat -- great link to search around, and been helpful to compare specs.

Please excuse the noob question, but is the Hex not able to power bigger coils with thicker kanthal? Is this because of it being 120w?

What specs should I being looking for if I want to go after bigger builds?

Suppose where I’m a bit lost on this is where watts comes into the equation -- having come from mechs it wasn’t ever something I thought about as I’d calculate to the specs of my batteries and build accordingly...

 

[caspinvape]

Hexohms are amazing if regulated is your thing, at one point I had 6... Now everything regulated has been sold as I am a mech addict. The beauty of a hex is, hey are covered by a lifetime guarantee, any fault they'll repair it FOC via the craving Vapor (manufacturer) ticket system. The reason they haven't been updated, is that they work fantastically well. They are a series mod with a potentiometer which allows you to adjust, stick to 0.3ohms+ builds and you'll be fine. Treat yourself to a hex, they're not too expensive for what they are, check out Ebay and FB groups for a bargain.

@itsher I was going to pm you yesterday when I saw you were selling off your collection in the classifieds -- loved that green one. Whole lot sold off?

I’ve heard from a few people that you want to stay to 0.3ohms+ on them -- why is that?

Noticed on their chart that they say you can got lower, but is that a bad idea with them?

 

[EmbraSewerRat]

Thanks for this @EmbraSewerRat -- great link to search around, and been helpful to compare specs.

Please excuse the noob question, but is the Hex not able to power bigger coils with thicker kanthal? Is this because of it being 120w?

What specs should I being looking for if I want to go after bigger builds?

Suppose where I’m a bit lost on this is where watts comes into the equation -- having come from mechs it wasn’t ever something I thought about as I’d calculate to the specs of my batteries and build accordingly...

The Hex works in Volts not exactly Watts. A subtle difference as it means you are adjusting the output voltage not adjusting the wattage as per regulated boxes. The max watt rating is due to the chipset inside, the rating you want to heed is the 3.6 - 6V and the 20A max, the wattage rating is semi dispensible ( tho' 120W is the chip max!!)
The Hex will work fine with thicker gauge wire, in fact will work better with it. You have upto ~5.5 volts to play with so a chunky 0.5mm dual build will be lovely if you want a warm dense vape. Most of the time with mine I run dual 0.4mm coils and leave it set at about 3.95V which is just peachy keen for me. You'll find your own sweet spot build per atty as you go.

In the same way my 'I really want that car' is an old Defender, my Hex is my preferred box. Simple, reliable, jump in and off you go. Tho' carrying feed and the odd dead sheep in a Hex is awkward...

 

[itsher]

All sold I'm afaraid, 0.3ohms is the lowest recommended build as it is a series mod with a chip, if you build above that and vape at 100% potentiometer you strain the chip and can blow it.. You can build lower if you stay down on the potentiometer, with the power behind it, you don't need to really. I have added a chart that might be useful for you to see.

 

[caspinvape]

The Hex works in Volts not exactly Watts. A subtle difference as it means you are adjusting the output voltage not adjusting the wattage as per regulated boxes. The max watt rating is due to the chipset inside, the rating you want to heed is the 3.6 - 6V and the 20A max, the wattage rating is semi dispensible ( tho' 120W is the chip max!!)
The Hex will work fine with thicker gauge wire, in fact will work better with it. You have upto ~5.5 volts to play with so a chunky 0.5mm dual build will be lovely if you want a warm dense vape. Most of the time with mine I run dual 0.4mm coils and leave it set at about 3.95V which is just peachy keen for me. You'll find your own sweet spot build per atty as you go.

In the same way my 'I really want that car' is an old Defender, my Hex is my preferred box. Simple, reliable, jump in and off you go. Tho' carrying feed and the odd dead sheep in a Hex is awkward...

Massive thanks for the explanation -- you've really helped clarify the difference for me and think this is exactly what I'm after for my next mod.

Last noob question (I really hope) -- as the Hex regulates voltage this is a device to build kanthal on? Because I keep hearing about Ti and Ni but I've gathered that this is for devices that regulate Watts?

Am I correct in thinking that in terms of Temp Controlled Vaping the Hex is not one of these devices in the larger sense of it all?

 

[caspinvape]

All sold I'm afaraid, 0.3ohms is the lowest recommended build as it is a series mod with a chip, if you build above that and vape at 100% potentiometer you strain the chip and can blow it.. You can build lower if you stay down on the potentiometer, with the power behind it, you don't need to really. I have added a chart that might be useful for you to see.

View attachment 86457

Thanks for the chart -- makes a lot more sense to see it with your explanation, think I was looking at it wrong when I first saw it without context.

Ah well, great to hear you got them all moved!

Any tips on where to pick these up in the UK? Was thinking of ordering one directly from Craving Vapor, but don't know if I'll get hit with a massive duty fee upon arrival...

Also, since you had such a massive collection, including a green one -- is the atty connector black on the green but SS in all the others?

 

[itsher]

Hi Bud purely from memory the 510 connector was coloured to suit the mod, the white was white and the red SS... Evolution Vaping is a good place to pick up a hex in the UK also on FB join HexOhm Nation and keep an eye on eBay there are some good deals on authentics there, the clones are suoer easy to spot bu logo and by LCD screen... GL