Mod Recommendations

[Chronic Screwdriver]

Currently I use a Vamo, and I'm liking it. The 3 button approach makes it very easy to make adjustments on the fly. Choice of display when you hit the button is also a nice touch (displays wattage/voltage power, battery voltage or resistance, choice is yours).


I don't like the fact it doesn't retain the wattage setting when batteries are swapped (tho not sure how many mods in this price bracket do) and I am also aware this a low to mid range vv/vw mod, mass produced and subject to entropy. Man may not live with one mod alone. (if he doesn't want to start hitting the rollups again).


So I'm after another and need some recommendations. It will:


1) be a reliable VV/VW mod with a 510 thread and a resistance meter.
2) have a Removable battery to fit my (expanding) stable of 18650/18350 batteries, both sizes if possible.
3) be a Tube style mod, again if possible.


Contendors are:


Sigelei Zmax V5
Telescopic (YES! Its an extender! Jurassic Park!) Hits all the above requirements. Have read numerous posts about problems with the button due to issues with the PCB however. Drawn to it tho.


Sigelei Legend V2
Again hits the spots, but does this pre-date the Zmax? Unusual controls too, I will be vaping on the way to work, and don't want to look like I'm jacking it in San Diego...


Itaste VTR
Sorta hits all but the last one (yeah I know it only uses 18650s), very good recommendations tho, seems as reliable as the proverbial f*ck, Mini Nautilus will fit quite happily too. Heavy tho and a little more expensive than the others. Hmmm box mod?


Itaste SVD
Same manufacturer as above, hits the spots but a lot of reliability issues posted online, button issues especially.


ANOTHER Vamo
Better the devil you know?


Sorry for the essay, I'm a picky b*stard aren't I?

 

[Rab D]

If you have time and inclination, suggest you have a look on Fasttech at forum posts on mods which appeal; often well informed (and informative), even if you don't want to buy there (authentic mass-produced mods like the VTR are actually just as expensive on FT as in UK). I'm tempted by the 35w E-Holly, out this week for $44 and meets your requirements, but there's not much info out yet about it.

 

[Mostly]

My zmax v3 still works after 15 or so months, button/pcb has shifted (albit doesn't get much use now) If you unscrew the the tube rather than the cap to insert the battery I'd imagine it helps stop the shifting. You will however be left with threading visable. A v3 is the same as the v5 just without the pointless phone charger.
Otherwise save a bit more and keep an eye out for a semovar or dani dicodes 2nd hand.

I've seen a few issues with the vtr battery flap failing.

 

[Aeggil]

I just upgraded from a Vamo, I had issues with the centre pin after only 2 days and would never buy another now.

I now have a VTR and I love it! I did read that some people have issues with the battery flap after a while, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't lol. I currently use aerotanks which fit lovely, but also recently came by a mini nautilus which also fits nicely.....but be aware unless you are filing the VTR ring or the nauti mini airflow ring down it doesn't quite fit. You have to fit the base and then turn it upside down to screw the tank onto the base.

It's no hardship really, but just thought I should point that out.

I've only had it a few weeks and apart from the vamo I don't have experience of the other mods you mentioned, but I love my VTR and would recommend it. It is a bit heavy, but I find it reassuringly heavy and solid

HTH, Russ

 

[blademansw]

Sounds like you need a Vamo V5....

I have a Sigelei 30W, and its a beast but it only does 18650 batts.

 

[Aeggil]

Vamo V6?

$30.49 Vamo V6 Variable Wattage APV Mod - 3.0-6.0V / 3W-20W / stainless steel at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Looks to have a much better centre pin, could be good?

 

[Chronic Screwdriver]

Thanks for the replies, this is exactly what I'm after, honest input.

I have read about Fasttech (was their choice of business name ironic?) and have looked at the product reviews before, good to know the price of some genuine mods may not differ too much from UK vendors. Obviously clones will be much cheaper.

Sad to hear the PCB issues of the Zmax supported, was trying to talk myself into one, well aware the V5 is the V3 with a USB charging 'bonus' end cap
Never heard of Semovar before or Dani Dicodes (wasn't she a greek pornstar? ) I'll definitely look into it

Good info on the VTR too, few sites sell them with tanks as part of the deal, but none mention you might have to resort to metalwork in order to use your favourite clearomiser... Never heard of the battery flap issue either.

Looked at both the Sigelei 20W and 30W, price isn't a huge jump, but battery choice sinks em. Plus above 7 watts will kill my throat at 8am with some liquids.

Cheers all, for your time and information.

 

[Crumps]

I know it doesn't tick all your boxes (as it only takes 18650's) but what about the Tesla? Its basically the vamo v5 with a different look and under 20 quid on FT https://www.fasttech.com/p/1642504.

I have an SVD, I'm not a fan of how it operates, the controls aren't intuitive, its a bit smaller than 22mm at the 510 end plus its very long in 18650 mode.

I also have the Z-max v3, the only thing I would add about it is that it is 23mm wide.

 

[bob]

the tesla was my first mod and to be honest i thought it was the dogs danglies. just over 2 months in and it was a bag of shite. worked great then i got the dreaded "short" message even with no atty attached. sorted this after much googling and f ing about now works fine but occasionally well very occasionally turns itself off.
on reflection it did this from the start but i put it down to me holding the fire button in too long.
since then i have had 2 vamo v5s. the first after 2 days popped the + button but still worked ok just hard to push so gave that away to someone wanting an upgrade from an ego and bought another. i now use a vtr and its fantastic. i vaped my vamos around 9 - 12 watts the vtr never goes past 7.5 and im getting a better hit (thinking of going down to 6mg) than i did with the vamo.
as said by riptripper they are true watts i didnt realise what he meant untill i used it.
my money is on the vtr every time i never have it out of my hand you get used to the weight after a couple of days and it just feels right.
good luck with whatever you decide on any mod is better than the fags.

 

[jimmyp]

you can get a genuine smoke magneto for about £30 brand new.

or you can get a clone of some seriously good mods from places such as midlands vaping.

I got an excellent FM Copper Mod for £35 from someone on UKVC Trades on Facebook.