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1st Battery Mod buy...

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Hey all
Have 2 built in battery mods nom just to get going with but now looking to future proof a bit and want to look into a nice but not mega difficult and not mega expensive mod box that takes batteries and really i'm starting at the bottom and know very little at this stage about vaping and everything involved with it so hoping for some simple advice(for a simple guy not yet up to speed on all this stuff)
Have been looking around the $30 mark(because spent too much already) for a mod and found what looks like a nice starting point with the bonus of a tank and rba(for later when the knowledge maybe comes).
This little guy...
https://www.myvaporstore.com/Kangertech-SUBOX-Mini-Starter-Kit-Black-p/krsbk1.htm

Any thoughts or better yet experience with this one?
Also welcome any suggestions to have a look at? Especially something that has a nice tank with it and/or an RBA so can play with building coils later on. Am pretty much looking to future proof a little bit(that seems impossible to do in the vaping world) but also backup for the backup...Have already learned the hard way about not having a backup when dropped the glass of my first tank(rt 22) and not having a backup
Current gear...
Aster RT built in 4400mAh battery with rt22 tank(and now spare glass)
Cuboid mini 2400mAh battery with mello3 tank.(with spare glass on the way just in case...hahaha)
On order, Kanger Toptank (with spare glass too)
and a couple of shitty pen batteries with evods that just do not do it for me while trying to kick the ciggies.
Appreciate any and all input guys, thanks so much.
 

Countrypami

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Hey all
Have 2 built in battery mods nom just to get going with but now looking to future proof a bit and want to look into a nice but not mega difficult and not mega expensive mod box that takes batteries and really i'm starting at the bottom and know very little at this stage about vaping and everything involved with it so hoping for some simple advice(for a simple guy not yet up to speed on all this stuff)
Have been looking around the $30 mark(because spent too much already) for a mod and found what looks like a nice starting point with the bonus of a tank and rba(for later when the knowledge maybe comes).
This little guy...
https://www.myvaporstore.com/Kangertech-SUBOX-Mini-Starter-Kit-Black-p/krsbk1.htm

Any thoughts or better yet experience with this one?
Also welcome any suggestions to have a look at? Especially something that has a nice tank with it and/or an RBA so can play with building coils later on. Am pretty much looking to future proof a little bit(that seems impossible to do in the vaping world) but also backup for the backup...Have already learned the hard way about not having a backup when dropped the glass of my first tank(rt 22) and not having a backup
Current gear...
Aster RT built in 4400mAh battery with rt22 tank(and now spare glass)
Cuboid mini 2400mAh battery with mello3 tank.(with spare glass on the way just in case...hahaha)
On order, Kanger Toptank (with spare glass too)
and a couple of shitty pen batteries with evods that just do not do it for me while trying to kick the ciggies.
Appreciate any and all input guys, thanks so much.

This is the exact setup I recommend to beginners. I have 4 of them in my daily rotation. They are reliable, easy to use, and the coils are fairly cheap. Good choice! :cheers:
 

CactusFanaticus

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Member For 2 Years
Hey all
Have 2 built in battery mods nom just to get going with but now looking to future proof a bit and want to look into a nice but not mega difficult and not mega expensive mod box that takes batteries and really i'm starting at the bottom and know very little at this stage about vaping and everything involved with it so hoping for some simple advice(for a simple guy not yet up to speed on all this stuff)
Have been looking around the $30 mark(because spent too much already) for a mod and found what looks like a nice starting point with the bonus of a tank and rba(for later when the knowledge maybe comes).
This little guy...
https://www.myvaporstore.com/Kangertech-SUBOX-Mini-Starter-Kit-Black-p/krsbk1.htm

Any thoughts or better yet experience with this one?
Also welcome any suggestions to have a look at? Especially something that has a nice tank with it and/or an RBA so can play with building coils later on. Am pretty much looking to future proof a little bit(that seems impossible to do in the vaping world) but also backup for the backup...Have already learned the hard way about not having a backup when dropped the glass of my first tank(rt 22) and not having a backup
Current gear...
Aster RT built in 4400mAh battery with rt22 tank(and now spare glass)
Cuboid mini 2400mAh battery with mello3 tank.(with spare glass on the way just in case...hahaha)
On order, Kanger Toptank (with spare glass too)
and a couple of shitty pen batteries with evods that just do not do it for me while trying to kick the ciggies.
Appreciate any and all input guys, thanks so much.
Future proofing is easier than you may think, a vapepocalypse stash of rebuildable atomizers, a few miles of wire, several years worth of nicotine concentrate in the freezer and a few mods that can accept multiple battery sizes :)
 

f1r3b1rd

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One of the best starter kits you can buy!
It has all the safety features to ensure everything runs smooth; and, the tank offers great flavor and dependability.
The only advice I could give you on additional equipment would be to stock up on coils, get yourself a good charger; and, 3 batteries. One to use, one to have charging and one to have as backup to keep with you.
Keep your batteries in a case or battery condom when not in use or on the charger. Especially keep it in the case while carrying it about.
https://101vape.com/silicone-battery-case-for-single-18650.html
A good 4 bay charger
https://101vape.com/nitecore-digicharger-d4.html

For batteries I tend to stick with Samsung 25r or 30q or Sony vtc5a
https://101vape.com/samsung-inr-18650-25r5-green-battery-pair.html
 
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longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Thanks so much for your replies everyone. It's hard to believe I've made a half decent choice with the lack of knowledge i've started with and the absolute mind boggling inundation of information and gear choices to try to sift through.
Very much appreciate your replies, thank you.
 

SpectoVia

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My best advice for a beginner is to be aware of the cost of replacement coils for their atomizers.

Often, I have had situations like....

“Cool, that atomizer is only $10.....but replacement coils are $20 for a pack of 5.”

I’ve evolved into an Aspire/Amigo and Vaporesso EUC coil fan.
Reasonably priced and even the FastTech generic coils of those styles are pretty good too.

If you’re looking for a tank that’s adaptable, check out this tank.....
https://eciggity.com/morph-tank-by-ehpro-eciggity/

And would look great on this mod.....
https://eciggity.com/ehpro-mod-101/

10% off code -tenoff
Just over $40 for both but not sure about shipping.
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Thanks for that SpectoVia
The coil costs are a big reason why I went for the eleaf tank to start with and the Kanga thats on the way, for now should have an ok stock of coils(and tank glass after being a gumby & breaking my only glass) but also rebuildable for all 3 tanks for when i'm up to speed a little bit to have a shot at making my own coils.
Thanks for the links, these look good, especially the mod for taking on the bike with me. Will have to hunt around as shipping to here is an issue with alot of online stores
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
You hang in there Earl....
Adapt and overcome
Doing my best mate...So far this is the longest off the cigs in 30+ yrs so winning already even though the body isn't liking it so much and thanks heaps for the encouragement.

@Countrypami & @f1r3b1rd
Having a small issue getting the colour I want with this. Really prefer the black but the places that I can get delivered from only have Blue or White...blahh Not really as important as staying off the cigs but the ones that I can get in black don't have the Kangertech Subtank Mini Atomizer
They have 3ml Protank 5 and it looks like no RBA with the Protank 5 which was a pretty good bonus with Subtank Mini.
Any thoughts about the 2 different tanks, have read a bit about different Protanks leaking but have never used one.
Cheers everyone for your replies and help
 

f1r3b1rd

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I checked around and don’t see the minikit in Black ether; at least not with the Subtank. It looks like they stopped making that particular kit in favor of the prptank5.

You could always get the c-kit with the protank, I’ve read that tank is a little nicer and then get a good dedicated rta to learn on. This one looks like a nice affordable single coil tank. Typically the dedicated rta tanks will be easier to
Build and wick and offer better performance than a Subtank with an rta Head.

https://www.myvaporstore.com/Wotofo-Viper-RTA-p/woto-vip10.htm

From what I’ve read up on the Subtank mini, the rba head likes to leak a lot. You could also check the YouTube, I’ll bet someone is rebuilding those pro tank heads and offered a video on how to beat the system.
 
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skt239

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The Kanger kit is one of the best I own and I have dozens. My mod works perfectly and the subtank is still tough to beat, despite the glut of stuff out there today. The mod has been taken over by my wife to use with her... medicinal vape but I still use the subtank a couple times a week.
 

Ralph_K

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Countrypami

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Doing my best mate...So far this is the longest off the cigs in 30+ yrs so winning already even though the body isn't liking it so much and thanks heaps for the encouragement.

@Countrypami & @f1r3b1rd
Having a small issue getting the colour I want with this. Really prefer the black but the places that I can get delivered from only have Blue or White...blahh Not really as important as staying off the cigs but the ones that I can get in black don't have the Kangertech Subtank Mini Atomizer
They have 3ml Protank 5 and it looks like no RBA with the Protank 5 which was a pretty good bonus with Subtank Mini.
Any thoughts about the 2 different tanks, have read a bit about different Protanks leaking but have never used one.
Cheers everyone for your replies and help
https://www.fasttech.com/products/3...entic-kangertech-subox-mini-black-starter-kit
 

r055co

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The Hohmlife 18650s are good too. About equal to a HG2
I don't trust rewrappers, you never know when they will change the battery under the wrapper and this isn't an uncommon practice with rewrappers. So why not just buy the authentic? Most often than not they're actually cheaper than the rewrapped.
 

Ralph_K

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I don't trust rewrappers, you never know when they will change the battery under the wrapper and this isn't an uncommon practice with rewrappers. So why not just buy the authentic? Most often than not they're actually cheaper than the rewrapped.
Not a HG2 rewrap
 

Ralph_K

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It's a rewrap of something for the only real battery manufactures are Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG and the new kid on the block Tesla with their 21700's ;)
No its not. I don't know who manufactures their batteries but that is how business world works. Companies hire manufactures to build to their specs. Cordless drills same manufacture make Hitachi, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Rigid, and probably some others.
 

r055co

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OK I got clarification from Mooch about the battery manufactures

"Indonesia Chemistry is said to be making Hohm Tech’s batteries. I don’t know who makes iJoy’s batteries but there are several China manufacturers putting out cells we use or other non-China battery companies (other than the Big 4) whose cells are being used by the China battery wrappers."
 

r055co

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No its not. I don't know who manufactures their batteries but that is how business world works. Companies hire manufactures to build to their specs. Cordless drills same manufacture make Hitachi, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Rigid, and probably some others.
anyway the Hohmtech is a decent 20a (so far) made by Indonesia Chemistry with a useless max pulse rating I still stand by the recommendation of Samsung 30Q 19a with 3000 mAh recommendation.
 

r055co

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No its not. I don't know who manufactures their batteries but that is how business world works. Companies hire manufactures to build to their specs. Cordless drills same manufacture make Hitachi, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Rigid, and probably some others.
Who manufactures their own batteries are the Big 4, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and LG
 

f1r3b1rd

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Personally, I pull enough amperage from my batteries to err on the side of caution and spend an extra dollar on batteries I feel, I know I can trust.
For clarification, @r055co ‘s big4.
It’s just worth it: I’m not going to risk screwing up a couple of hundred dollars in vape gear just to save a dollar on a rewrap battery. The battery is the heart and soul of the device, with prices still being so palatable on batteries it’s worth it.

@longbeen pami put a link up there for the black kit you wanted.
 
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r055co

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Personally, I pull enough amperage from my batteries to err on the side of caution and spend my extra dollar on batteries I feel, I know I can trust.
For clarification, @r055co ‘sbig4.
It’s just worth it: I’m not going to risk screwing up a couple of hundred dollars in vape gear just to save a dollar on a rewrap battery. The battery is the heart and soul of the device, with prices still being so palatable on batteries it’s worth it.

@longbeen pamu put a link up there for the black kit you wanted.
Yep, the rewrappers like Hohmtech you never know when they will change where they source their batteries and they also exaggerate their ratings, I won't trust them.

Example it looks like iJoy has changed where they source their 20700 batteries and Mooch is testing this other batch, from Mooch -

"Another iJoy 20700 cell change

Looks like iJoy changed what cell they are wrapping for their 20700. It still has a five “leg” top contact but it’s different in appearance.
They were the cells included with an Avenger 270 mod. I do not know if they’re being sold separately.

I‘m trying to find someone who will sell me four for testing. I’ll post again when I have more information."

I stick with the Big 4 for you know what you're getting and no exaggerations
 

f1r3b1rd

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Yep, the rewrappers like Hohmtech you never know when they will change where they source their batteries and they also exaggerate their ratings, I won't trust them.

Example it looks like iJoy has changed where they source their 20700 batteries and Mooch is testing this other batch, from Mooch -

"Another iJoy 20700 cell change

Looks like iJoy changed what cell they are wrapping for their 20700. It still has a five “leg” top contact but it’s different in appearance.
They were the cells included with an Avenger 270 mod. I do not know if they’re being sold separately.

I‘m trying to find someone who will sell me four for testing. I’ll post again when I have more information."

I stick with the Big 4 for you know what you're getting and no exaggerations
Roger that... efest has been doing that foolishness since I started vaping back when 15w mods were considered cloudchasing.
I’ve never bought rewrap and I never will. To be honest, it doesn’t make any sense. You can find legit Samsung cells for 5-6$
 

r055co

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Roger that... efest has been doing that foolishness since I started vaping back when 15w mods were considered cloudchasing.
I’ve never bought rewrap and I never will. To be honest, it doesn’t make any sense. You can find legit Samsung cells for 5-6$
Yep these Hohmtech 18650's are per Mooch tested are comparable to the LG HG2, here's the price -

Hohmtech $8
https://www.imrbatteries.com/hohm-life-18650-3077mah-flat-top-battery/

LG HG2 $6.50
https://www.imrbatteries.com/lg-hg2-18650-3000mah-20a-flat-top-battery/

Why?

I'll continue to stick with the Big 4 over rewrappers unless you cannot get them (my situation with 26650's, 20700's and 18350's).
 

Ralph_K

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Yep these Hohmtech 18650's are per Mooch tested are comparable to the LG HG2, here's the price -

Hohmtech $8
https://www.imrbatteries.com/hohm-life-18650-3077mah-flat-top-battery/

LG HG2 $6.50
https://www.imrbatteries.com/lg-hg2-18650-3000mah-20a-flat-top-battery/

Why?

I'll continue to stick with the Big 4 over rewrappers unless you cannot get them (my situation with 26650's, 20700's and 18350's).
They claim to adding more safety feature. I buy them cause that is what they carried where I was shopping and $1.50 isn't going to break my budget. Maybe you didn't notice but at imrbatteries the LG HG2 is not in stock but the Hohmlife is. For something to be a rewrap first it has to have been wrapped that isn't the case. If you paid someone to manufacture a battery for you your wrapper would be on it not anyone elses. I've bough LG HG2s they are good batteries but the wrapper is shit. I just bought some vapcell 20700s their recommend by mooch and 30A 3100 mAh using on pulse BF with recurve rda with .16 build
 

r055co

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They claim to adding more safety feature. I buy them cause that is what they carried where I was shopping and $1.50 isn't going to break my budget. Maybe you didn't notice but at imrbatteries the LG HG2 is not in stock but the Hohmlife is. For something to be a rewrap first it has to have been wrapped that isn't the case. If you paid someone to manufacture a battery for you your wrapper would be on it not anyone elses. I've bough LG HG2s they are good batteries but the wrapper is shit. I just bought some vapcell 20700s their recommend by mooch and 30A 3100 mAh using on pulse BF with recurve rda with .16 build
Liionwholesale has them in stock they are fairly common and I'm sure IMR Batteries will get them restocked soon -
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti...lat-top-wholesale-discount?variant=3263844292

Anyway what most of us classify as a rewrapper are the ones who don't manufacture the batteries themselves. The point that a lot of us have with them is they can change the manufacture/batteries at anytime without notice. While Hohmlife may be consistent with sourcing from Indonesia Chemistry that can change at any moment without notice, that and Hohmlife also has had a history of exaggerating the ratings. So it really comes down to trust.

As for Vapcell I've got their 20700 Gold/Black and they're great because I couldn't find anywhere the Sanyo 20700A (should include Sanyo in as the Big 5). I used to run Basen 26650's then found out they changed sources without notification, performance went to shit. It was great when the iJoy 26650's came out but how long before they change their source? Thing about going with the Big 5 who actually manufacture their own is consistency and trust.

Bottom line though is if you're happy with them, go for it. But I'll just leave a bit of advice and that is keep an eye out for they very well may change the source manufacture without letting anyone know at any time ;)
 

Ralph_K

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I classify only batteries as rewraps if their rewrapped. I'm like that I call things but what they are
 

Carambrda

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The Hohmlife 18650s are good too. About equal to a HG2
Only problem, the Hohmlife typically is at least one buck more expensive than the LG HG2, while you're gaining nothing in return exactly because they're about equal. (Even, now that the HG2 appears to be sold out at imrbatteries.com, liionwholesale.com, and illumn.com right at this moment.)

https://www.imrbatteries.com/hohm-life-18650-3077mah-flat-top-battery

https://www.18650batterystore.com/18650-p/lg-hg2.htm
(Mooch recently added 18650batterystore to his list of trusted vendors on his blog.)

So the one important question is why should we pay more for nothing? Another thing is the Sony VTC6 outperforms both of these two batteries, and it's actually even cheaper right now. (I know Mooch says the VTC6 is only 15A, and 20A up to only 75°C battery surface temperature, but anyone who is capable to read an official datasheet will know that the maximum operating temperature at the battery surface for the HG2 is also only 75°C so... LOL!)
 

biowar

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Liionwholesale has them in stock they are fairly common and I'm sure IMR Batteries will get them restocked soon -
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti...lat-top-wholesale-discount?variant=3263844292

Anyway what most of us classify as a rewrapper are the ones who don't manufacture the batteries themselves. The point that a lot of us have with them is they can change the manufacture/batteries at anytime without notice. While Hohmlife may be consistent with sourcing from Indonesia Chemistry that can change at any moment without notice, that and Hohmlife also has had a history of exaggerating the ratings. So it really comes down to trust.

As for Vapcell I've got their 20700 Gold/Black and they're great because I couldn't find anywhere the Sanyo 20700A (should include Sanyo in as the Big 5). I used to run Basen 26650's then found out they changed sources without notification, performance went to shit. It was great when the iJoy 26650's came out but how long before they change their source? Thing about going with the Big 5 who actually manufacture their own is consistency and trust.

Bottom line though is if you're happy with them, go for it. But I'll just leave a bit of advice and that is keep an eye out for they very well may change the source manufacture without letting anyone know at any time ;)

you may want to check your vapcell 20700 gold-black, it seems they have done a cell change on the 3100 mah ones for the worst recently, the 3200 are ok however. check out mooch's post on face book for details..as long as this post seems to have switched to re-wraps :)
 

r055co

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you may want to check your vapcell 20700 gold-black, it seems they have done a cell change on the 3100 mah ones for the worst recently, the 3200 are ok however. check out mooch's post on face book for details..as long as this post seems to have switched to re-wraps :)
Those are the Gold/White I've got the Gold/Black so I'm good. ;)

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
 

gbalkam

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Going to agree with many here, the Kanger topbox mini is a great tank/kit. However, you have 2 battery in mods now, so my best suggestion, is shoot the works and get a decent, top end mod. Segelei Kaos Specturm is my fav of several I have tried. Mine cost about $65 Can from fasttech. (Don't get it wet and try to fire it) aside from that.. it easily fires 150-170w and anything below. The cool led lights are just a bonus. Here is the way I have it figured... buy a $30 mod today, and another $30 mod in 2 months then a $50 mod when the $30 mod won't fire your fused claptons, then $65 for a new mod because the $50 mod won't fire your fused alien zipper clapton coil. (exagerating here, but some coils need a ton of power to fire) So, I say, skip the training wheels and get a Harley... go for the segelie. (it is actually cheaper in the long run than buying 3 or 4 seperate mods)
 

VAPEROXX

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Going to agree with many here, the Kanger topbox mini is a great tank/kit. However, you have 2 battery in mods now, so my best suggestion, is shoot the works and get a decent, top end mod. Segelei Kaos Specturm is my fav of several I have tried. Mine cost about $65 Can from fasttech. (Don't get it wet and try to fire it) aside from that.. it easily fires 150-170w and anything below. The cool led lights are just a bonus. Here is the way I have it figured... buy a $30 mod today, and another $30 mod in 2 months then a $50 mod when the $30 mod won't fire your fused claptons, then $65 for a new mod because the $50 mod won't fire your fused alien zipper clapton coil. (exagerating here, but some coils need a ton of power to fire) So, I say, skip the training wheels and get a Harley... go for the segelie. (it is actually cheaper in the long run than buying 3 or 4 seperate mods)
A Sigelei anything is hardly a "top end" mod. Sigelei is becoming more and more like Smok; pumping out substandard junk to capitalize on the beginning vaper masses. The old Sigelei 150 was probably the last quality Sigelei...don't confuse the nice newcomers here by claiming you ride a "Harley" when you're scooting along on a Honda Ruckus. And no it's not about the cash. But you do get what you pay for. And if you think $59.99 is top end, send it to me and I'll throw it in the pile with my $60 junkers, and maybe we can get something for them for scrap metal. I've spent $60 on a mod in the past, but after years of vaping, I've found quality will cost a significant amount more. That also is not to say all affordable mods are bad. I have a $50 squonker mod (80w Regulated Vandy Vape Pulse) that's been awesome so far (2 months-ish). But I don't claim it to be "top end" either.

To the OP: If you're serious about vaping, and coils, and batteries, and mods, etc...shop around inside your budget of course. Listen to the suggestions of seasoned vapers on this forum (you'll figure out who they are), but realize; if it has a 30 day warranty, don't expect much past those 30 days unfortunately.

Side note: "Fused Alien Zipper Clapton"? High power? I fire a Stitched Framed Staple Alien (that I built) at 65 watts. Long named "fancy" coils don't always need "tons of power"...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
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gbalkam

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A Sigelei anything is hardly a "top end" mod. Sigelei is becoming more and more like Smok; pumping out substandard junk to capitalize on the beginning vaper masses. The old Sigelei 150 was probably the last quality Sigelei...don't confuse the nice newcomers here by claiming you ride a "Harley" when you're scooting along on a Honda Ruckus. And no it's not about the cash. But you do get what you pay for. And if you think $59.99 is top end, send it to me and I'll throw it in the pile with my $60 junkers, and maybe we can get something for them for scrap metal. I've spent $60 on a mod in the past, but after years of vaping, I've found quality will cost a significant amount more. That also is not to say all affordable mods are bad. I have a $50 squonker mod (80w Regulated Vandy Vape Pulse) that's been awesome so far (2 months-ish). But I don't claim it to be "top end" either.

To the OP: If you're serious about vaping, and coils, and batteries, and mods, etc...shop around inside your budget of course. Listen to the suggestions of seasoned vapers on this forum (you'll figure out who they are), but realize; if it has a 30 day warranty, don't expect much past those 30 days unfortunately.

Side note: "Fused Alien Zipper Clapton"? High power? I fire a Stitched Framed Staple Alien (that I built) at 65 watts. Long named "fancy" coils don't always need "tons of power"...

First, don't confuse price with build quality. Segelei is recognised as one of the better quality brands. And miles ahead of Smok Even notice that all the buttons are as far away from the atomizer as possible to help prevent juice from leaking in and the 510 pin is a solid steel ring mounted into the case and not a threaded "tube" pressed into place. Even the +pin is seperate and not "pressed"over a plastic insulator, making them impossible to repair without a pressing tool. (rather like the wheel bearing on a car, if you are mechanical)

65W is a TON more power that a 30w starter kit and compare your coil with a straight single core clapton.. if your coil fires at 65w then the simple clapon of the same resistance would fire around 18w. By the way dude.. Im vaping 6 wrap parallel claptons on a 3.5 id core at 150w. I use 24g kanthal core, not fairy hair wire. (fairy hair is a reference to how thin the wire is..lol) BTW.. I don't use "A" coil, my builds are dual coil, which might account for some of the difference in wattage required. However if you are using a single coil at 65W most starter kits won't fire 2 of those, since 130w would be needed and starter kits range from 5 to 75/100w. So what I was saying is that although Segelei Kaos is more expensive, the build quality is far above other brands (maybe some I have not tried are better) and it delivers enough power that you can build what you want and not be limited by a shortage of power. The only thing I don't like about this Segelei is I think it should have 3 batteries to deliver the 230 watts more efficiently. It SAYS it is a 230w mod, but in practical use, I think 180 is tops before voltage drops and mod stops firing. Its pretty common with most dual cell mods that run over 150w. It is also done that way intentionally as a safety measure.
I am basing my post on personal experience, having started with a 16w estick, then 100w eleaf (worst piece of junk ever) then a 200w something or other and finally the Kaos. For the sake of $30 extra.. just save up until next payday and get the better mod.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
I appreciate all the input from everyone...and the headache that comes with it too...lol
Seriously all info is good info in the quest for knowledge and what will ultimately work best for me as I progress. I'm guessing if it was just a simple 1 size fits all sort of deal then there wouldn't be forums like this and an absolute confusing shitload of choices for gear, then an absolute shitload of choices for those choices etc etc etc..
Don't always have time for a sensible reply but I am taking it all in and filtering it through...and do appreciate everyone's input & effort. Thanks guys...edit...and gals
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Seems like i'm going to have issues with getting batteries here too(due to geographical challenges).
Yeah would much prefer a better brand but so far looks like i'm limited to a chinese supplier. Any experience with chinese batteries?
Is there one or a few different brands or re wraps worth looking into thats not going to blow my head off?
 

Carambrda

Platinum Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Seems like i'm going to have issues with getting batteries here too(due to geographical challenges).
Yeah would much prefer a better brand but so far looks like i'm limited to a chinese supplier. Any experience with chinese batteries?
Is there one or a few different brands or re wraps worth looking into thats not going to blow my head off?
AFAIK the only Chinese rewrap company worth looking into right now is Vapcell. But it would be impossible to make any further recommendations without knowing the number of batteries the mod will be using, and the maximum wattage you will be vaping at.
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
For the moment will just be for the Subox mini. Wattage I don't have a clue about yet as waiting for it to arrive and don't have any batteries for it.
At the moment i'm on 40w with mello 3 & rt 22 tanks & the built in battery mods.
Getting stuff here from anywhere but China is a huge PITA due to local laws.
Looks like choices right now from China are...Liitokala or Varicore. Everything else just looks like cheap crap copy so wouldn't expect much just going by the visual.
 

Carambrda

Platinum Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
For the moment will just be for the Subox mini. Wattage I don't have a clue about yet as waiting for it to arrive and don't have any batteries for it.
At the moment i'm on 40w with mello 3 & rt 22 tanks & the built in battery mods.
Getting stuff here from anywhere but China is a huge PITA due to local laws.
Looks like choices right now from China are...Liitokala or Varicore. Everything else just looks like cheap crap copy so wouldn't expect much just going by the visual.
On budgetlightforum.com there are a few forum threads about Liitokala/Varicore. Wading through those threads it seems that if you can't order from either Gearbest or Banggood due to the country where you live, the only option would be AliExpress, but you would be running a fairly high risk of getting fake batteries ordering from those. Another problem is even if these batteries turn out to be genuine ones, these batteries are still only 10A, or, depending on which ones you are going to get, even lower than 10A so the ones that are being listed as "35A" are definitely NOT going to be 35A, and, despite a rewrap of a genuine 18650 10A battery can be used for vaping, there's still the fact the Kanger SUBOX Mini requires a 20A battery according to the official product page of the mod: https://kangeronline.com/products/kanger-subox-mini-starter-kit

That said, if you get a dual 18650 mod and you somehow manage to get a pair of (non-fake) rewraps of the Panasonic NCR18650GA (that is, instead of them turning out to be rewraps of the much poorer performing Samsung 35E, which is only an 8A battery, and which performs only so so even for an 8A battery...), then you could vape on that at up to 40 watts without going over the recommended safety limit. BUT... due to the fact the voltage sag of these 10A batteries is so big, going above ~7A (~20 watts) per battery on these will cause any and all regulated mods to immediately display the "low battery" message. So then you can expect the battery life to be shitty or worse. If you want to vape at 40 watts with 18650 batteries and you want to be able to get a reasonable battery life from them, then either you need to find a way to get decent batteries that are higher than 10A batteries (e.g. Sony VTC6, Samsung 30Q, LG HG2) or you need to get a triple battery mod (e.g. Wismec Reuleaux RX Gen3). Finally I should note, the Panasonic NCR18650GA is still a decent battery, but not at 20 watts per battery. Above ~12 watts per battery you could get more vaping time out of the HG2, 30Q, or VTC6.
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Looks like I just found a local place that has Sony VTC6 for equivalent of $12-13
And LG HG2 for equivalent or $7-8
For all the hassle of import for now thinking just grab a few LG from here & worry about better stuff down the track if I grow into hungrier mods, coils etc
LG HE4 18650 2500mAh 20A 3.7v Rechargeable Flat Top Battery
SPECIFICATIONS:
  • - Typical capacity: 2500 mAh
  • - Nominal voltage: 3.6V
  • - Cut off voltage: 2.5V
  • - Continuous maximum charge current: 4A
  • - Continuous maximum discharge current: 20A
  • - Maximum discharge current: 35A
Really appreciate the great info about this stuff otherwise would have just bought cheap shit & probably blow myself up.
 

Carambrda

Platinum Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Looks like I just found a local place that has Sony VTC6 for equivalent of $12-13
And LG HG2 for equivalent or $7-8
For all the hassle of import for now thinking just grab a few LG from here & worry about better stuff down the track if I grow into hungrier mods, coils etc
LG HE4 18650 2500mAh 20A 3.7v Rechargeable Flat Top Battery
SPECIFICATIONS:
  • - Typical capacity: 2500 mAh
  • - Nominal voltage: 3.6V
  • - Cut off voltage: 2.5V
  • - Continuous maximum charge current: 4A
  • - Continuous maximum discharge current: 20A
  • - Maximum discharge current: 35A
Really appreciate the great info about this stuff otherwise would have just bought cheap shit & probably blow myself up.
You mentioned the price for the HG2, but you gave (some of) the specs of the HE4... the HG2 outperforms the HE4 by a noticeable margin, so avoid the HE4 if possible (i.e. excepting if you are strapped for cash and you can get it cheap, but even then I should add that the Samsung 25R is a better performer than the HE4). Between the VTC6 and the HG2 the performance gap is small.
 
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longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Sorry, buggered that up...it was for HE4
Just ordered 3x HE4 to get going with from a local place(just over $7 ea)...that's ok for now then will have more time to source better for a better price.
Have checked out one of the places linked here before but as expected they say cannot send over here & I think it's going to be a similar story & headache from all the other major places.
 

Carambrda

Platinum Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Sorry, buggered that up...it was for HE4
Just ordered 3x HE4 to get going with from a local place(just over $7 ea)...that's ok for now then will have more time to source better for a better price.
Have checked out one of the places linked here before but as expected they say cannot send over here & I think it's going to be a similar story & headache from all the other major places.
Due to new federal regulations in the US that went into effect from the beginning of this year, AFAIK it's no use trying to order batteries from there if you live outside Canada/US. Even the vast majority of places in the UK don't seem like they can ship batteries to the rest of the EU... usually the best option for me is nkon.nl as I live practically next door to them, but their shipping to distant countries around the world is hugely expensive so like I said, if gearbest.com and banggood.com are ruled out, either try locally or go to aliexpress.com and watch out for online scams (and especially fake batteries).
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Just did a search for wire and cotton and this popped up in the search results.
Do you think this will be suitable for a beginner???
HTB1VjmyfMMPMeJjy1Xbq6AwxVXaQ.jpg
 
Last edited:

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
Due to new federal regulations in the US that went into effect from the beginning of this year, AFAIK it's no use trying to order batteries from there if you live outside Canada/US. Even the vast majority of places in the UK don't seem like they can ship batteries to the rest of the EU... usually the best option for me is nkon.nl as I live practically next door to them, but their shipping to distant countries around the world is hugely expensive so like I said, if gearbest.com and banggood.com are ruled out, either try locally or go to aliexpress.com and watch out for online scams (and especially fake batteries).
Yep, thats it in a nutshell. Almost word for word what they told me. Had a look at both gearbest and banggood same story there.
So have found what looks to be relabeled HG2...looks to be, who knows what they really are but they do look to be the best of whats available to me here for the best price. Will order & post up a pic when they arrive. Fingers crossed I don't go through the shit of stopping smoking after all these years just to be blown up.
 

Carambrda

Platinum Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Yep, thats it in a nutshell. Almost word for word what they told me. Had a look at both gearbest and banggood same story there.
So have found what looks to be relabeled HG2...looks to be, who knows what they really are but they do look to be the best of whats available to me here for the best price. Will order & post up a pic when they arrive. Fingers crossed I don't go through the shit of stopping smoking after all these years just to be blown up.
There are a lot of fake HG2 batteries out there. Mooch did a recent video on how to detect fake batteries, but always keep in mind that a battery that looks to be genuine can still be fake so for your own safety start at a low wattage, see how warm they get, bump the wattage up another notch, see how warm they get... it's not the same as proper testing by any means, but if they heat up a lot faster than normal that should immediately get the alarm bells sounding off. If you wrap your fist tightly around the battery and you can't hold it like that for 30 seconds due to how hot it is, then it is way, WAY too hot.
 

longbeen

Member For 1 Year
There are a lot of fake HG2 batteries out there. Mooch did a recent video on how to detect fake batteries, but always keep in mind that a battery that looks to be genuine can still be fake so for your own safety start at a low wattage, see how warm they get, bump the wattage up another notch, see how warm they get... it's not the same as proper testing by any means, but if they heat up a lot faster than normal that should immediately get the alarm bells sounding off. If you wrap your fist tightly around the battery and you can't hold it like that for 30 seconds due to how hot it is, then it is way, WAY too hot.
Excellent, thank very much for the heads up.
 

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